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Post by admin on Dec 5, 2006 8:38:56 GMT -5
The following thread was sent to me via e-mail: www.city-data.com/forum/new-jersey/7378-might-headed-central-jersey-questions-2.htmlI felt this to be a perfect opportunity to teach a little lesson on public relations 101. Our town needs to change the crappy perception that others seam to have of us. That goes for ALL of the different groups in town, From the Council, BOE, Freehold Center, Casa Freehold, PEOPLE and any other active entity. I will start with this web site. I agree with and encourage any person who rightfully points out the problems we have. That should never be diminished. But, once that is done, we need solutions. Complaining on it's own will not get anything done. Even with that, we need to accentuate all of the good things about this town. And yes, there are many good elements about our town. We need the good public relations, big time. I am confident that PEOPLE will become more active in the near future. When we do, we will need to get individuals active with every element in this town. We need to get on every board and committee. We need to volunteer for the different civic groups. I know that we have supporters in many places now, but an organized effort and a strengthening of our voice has become more important. As far as the activists for our illegal friends, I will not go into to much here. They deserve their own thread, as a topic, but to sum them up, they have not been at all good for this towns reputation. The message has to be that they either wise up or shut up. They are one of our biggest problems as to why other people look down on the Borough. The one sided selfishness has got to stop. That is also for the good of the people they claim to represent. I am flat out calling for the town council to toss all of them off of the boards and committees, if the illegal alien activists do not want to wise up.Having lived in the cess pool called Long Branch and having watched the sad demise of Asbury Park very closely, I have a great deal of hope for this town. We have a lot of work to do, make no mistake, but we are no where near those towns. My question to you, dear readers, are you going to run away, or are you going to jump in the fire? All of you who came to this town did so because you saw something really good about it. This is our town to change, but that will only happen if we stop sitting on our buts, get our neighbors involved and grab the reins. |
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Post by Marc LeVine on Dec 5, 2006 9:12:09 GMT -5
Brian:
In your opinion, do you think establishing a public relations committee made up of volunteers can be helpful to the town? I hate establishing new committees just for the sake of having meetings that go nowhere. But, if a group can meet and pick out things about Freehold to promote; send out press releases, support the hard work of other committees, etc, we might get some more positives about our town out and into the public's eye.
My son, Steven, is in PR and works for Beckerman PR, the 5th largest Public Relations company in NJ. He used to work for Sylvia Allen. Steven serves on Recreation, but might be a good addition to a PR committee.
The question is, with the Partnership in town, could a PR committee co-exist and be productive enough to warrant its establishment.
Yes, I'm thinking out loud. Trying to be creative and positive. If everyone can adopt the same positive and open-minded outlook for this thread, we might get a clear reading as to the merits of such an idea. Or, we can come up with an enhanced view and additional ideas.
Your thoughts?
Marc
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Post by wyane on Dec 5, 2006 9:20:46 GMT -5
The following thread was sent to me via e-mail: www.city-data.com/forum/new-jersey/7378-might-headed-central-jersey-questions-2.htmlI felt this to be a perfect opportunity to teach a little lesson on public relations 101. Our town needs to change the crappy perception that others seam to have of us. That goes for ALL of the different groups in town, From the Council, BOE, Freehold Center, Casa Freehold, PEOPLE and any other active entity. I will start with this web site. I agree with and encourage any person who rightfully points out the problems we have. That should never be diminished. But, once that is done, we need solutions. Complaining on it's own will not get anything done. Even with that, we need to accentuate all of the good things about this town. And yes, there are many good elements about our town. We need the good public relations, big time. I am confident that PEOPLE will become more active in the near future. When we do, we will need to get individuals active with every element in this town. We need to get on every board and committee. We need to volunteer for the different civic groups. I know that we have supporters in many places now, but an organized effort and a strengthening of our voice has become more important. As far as the activists for our illegal friends, I will not go into to much here. They deserve their own thread, as a topic, but to sum them up, they have not been at all good for this towns reputation. The message has to be that they either wise up or shut up. They are one of our biggest problems as to why other people look down on the Borough. The