Irondequoit Public Library Foundation
Challenge
Situation: The Irondequoit Public Library Foundation is a non-profit organization supporting the Irondequoit Public Library through financial support, public awareness and community partnerships. Working with the Irondequoit Public Library Board of Trustees and the Irondequoit Town Board, the group ensures that the library remains financially secure, helping to guarantee that the important community services the library provides continue to exist. In 2013, the Irondequoit Public Library faced not one, but two public referendums to gain approval to build a new central library. Tipping Point Communications planned and executed a comprehensive campaign, including media relations, social media, public forums, videos and more to deliver overwhelming victories in both elections. Objectives: The library board sought to garner support for the approval of a referendum on creating a new central library to replace two older branches. In preparation for the upcoming referendum, the library board partnered with Tipping Point Communications to educate voters on the vital resources provided by the library, as well as encourage voter turnout which would decide the fate of the proposal. In addition to sharing information about polling locations and hours, the team wanted to offer convenient opportunities for voters to ask questions and learn more about the library’s role in the community, with a wide variety of programs for children, adults, businesses and the town.
Solution
Tipping Point’s team provided media support for public information meetings, as well as developing a concept for the town’s a/v staff to produce a “Frequently Asked Questions” video for broadcast on public access, including abbreviated versions to share on social media.
Results
Overall, print articles, TV news segments and radio stories combined for 93 stories. Library board op-eds and letters to the editor from supportive citizens resulted in 46 percent of the media coverage. In addition, on social media the Tipping Point team developed content calendars and sought to expand and engage the audience. By the final vote, the Facebook page had amassed 700 likes. The referendum overwhelmingly passed nearly 2-to-1, with voter turnout exceeding expectations.
Tipping Point Communications
Tipping Point Communications is an award-winning marketing agency located in Rochester & Buffalo, NY in beautiful Upstate New York. We offer public relations, media planning and buying, digital marketing, marketing research and focus groups, and much m...
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