‘Best ideas’ for National County Government Month NAC O NE W S » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » »
Editor’s Note: We encourage Arkansas’s county
officials to look for ideas in the following to help them do something to celebrate in their communi- ties next year. Hint: Start planning now; or even easier, delegate!)
NACo this year recognized three counties for their outstanding efforts to celebrate Na- tional County Government Month (NCGM) by conducting effective public awareness pro- grams and events to educate residents about the important role and functions of their county government. NACo’s 2011 National County Government
Month Award winning programs are: • Bernalillo County, N.M. “Bernalillo County Government Month: Serving Resi- dents Since 1876,” • Manatee County, Fla., “National County
Government Month Celebration,” and • Cape May County, N.J. “Cape May Coun-
ty Government Reaches Out.” NCGM, celebrated each April, is NACo’s signature public awareness initiative.
to services, highlighting county incentives for veterans, and honoring employee veterans, lo- cal veterans and veteran organizations with a proclamation and reception. A gift bag with resources, a county guide to services and NACo prescription discount cards were given to each veteran attending the meeting. Te NCGM veterans theme provided an
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opportunity for county employees to support a transitional living center. Tis effort consist- ed of a month-long employee drive to collect household items, cash and landscaping materi- als to help furnish the facility and support the program. Truckloads of items, gift cards and
ernalillo County, N.M. kicked off NCGM by introducing a new guide
cash were presented to the YWCA during a news conference at the center. Te NCGM veterans theme was incorporat- ed into the county’s master calendar of events. Te Economic Development Department initi- ated a mobile office campaign, setting up at a community center to provide business services and resources to potential entrepreneurs. Te Public Information Department organized a veterans’ art exhibit, which included a reception and veterans art show. Te County Government Month planning committee reached out to youth as well. Coun- ty commissioners read to children during after- school programs and a mock County Commis- sion meeting was held at the high school.
First, was a series of veterans’ seminars hosted by the Veteran Services Division. Te topics ad- dressed veteran’s benefits and frequently asked questions. Te morning sessions began with a coffee break and time of fellowship for veter- ans, families, county staff and officials. Veteran services officers covered the same topics in a television show aired on the government access channel.
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Te second event was the Commuter Servic- es Kickoff held on the courthouse lawn. More than 600 downtown employees celebrated NCGM with exhibits provided by county de- partments showcasing their services and pro- grams. Free transit shuttles gave residents the opportunity to try riding the bus. Staff was on hand to assist in determining routes, making transfers, and to answer questions. Lastly, the county sponsored a float in the annual DeSoto Celebration Grand Parade. Em- ployees held fundraisers to cover the costs of preparing the float and to purchase beads that
anatee County, Florida celebrated NCGM through three main activities.
are given to the crowds watching the parade. County commissioners and county employees participated. Tis event was observed by thou- sands of residents and guests.
the Freeholder Board paid tribute to local veter- ans, armed forces and their families. Te county launched a media blitz of news
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releases, radio advertisements, website and so- cial media postings which promoted the up- coming NCGM events. Te county sponsored a Healthcare Resource Day that provided free health screenings, more than 50 educational ex- hibits plus presentations geared toward women and seniors. To target young families, the county hosted
a Free Family Day at the park and zoo. Te event attracted more than 1,000 children who participated in crafts and games. Te county partnered with a local newspaper to produce a 24-page publication that highlighted informa- tive news articles on county government and county contact information. Te biggest event was the combination of
Student Government Day, the Earth Day Logo contest sponsored by the Board of Chosen Freeholders, and a County Government Open House. It brought together all segments of the county’s population into a single-day activity. Students from local high schools spent the day with county officials learning about the role of county government which culminated in a Freeholder mock board meeting. Tis year’s theme, “Serving Our Veterans, Armed Forces and Teir Families” comple- mented both of President Glen Whitley’s 2010– 11 presidential initiatives: the County Govern- ment Works public awareness campaign, and the Veterans and Military Service Task Force. For more information about NCGM, visit
the Programs and Services/Tell the Public What Counties Do section of the NACo website or contact Jim Philipps at 202.942.4220 or Te winning counties received two free
conference registrations to any future NACo conference, including this year’s Annual Con- ference to be held July 15–19 in Multnomah County (Portland), Ore.
– By Jim Philipps
NACo Media Relations Manager
jphilipps@naco.org.
COUNTY LINES, SUMMER 2011 59
ape May County, N.J.: In adopting this year’s
resolution celebrating NCGM,
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