one sided selfishness has got to stop. That is also for the good of the people they claim to represent. I am flat out calling for the town council to toss all of them off of the boards and committees, if the illegal alien activists do not want to wise up.Having lived in the cess pool called Long Branch and having watched the sad demise of Asbury Park very closely, I have a great deal of hope for this town. We have a lot of work to do, make no mistake, but we are no where near those towns. My question to you, dear readers, are you going to run away, or are you going to jump in the fire? All of you who came to this town did so because you saw something really good about it. This is our town to change, but that will only happen if we stop sitting on our buts, get our neighbors involved and grab the reins. OK Brian, when is the Next PEOPLE Meeting? It's easy to pound away at the KB, and words are powerful, but people need to hit the streets get shoulder to shoulder, shake hands and get real, not just cyber-sureal. Has a representitive from PEOPLE ever sat in on a School board meeting, or popped into a PTO meeting. How many boro committees have a PEOPLE representative sitting on the committee (OK MARK You count, but yet you don't count in an odd way ...no insult please, point is your only one person, you cant be everyway all the time for everyone). how many ACTIVE members are there? 10 out of a town of 12, 000? You need to MOBILAZIE the community, get more people to be aware that there is a citizens watchdog committee called PEOPLE that is looking for LIKE MINDED Boro (township, what have you...) residents who need a place to VENT their frustration about the current conditions again with like minded people. A postsettlement-postmortem venue is a healthy thing (group hug please), and there is no better time for a new Membership drive!. So fellow residents, you can keep your frustration all bottled up and go buy a for sales sign, You can beep your horn when you pass Boro Hall (or the Mayors house  ) as a sign or Protest (Nice Idea, but you may get a ticked). Or like Howard Beale in "Network"....you can stick your head out the Window and Scream LOAUD, "I'M MADE AS HELL, ....AND I AM NOT GOING TO TAKE It ANY MORE!", or a silent version, put up a lawn sign that say's "I'M MADE AS HELL, ....AND I AM NOT GOING TO TAKE It ANY MORE!" (after the holidays please, lets start Jan 1),... or go to the next PEOPLE MEETING, and join the chorus of like minded people, togther saying I'M MADE AS HELL, ....AND I WE WANT TO REBOUND THE BORO, TOGETHER AND NOW!".... |
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Post by admin on Dec 5, 2006 9:32:03 GMT -5
The following thread was sent to me via e-mail: www.city-data.com/forum/new-jersey/7378-might-headed-central-jersey-questions-2.htmlI felt this to be a perfect opportunity to teach a little lesson on public relations 101. Our town needs to change the crappy perception that others seam to have of us. That goes for ALL of the different groups in town, From the Council, BOE, Freehold Center, Casa Freehold, PEOPLE and any other active entity. I will start with this web site. I agree with and encourage any person who rightfully points out the problems we have. That should never be diminished. But, once that is done, we need solutions. Complaining on it's own will not get anything done. Even with that, we need to accentuate all of the good things about this town. And yes, there are many good elements about our town. We need the good public relations, big time. I am confident that PEOPLE will become more active in the near future. When we do, we will need to get individuals active with every element in this town. We need to get on every board and committee. We need to volunteer for the different civic groups. I know that we have supporters in many places now, but an organized effort and a strengthening of our voice has become more important. As far as the activists for our illegal friends, I will not go into to much here. They deserve their own thread, as a topic, but to sum them up, they have not been at all good for this towns reputation. The message has to be that they either wise up or shut up. They are one of our biggest problems as to why other people look down on the Borough. The one sided selfishness has got to stop. That is also for the good of the people they claim to represent. I am flat out calling for the town council to toss all of them off of the boards and committees, if the illegal alien activists do not want to wise up.Having lived in the cess pool called Long Branch and having watched the sad demise of Asbury Park very closely, I have a great deal of hope for this town. We have a lot of work to do, make no mistake, but we are no where near those towns. My question to you, dear readers, are you going to run away, or are you going to jump in the fire? All of you who came to this town did so because you saw something really good about it. This is our town to change, but that will only happen if we stop sitting on our buts, get our neighbors involved and grab the reins. OK Brian, when is the Next PEOPLE Meeting? It's easy to pound away at the KB, and words are powerful, but people need to hit the streets get shoulder to shoulder, shake hands and get real, not just cyber-sureal. Has a representitive from PEOPLE ever sat in on a School board meeting, or popped into a PTO meeting. How many boro committees have a PEOPLE representative sitting on the committee (OK MARK You count, but yet you don't count in an odd way ...no insult please, point is your only one person, you cant be everyway all the time for everyone). how many ACTIVE members are there? 