Is It Time for a New Brand and Communications Game Plan?. Issue 11 (1st November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jockers, Mark; Davis, Adam
• Is Part Of: Journal ‐ American Water Works Association. Volume 107:Issue 11(2015)
• Page Start: 14
• Page End: 20
• Publication Date: 2015-11-01
• Subjects: Communications -- Public Opinion -- Strategic Planning; Water-supply -- United States -- Periodicals; Water-supply engineering -- United States -- Periodicals; 363.61097305
• DOI: 10.5942/jawwa.2015.107.0172
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-150X

Abstract

Abstract : Water agency managers, you may want to call a timeout and take a close look at your game plan. Your capital needs are increasing, regulations are adding more costs, and state and federal dollars are hard (and getting harder) to come by. And your customers? They feel maxed out, are not very aware of how public services are provided or what they cost, and are in a sour mood these days with … just about everything. Think of it as the start of the fourth quarter in a tight game, and the quality of play that has gotten you to where you are may not be sufficient for crunch time; it is time to play harder and smarter ball. You need to score, which means you need more money now or in the near future. The competition is fiercer than ever before, and there are other community needs, from education to transportation, appealing to state legislatures, Congress, and your customers for limited funds. The ultimate winners are going to be those services the public values the most and considers the highest priority.