That’s a Wrap! Communities Meet to Discuss Video Projects throughout the Region

Another Communicator’s Network meeting is in the books! Last month there were spirited conversations during the virtual meeting, primarily focused on the art of video production and visual storytelling. Attendees had a chance to look behind the content creator curtain, to see what goes into planning, producing and distributing a variety of videos. The group also discussed aligning target audiences, messages, and stakeholders throughout the region. As our conversations developed, it was clear that sharing knowledge, resources, and collaboration in the region strengthens our abilities to distribute meaningful messages.

As always, the group kicked off the meeting with introductions and then jumped into our packed agenda.

Where Does the Water Go?

Great Lakes Water Authority recently debuted a new educational video “Where does the Water go?” which uses vibrant animation and simple explanations to show you where our wastewater goes once it leaves our homes. We were joined by Michelle Zdrodowski, Chief Public Affairs Officer, and Curtis Burris-White, Visual Storyteller, who walked us through the process, shared what went well about the project, and talked through some actions we can all take. The main goal of the production was to tell a simplified and accessible story for the general public on where water goes “under the pavement” and how residents play a role in helping keep the system resilient. Contact Curtis Burris-White if you are interested in adding native video files to your website, social media, and/or local cable station. Visit the GLWA website to learn more.

Shop local- Southeast Michigan

SEMCOG’s Shop Local video series shows a glimpse a few of the countless shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences available to Southeast Michigan’s residents and visitors. For one video in this series, we were able to collaborate with Wendy Pate, Councilperson, City of Trenton. During the meeting, Wendy discussed how her connection to the community helped with showcasing a local perspective on the uniqueness of Trenton. This included capturing the waterfront, local theaters, new businesses, and a lively downtown. SEMCOG’s Multimedia Specialist II, Jon Clark, spoke to the economic impact of regional spending and planning for a successful shop local video. This series is also on-going! Any member community interested in a custom shop local video, please check out our Shop Local webpage to learn how to get involved.

2022 Regional Showcase Award

Recently SEMCOG announced the Regional Showcase Award winner. This achievement highlights projects that implement the strategies and recommendations in SEMCOG’s regional plans adopted by its member communities. This year’s winner is Washtenaw County for its Sustainable Investments in Natural Areas Preservation Program. To learn more, read our blog about the project. Does your community have a project or initiative that our region should be learning from? If so, please consider submitting in 2023.

Open discussion

As the meeting neared an end, the floor opened for discussion. This time around, there was talk of challenges communities are currently facing. Mike Spence, SEMCOG Administrator, Government Affairs, would like to connect on challenges related to planning infrastructure projects and fiscal challenges. Mike shared this message: “Please submit examples of project cost overruns that your community is experiencing! We are looking for the project name, estimated cost, actual bid cost, how your community is responding to these cost increases (such as reengineering, scope change, delaying or canceling), and a brief 1-2 sentence project description. Please send to [email protected]“.

Another topic discussed was labor shortages related to finding qualified candidates for available jobs. Trevor Layton, SEMCOG Communications Manager, shared some information on the Oakland80 initiative in which the county is striving for 80 percent of adult residents to have a post-high school degree or credential by 2030. For more information on the initiative visit the Oakland80 website.

Thank you to all of you who were able to join us during our July Communicators network. Register now for our next meeting, on September 15, IN-PERSON! We hope to see you there and let us know if you have a topic you would like to discuss. After our meeting, feel free to stick around for our Member Meetup, at which you can join peers to tour SEMCOG’s newly renovated office and tour downtown Detroit parks and active spaces.