10 out of a town of 12, 000? You need to MOBILAZIE the community, get more people to be aware that there is a citizens watchdog committee called PEOPLE that is looking for LIKE MINDED Boro (township, what have you...) residents who need a place to VENT their frustration about the current conditions again with like minded people. A postsettlement-postmortem venue is a healthy thing (group hug please), and there is no better time for a new Membership drive!. So fellow residents, you can keep your frustration all bottled up and go buy a for sales sign, You can beep your horn when you pass Boro Hall (or the Mayors house ) as a sign or Protest (Nice Idea, but you may get a ticked). Or like Howard Beale in "Network"....you can stick your head out the Window and Scream LOAUD, "I'M MADE AS HELL, ....AND I AM NOT GOING TO TAKE It ANY MORE!", or a silent version, put up a lawn sign that say's "I'M MADE AS HELL, ....AND I AM NOT GOING TO TAKE It ANY MORE!" (after the holidays please, lets start Jan 1),... or go to the next PEOPLE MEETING, and join the chorus of like minded people, togther saying I'M MADE AS HELL, ....AND I WE WANT TO REBOUND THE BORO, TOGETHER AND NOW!".... Now, that is the Wyane I know and love. Sign up as a registered user. I will know it is you. I have no problem with jumping in the fire and getting away from this key board. I am a crappy typer anyway. You would be very surprised at how many PEOPLE supporters are involved, but all of your points are well taken. As it is, I know that people would love to see PEOPLE up and running strong again. I can play a part in this with no problem. Are you willing to meet with me Wyane? Anyone else? I am all ears. I only require that you sign up as a registered user first, that way I have some idea of who I am dealing with. |
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Post by wyane on Dec 5, 2006 9:35:36 GMT -5
Brian: In your opinion, do you think establishing a public relations committee made up of volunteers can be helpful to the town? I hate establishing new committees just for the sake of having meetings that go nowhere. But, if a group can meet and pick out things about Freehold to promote; send out press releases, support the hard work of other committees, etc, we might get some more positives about our town out and into the public's eye. My son, Steven, is in PR and works for Beckerman PR, the 5th largest Public Relations company in NJ. He used to work for Sylvia Allen. Steven serves on Recreation, but might be a good addition to a PR committee. The question is, with the Partnership in town, could a PR committee co-exist and be productive enough to warrant its establishment. Yes, I'm thinking out loud. Trying to be creative and positive. If everyone can adopt the same positive and open-minded outlook for this thread, we might get a clear reading as to the merits of such an idea. Or, we can come up with an enhanced view and additional ideas. Your thoughts? Marc How about as a pay back to the residents who may not agree with the settlement, and for the silent TAX Paying residents who feel that the settlement has had a negative impact on their recently reassest property value.... The COUNCIL invests in some positive reenforcement-reputation build PR champain...Like "Born to Run ...Again", or "Do it all Night..IN THE Boro" ? Enough with the Volenteering, tghis is serious damage control, the reputation of the Boro is important, HIRE A PROFESSIONAL WITH A TRACK RECORD! There WILL BE AN ROI to many ways to count...start a new post about why come to the Boro? |
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Post by wyane on Dec 5, 2006 9:40:46 GMT -5
opps, just like me.... MAD AS HELL not MADE AS HELL.. Me So Goofy....  BTW Brain I C IP? Y/N |
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Post by admin on Dec 5, 2006 9:48:04 GMT -5
Brian: In your opinion, do you think establishing a public relations committee made up of volunteers can be helpful to the town? I hate establishing new committees just for the sake of having meetings that go nowhere. But, if a group can meet and pick out things about Freehold to promote; send out press releases, support the hard work of other committees, etc, we might get some more positives about our town out and into the public's eye. My son, Steven, is in PR and works for Beckerman PR, the 5th largest Public Relations company in NJ. He used to work for Sylvia Allen. Steven serves on Recreation, but might be a good addition to a PR committee. The question is, with the Partnership in town, could a PR committee co-exist and be productive enough to warrant its establishment. Yes, I'm thinking out loud. Trying to be creative and positive. If everyone can adopt the same positive and open-minded outlook for this thread, we might get a clear reading as to the merits of such an idea. Or, we can come up with an enhanced view and additional ideas. Your thoughts? Marc How about as a pay back to the residents who may not agree with the settlement, and for the silent TAX Paying residents who feel that the settlement has