City of Rochester, NH Teams with Epiphanies, Inc. to Engage Communities on Facebook, Twitter

The City of Rochester, NH hired Epiphanies, Inc. to help get eight of its key departments and services onto Facebook and Twitter. The eight, which have now launched, include Police, Fire, Public Works, City Clerk, City Manager, Economic Development, and Recreation, as well as an all-inclusive City Page. Epiphanies, Inc. also developed and delivered three distinct Social Media Policies and a combination of virtual and in-person training sessions to the City's social networking success team.

Gilford, NH, May 19, 2010 --(PR.com)-- More than 400,000 adults in New Hampshire are on Facebook. More than 30,000 of these users live within 10 miles of Rochester, the fastest-growing Seacoast city in the Granite State. Based on these statistics and the needs of their constituents, the City of Rochester decided to take bold action earlier this year to connect and communicate with their community in relevant, streamlined, budget-friendly ways.

The City is proud to announce that it is now welcoming residents and businesses to connect and engage with them on Facebook and Twitter. Eight of its high-profile departments and services have joined these leading social networks, thanks to a strategic partnership with social marketing consulting firm Epiphanies, Inc.

“At first, I wasn’t convinced that using social media was professionally appropriate for cities and towns,” admits John Scruton, Rochester City Manager. “But after attending two Chamber of Commerce events on social media last year, I’ve paid more attention to where the trends are going, and realize how important it is for local and state governments to effectively reach younger generations where they work, live, and play.”

The two Chamber events Scruton attended were presented by Epiphanies, Inc. co-owner Allen Voivod, and sparked the conversations that led to this forward-thinking alliance.

“Rochester is the first city in New Hampshire to establish a cohesive, brand-centric presence in social media across multiple departments,” says Voivod. “This provides individual departments with the creative license and autonomy to build communities that serve each department’s unique goals, and their audiences’ specific needs.”

Those eight departments and services include Police, Fire, Public Works, City Clerk, City Manager, Economic Development, and Recreation (RAYS), as well as an all-inclusive City Page at http://Facebook.com/RochesterNH. The Gilford-based social media company recommended focusing efforts on Facebook and Twitter based on the popularity of these platforms, their search engine influence, and their ability to leverage time, resources, and content across multiple channels.

In addition, Epiphanies, Inc. developed three distinct Social Media Policies for employees and the community interacting with the City on social media, and provided a combination of online and in-person training to employees who will represent the City on its social environments.

“Thanks to Allen’s help, we’ve been able to move forward with confidence and clarity into the social media realm, which is so important for us as stewards of the community,” notes Karen Pollard, the City’s Economic Development Manager. “It’s our responsibility to evolve and use these new communication tools to attract new industries, increase our visibility, and prosper as a dynamic, powerful business climate that fully embraces the future of community development.”

About the City of Rochester
Rochester, the Lilac City, offers businesses, residents and visitors alike the conveniences of a prosperous city combined with the charm and traditions of New England. From its rolling hills and rivers, to its vibrant arts community, to its rich history and active civic life, Rochester is a wonderful place to start a business, visit or to raise a family. Connect with the City on their Facebook Page at http://Facebook.com/RochesterNH.

About Epiphanies, Inc.
Hailed as “visionary” and “two of the most creative thinkers in the industry” by the NH Division of Economic Development, Lani and Allen Voivod share powerful social marketing & success strategies through speaking, workshops, and their own online channels. Their company, Epiphanies, Inc., trains teams, crafts strategies, and serves as long-term success partners for entrepreneurs, bold brands, and mission-driven organizations. “Like” them on Facebook at http://Facebook.com/AhaYourself, and watch their free Slidecast on social media for municipalities at http://bit.ly/AhaYourCity.

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Epiphanies, Inc.
Lani & Allen Voivod
603.524.5248
www.EpiphaniesInc.com
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