had a negative impact on their recently reassest property value.... The COUNCIL invests in some positive reenforcement-reputation build PR champain...Like "Born to Run ...Again", or "Do it all Night..IN THE Boro" ? Enough with the Volenteering, tghis is serious damage control, the reputation of the Boro is important, HIRE A PROFESSIONAL WITH A TRACK RECORD! There WILL BE AN ROI to many ways to count...start a new post about why come to the Boro? To answer both Marc and Wyane. Wyane, Marc clearly stated that his son, who I have met, is a professional in PR. There are many posts as to why come to the Boro. Some of that has simply been lost to all of the problems that have been rightfully highlighted. Marc, have Steven contact me. If he is willing, I would happily sit down and brainstorm with him. I know he is busy, but a professional volunteer would be of great help. Wyane, would you care to join us? |
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Post by admin on Dec 5, 2006 9:48:57 GMT -5
opps, just like me.... MAD AS HELL not MADE AS HELL.. Me So Goofy.... BTW Brain I C IP? Y/N That would be a yes |
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Post by wyane on Dec 5, 2006 9:52:09 GMT -5
you speak geek too!  |
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Post by admin on Dec 5, 2006 9:54:24 GMT -5
you speak geek too! Again, would you care to join us? I have tried to contact you, with no response. |
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Post by Marc LeVine on Dec 5, 2006 10:08:01 GMT -5
OK - public relations-wise, let's move on from this, already. Last night, Old Tom Baldwin asked the Mayor and me to "step down" for our "harsh words" about the settlement. He really laced into me about this, so I must have hit a nerve. An as Agent 86, Maxwell Smart might say "...and loving it!" Your point will be seriously considered. These services are very costly and this year's budget will be tight. I am already concerned that the cost factors associated with the forthcoming Rental Committee's recommendations will be a hard sell. But, in my opinion, money well spent for such a critical function/effort. There are lots of talented resident professionals in town that volunteer on many of our committees. Stanley Biddle of Shade Tree is a top notch tree expert. Three of the key folks on Historical Preservation are career preservationists and architects. There are several others. Perhaps, we can establish a PR committee that can eventually comliment a professional PR consultant and save some money by doing some of its own legwork. While the consultant handles bigger picture items, the committee can promote smaller scale interests such as recreation activities, memorial day parade, etc. There's a ton of good stuff going on every week to make people aware of. Here is an example of one such town committee: www.framlingham.com/towncouncil/thecommittees/thecommittees.htmlWhatever the case, you seem to agree with me that this would be a very important and valuable effort. This is good starting point for discussing the actual mechanics. I probaby will put this discussion on an upcoming workshop agenda. It would be nice having you and others there to listen and comment. Especially, since money is tight and the Mayor and council might want some public blessing for funding promotional efforts. Marc |
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Post by Marc LeVine on Dec 5, 2006 10:20:15 GMT -5
Brian: ...And, don't forget that Calliope is also in the field and loves the Borough. She is kind of a BIG NAME in journalism and PR. Between, she and Steven, you have a pretty solid nucleus. You, add another dimension to the equation. Remember, when I posted for a data base expert for a CE project, last week. Well, a professional DB analyst, living in the borough, responded THAT SAME DAY. This not only shows how important and far reaching this message board has become, but also the level of talent residing in and around the Borough. To get in touch with Steven, send him an email at stevenlevine1@yahoo.com. He checks his email at work. He will be happy to help. Of course, it is nice to go to Mayor and council with the idea and the names of committee members. But, it (new committee) will still have to be approved by vote, though. As, will the idea to hire a consultant, if we would decide to go that way. Marc |
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Post by richardkelsey on Dec 5, 2006 11:15:30 GMT -5
Brian: In your opinion, do you think establishing a public relations committee made up of volunteers can be helpful to the town? I hate establishing new committees just for the sake of having meetings that go nowhere. But, if a group can meet and pick out things about Freehold to promote; send out press releases, support the hard work of other committees, etc, we might get some more positives about our town out and into the public's eye. My son, Steven, is in PR and works for Beckerman PR, the 5th largest Public Relations company in NJ. He used to work for Sylvia Allen. Steven serves on Recreation, but might be a good addition to a PR committee. The question is, with the Partnership in town, could a PR committee co-exist and be productive enough to warrant its establishment. Yes, I'm thinking out loud. Trying to be creative and positive. If everyone can adopt the same positive and open-minded outlook for this thread, we might get a clear reading as to the merits of such an idea. Or, we can come up with an enhanced view and additional ideas. Your thoughts? Marc Okay -- I hate to be a real downer here -- but no PR campaign is going to help the Borough of Freehold. This thread that was posted from another site is a perfect example of the problem you have. People see Freehold as "magnet" for illegal immigration. They believe we have poor schools. Many equate the Borough with Long Branch, Asbury Park, and other declining towns. Googling Freehold provides reinforcement for that view. The story of the former Borough resident is completely consistent with huge numbers of friends and family with whom I speak. One former classmate of mine, from a large Freehold family, recently lamented that she simply had to move out of the Borough because of concerns of safety and for the schools. Many children of Borough parents have moved out. (Not the natural moving away we see in society, but a conscious decision to move out of the town limits in order to flee the problems they see.) These kids are still 10-15 minutes from "home," but safely outside the limits. These are my contemporaries -- and the names are a who's who of Freehold families. The "for sale" sign appears to be the Christmas decoration of choice in Town. Long time residents are moving out. A professional "canned" PR campaign is not going to change this reality. Freehold needs, or needed, a calculated, broad-based, strategy to both stop the influx of illegal aliens, and to up-root and displace those here illegally -- through every legal and good faith means necessary. Such a plan would include some of the things I discussed on the "What would you do thread." In addition, the Borough should start buying up it's dilapidated properties for future re-development. It should make a grand re-development strategy based upon future passenger rail. It should, to the absolute limit of the law look at using takings to displace old, run-down, horrific garden apartments with new upscale homes, mixed retail, and urban shopping districts. It should to the limit of the law -- push the most aggressive resident identification program for its schools. It should refuse --to the extent it still take part in this -- accepting low income housing credits from other towns. (I warned of the dire consequences of this when I was 19 -- running for office in 1986 in Freehold Borough) It should target, unapologetically, businesses in the Borough that hire illegal aliens. The Borough should have an officer dedicated solely to filing complaints with, and following up with ICE on suspected businesses employing illegal aliens. (I moved from Freehold in 1996 -- and I can make you a pretty good list) It should be innovative -- looking for ways to give tax credits and or incentives for longtime residents to stay -- maintain, or upgrade homes. It should be pressing the County to partner in a redevelopment plan that would free some Borough land for redevelopment. (For example -- the parking lot next to the Hall of Records could become a mixed-use retail shopping area on the ground floor, office space on floors 2 and 3, and parking either below or above) If the Borough were going to hire a consultant -- in my view -- it would be an urban planning and redevelopment consultant to target long-term planning strategies to grow and transform itself into a high-end business hub. This strategy, together with the campaign against illegals, might bear fruit in a real PR campaign. |
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Post by admin on Dec 5, 2006 11:29:11 GMT -5
Brian: In your opinion, do you think establishing a public relations committee made up of volunteers can be helpful to the town? I hate establishing new committees just for the sake of having meetings that go nowhere. But, if a group can meet and pick out things about Freehold to promote; send out press releases, support the hard work of other committees, etc, we might get some more positives about our town out and into the public's eye. My son, Steven, is in PR and works for Beckerman PR, the 5th largest Public Relations company in NJ. He used to work for Sylvia Allen. Steven serves on Recreation, but might be a good addition to a PR committee. The question is, with the Partnership in town, could a PR committee co-exist and be productive enough to warrant its establishment. Yes, I'm thinking out loud. Trying to be creative and positive. If everyone can adopt the same positive and open-minded outlook for this thread, we might get a clear reading as to the merits of such an idea. Or, we can come up with an enhanced view and additional ideas. Your thoughts? Marc Okay -- I hate to be a real downer here -- but no PR campaign is going to help the Borough of Freehold. This thread that was posted from another site is a perfect example of the problem you have. People see Freehold as "magnet" for illegal immigration. They believe we have poor schools. Many equate the Borough with Long Branch, Asbury Park, and other declining towns. Googling Freehold provides reinforcement for that view. The story of the former Borough resident is completely consistent with huge numbers of friends and family with whom I speak. One former classmate of mine, from a large Freehold family, recently lamented that she simply had to move out of the Borough because of concerns of safety and for the schools. Many children of Borough parents have moved out. (Not the natural moving away we see in society, but a conscious decision to move out of the town limits in order to flee the problems they see.) These kids are still 10-15 minutes from "home," but safely outside the limits. These are my contemporaries -- and the names are a who's who of Freehold families. The "for sale" sign appears to be the Christmas decoration of choice in Town. Long time residents are moving out. A professional "canned" PR campaign is not going to change this reality. Freehold needs, or needed, a calculated, broad-based, strategy to both stop the influx of illegal aliens, and to up-root and displace those here illegally -- through every legal and good faith means necessary. Such a plan would include some of the things I discussed on the "What would you do thread." In addition, the Borough should start buying up it's dilapidated properties for future re-development. It should make a grand re-development strategy based upon future passenger rail. It should, to the absolute limit of the law look at using takings to displace old, run-down, horrific garden apartments with new upscale homes, mixed retail, and urban shopping districts. It should to the limit of the law -- push the most aggressive resident identification program for its schools. It should refuse --to the extent it still take part in this -- accepting low income housing credits from other towns. (I warned of the dire consequences of this when I was 19 -- running for office in 1986 in Freehold Borough) It should target, unapologetically, businesses in the Borough that hire illegal aliens. The Borough should have an officer dedicated solely to filing complaints with, and following up with ICE on suspected businesses employing illegal aliens. (I moved from Freehold in 1996 -- and I can make you a pretty good list) It should be innovative -- looking for ways to give tax credits and or incentives for longtime residents to stay -- maintain, or upgrade homes. It should be pressing the County to partner in a redevelopment plan that would free some Borough land for redevelopment. (For example -- the parking lot next to the Hall of Records could become a mixed-use retail shopping area on the ground floor, office space on floors 2 and 3, and parking either below or above) If the Borough were going to hire a consultant -- in my view -- it would be an urban planning and redevelopment consultant to target long-term planning strategies to grow and transform itself into a high-end business hub. This strategy, together with the campaign against illegals, might bear fruit in a real PR campaign. Richard, you are being a downer for the wrong reason. I am not discarding the rest of your post, you are right, but I believe you missed the point. Good Public relations is just one piece of the puzzle. The rest of what you wrote fits in as well, but you prove my point when referring to us as being the same as Asbury or LB. Before I moved here, in 1994, I thought FB was the same. I was wrong and we still are not as bad as those towns, believe me. Richard, the points you made are right, but they will be worth nothing if they are not backed up by good pr. I do not believe that means spending money on outside entities. Good PR can be as simple as watching ourselves and making a concerted effort to promote this town in a positive light, especially when we do the right things. |
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Post by wyane on Dec 5, 2006 11:43:19 GMT -5
"Wyane, Marc clearly stated that his son, who I have met, is a professional in PR."
I should have been clearer. I am not implying that "Son of Mark" is not a professional sorry.
volunteers, work when they have time and so you gain access to their talents based on availability.
When you hire a Firm, you get a full commitment, full time project ownership, timeliness and compliment on deliverables.
Volunteerism is good for Non Profits like a house of Worship, the PTO, Cub Scouts etc.
Government is a business, and important business need to be treated like a business.
But then again, there is the "B" word ... BUDGET!
Toodles y'al
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Post by Marc LeVine on Dec 5, 2006 11:58:32 GMT -5
Last night, we awarded the $25K vision study grant to Schoor DePalma, who will look at everything from Parking to business mix, facades, etc. Let's see what they come up with and take some next steps.
I know that many of our residents don't care about the downtown. They should. Because, Main Street, Freehold Borough is really the "face of our town" and the only thing we have here that is relevant to the needs of people who visit ...and spend money in a more upscale way.
Other towns are very jealous that we have our own "Main Street" and they seek to artificially copy it in Manalapan (The proposed Village on Rt 33) and in Freehold Township (next to Raceway Mall). Middletown has been trying to set one up, too (re: Joe Azzolina) - with lots of controversy.
The Christmas Tree Lighting we just had, in the middle of town, was like a Rockwell illustration that just can't be depicted on the corner of Schank and Stillwell Corners Roads; on the corner of Rt. 520 and Taylors Mills Road; or on some recreation ball field off of Rt. 520/Newman Springs Road.
If we keep the downtown's general appeal focused on the needs of our surrounding wealthy communities versus that of the local illegals, we can avoid becoming another Perth Amboy or Passaic. Those towns have, oddly enough, given up their diversity to service a single population. And, there is little reason for anyone else to come into these town unless you want a boat ride on the Cornucopia Princess or to have dinner at the Barge or at the Armory.
Marc
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Post by wyane on Dec 5, 2006 12:17:12 GMT -5
Two types of PR
PR option # 1, To come here, eat, spend money and Play..
and
Move here...live here
PO Option # 2, To move here, and get DECENT people to live here, SOOOOOOOOO the first PR that needs fixing is....http://www.greatschools.net/schools.page?district=173&state=NJ, ,
In 2006/7this is the FIRST PLACE a Parent looks. So what PR is going to fix this.The Boro Council NEEDS to HAVE serious ongoing meetings with the BOE as a FIRST on the agenda of PR!
Again the BOE has had 3 Suppers in 4 years, and more than half of the BOE members have quit in the last 3 years.
There is No consistency with BOE policy's, no continuity with direction...and the results are in (look at the URL), Schools ARE KEY to the Negative PR, and this is a chicken and egg thing...
Are the failing schools because the actions on the part of the Council or on the Part of the BOE, none or both?
Answer is both, and they need to work CLOSELY TOGETHER NOW to get some good PR, like "Boro k-8 school scores in 07/08 show most improved in the State, 2nd year in a row".
Schools contribute HIGHLY when it comes to property values, and good Edu PR is great PR in many ways!
Set an ACHIEVABLE Goal, and milk it!~
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Post by Marc LeVine on Dec 5, 2006 12:36:48 GMT -5
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Post by Marc LeVine on Dec 5, 2006 12:48:33 GMT -5
Well...congratulations! I was just emailed by a key BOE member and, a least, that person is closely watching the board. Perhaps, Pete D. turned him/her on. This person is concerned that there is lot of confusion and misinformation, especially regarding the residency requirement issue.
My response to that person (and to others) is that with 3500+ hits in 2 1/2 months, the site needs to be taken seriously and everyone (residents & officials) should participate. Better information gets out there from the "horse's mouth" than from the "horse's other end." ;D
Marc
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Post by Marc LeVine on Dec 5, 2006 12:51:16 GMT -5
That's "Son of Marc" |
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Post by admin on Dec 5, 2006 12:59:57 GMT -5
Well...congratulations! I was just emailed by a key BOE member and, a least, that person is closely watching the board. Perhaps, Pete D. turned him/her on. This person is concerned that there is lot of confusion and misinformation, especially regarding the residency requirement issue. My response to that person (and to others) is that with 3500+ hits in 2 1/2 months, the site needs to be taken seriously and everyone (residents & officials) should participate. Better information gets out there from the "horse's mouth" than from the "horse's other end." ;D Marc That provides me the opportunity to mention that I have offered to give the BOE special accommodations to participate on this board, for the specific purpose of getting accurate info to our readers. It is up to them to now reach out and take this good offer. That invite goes to all FB organizations. And do not forget, the hit counter on the home pages does NOT pick up on how many are coming straight to the Freehold Voice. As an aside, I have been working behind the scenes to get some people together. After the holidays, PEOPLE will be back in action, and we will be in the papers, meetings and everything else related to the betterment of Freehold Borough. That means more people checking out this site. And yes... there will be some fresh and talented faces associated with PEOPLE. Stay tooned....... |
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Post by admin on Dec 5, 2006 13:09:30 GMT -5
The ultimate goal of an effective and viable PR campaign is to sway public perception. It does not have to be purely manipulative -- but based on educating the audience and presenting a consistent portrait, addressing issues with honesty but with a positive outlook. In my view this can indeed by accomplished for FB. However, it must be noted that the results will not occur overnight or swiftly. Transitions take time and commitment from people who do not quit when the going gets tough. BINGO! If there was a grand prize, Calliope would win it. She gets it. |
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Post by wyane on Dec 5, 2006 13:11:25 GMT -5
That's "Son of Marc" There I go again...opps!  |
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Post by wyane on Dec 5, 2006 13:14:32 GMT -5
"BOE special accommodations to participate on this board, for the specific purpose of getting accurate info to our readers"
Don't they have there own website? be nice if "Accurate Info" was publish by the BOE on the BOE website...
But I am glad you offered Brian, nudg, nudg!
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Post by wyane on Dec 5, 2006 13:20:39 GMT -5
you speak geek too! Again, would you care to join us? I have tried to contact you, with no response. Thank your emails must have been filtered as spams, I have NOTHING  |
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Post by admin on Dec 5, 2006 13:29:40 GMT -5
"BOE special accommodations to participate on this board, for the specific purpose of getting accurate info to our readers" Don't they have there own website? be nice if "Accurate Info" was publish by the BOE on the BOE website... But I am glad you offered Brian, nudg, nudg! Point well taken and not wrong. But.... My concern is this board. I am simply offering a courtesy. With an open forum like this there are two good concerns for any entity. One is accuracy. Something we should all strive for. Two, some people may not be comfortable in participating without having some safeguards in place. I am just trying to be nice, you know.... good PR |
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Post by admin on Dec 5, 2006 13:31:30 GMT -5
Again, would you care to join us? I have tried to contact you, with no response. Thank your emails must have been filtered as spams, I have NOTHING I will work on that  |
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Post by wyane on Dec 5, 2006 14:07:39 GMT -5
"Folks who...berate...." Hay ... I got grit, I can take it!!! The old-hood gave me tough skin (and a few bloody noses too )! Besides I should pride myself on the Quantity and QUALITY of my Typo's~! Einstein was a lossy speller, and I heard a rumor that Shiekspear ( ;D there are also rumors claiming he was an arab) used an Franklyn Pocket Thesaurus! So what the hay, We have all heard a Bush speak or two, so know I am WAY more "ARTIKULET" then the Pres.. This gives me the confidence in knowing I can handle berateing, and I always consider the source too! I'll quote our Mayor and say "BRING IT ON"! Thanks Calli! |
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Post by wyane on Dec 5, 2006 14:10:29 GMT -5
Point well taken on your point well taken! "BOE special accommodations to participate on this board, for the specific purpose of getting accurate info to our readers" Don't they have there own website? be nice if "Accurate Info" was publish by the BOE on the BOE website... But I am glad you offered Brian, nudg, nudg! Point well taken and not wrong. But.... My concern is this board. I am simply offering a courtesy. With an open forum like this there are two good concerns for any entity. One is accuracy. Something we should all strive for. Two, some people may not be comfortable in participating without having some safeguards in place. I am just trying to be nice, you know.... good PR |
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Post by admin on Dec 6, 2006 8:40:20 GMT -5
Brian: In your opinion, do you think establishing a public relations committee made up of volunteers can be helpful to the town? I hate establishing new committees just for the sake of having meetings that go nowhere. But, if a group can meet and pick out things about Freehold to promote; send out press releases, support the hard work of other committees, etc, we might get some more positives about our town out and into the public's eye. My son, Steven, is in PR and works for Beckerman PR, the 5th largest Public Relations company in NJ. He used to work for Sylvia Allen. Steven serves on Recreation, but might be a good addition to a PR committee. The question is, with the Partnership in town, could a PR committee co-exist and be productive enough to warrant its establishment. Yes, I'm thinking out loud. Trying to be creative and positive. If everyone can adopt the same positive and open-minded outlook for this thread, we might get a clear reading as to the merits of such an idea. Or, we can come up with an enhanced view and additional ideas. Your thoughts? Marc Marc, I am going to respond to your post by first stating what is generally considered a solid rule when talking about good/bad pr On average, when a person has a bad experience with any business, that person will relay the bad info to ten people. If that same person has a positive experience, he/she will only tell three people, average. Bottom line, people will complain much quicker than they will compliment. My company has put me and my co-workers through training dealing with these very issues. Creating a good image is nothing but an uphill battle. We really did not need the training, we experience this first hand. As you can see by the rule above, bad pr takes a lot to overcome and take back the high road. That is why I put so much emphasis on it. So yes, I do believe the Town, PEOPLE and every other entity has it's work cut out. This is a topic which needs a direct plan of attack. Public relations should never be underestimated. Make sure that Steven contacts me. |
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) as a sign or Protest (Nice Idea, but you may get a ticked). 
