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FEBRUARY 6, 2025

PR Power: How Municipal Leaders Can Boost Impact and Build Stronger Communities

By: Jen Sturdy, VP King Media

In today’s fast-moving digital age, public trust in local government is both a precious asset and a fragile commodity. Municipal organizations operate at the heart of our communities, influencing everything from infrastructure projects to public safety and economic development. Yet, their success is often determined not only by the policies they enact but also by how effectively they communicate with the people they serve.

As I reflect on my recent experience presenting at the Michigan Municipal Executives Conference, one key takeaway stands out: the indispensable role of strategic public relations (PR) in fostering transparency, engagement, and trust between local governments and their residents. But in a time when public skepticism is at an all-time high, one element became particularly clear to me—the critical importance of authenticity in every message a municipality communicates.

Bridging the Gap Between Government and Community

Municipal leaders wear many hats, but their ability to connect with the public is crucial. PR serves as the bridge between government initiatives and community understanding. Without effective communication, even the most well-intended policies can be met with skepticism or apathy. And in today’s climate of information overload, residents are increasingly quick to question the motivations behind government actions.

During my session at the conference, I shared examples where authentic, transparent PR strategies have not only bridged gaps but also built trust that lasts. One city, for instance, faced significant backlash over a proposed infrastructure project. But when the city chose to engage in honest, open dialogue—with a focus on clear, unembellished messaging—they were able to turn opposition into support. The message wasn’t about spinning the facts; it was about creating a space where residents felt heard and informed.

The Power of Authenticity in Crisis Communication

No municipality is immune to crises. Whether it’s a natural disaster, a financial challenge, or a public safety issue, how a local government responds can define its reputation for years to come. One of the most powerful lessons I shared at the conference was the importance of authenticity during times of crisis. Silence, or worse, half-truths, only erode trust.

Municipalities must be proactive, honest, and transparent, leveraging PR tools like press releases, social media, and community forums to provide timely updates. The truth, even when difficult, must always take precedence over convenience. In times of crisis, a government’s willingness to face uncomfortable truths head-on, while offering solutions and empathy, fosters a deeper sense of community resilience. Residents need to feel that their local government is not just communicating to them but with them—honestly and respectfully.

Digital Engagement: A Tool for Authentic Connection

The conference also highlighted the role of digital communication in today’s world. Social media and digital platforms have revolutionized how local governments interact with their constituents. However, there is a risk of over-automation, where posts and responses become too generic or impersonal. This is where authenticity can make all the difference.

Municipalities that embrace digital platforms authentically can foster real-time engagement, dispel misinformation, and create a genuine two-way dialogue that strengthens community bonds. It’s about moving beyond the broadcast model of communication to one that is dynamic, responsive, and human. A great example shared at the conference was how some cities used social media not just to announce decisions but to listen, engage, and collaborate with residents. These platforms are powerful tools for transparency, but only when the communication is rooted in authenticity.

The Future of Municipal PR: A Commitment to Authentic Relationships

The insights from the Michigan Municipal Executives Conference reaffirmed that public relations is no longer an optional function for municipalities—it’s an absolute necessity. But as communities grow more diverse and technologically connected, the need for clear, consistent, and authentic communication will only intensify.

For municipal leaders, investing in public relations is investing in public trust. Whether through proactive storytelling, crisis management, or digital engagement, effective PR ensures that local governments remain accessible, accountable, and aligned with the people they serve.

At King Media, we understand the unique challenges municipal organizations face. By applying the lessons learned from this year’s conference, we help local governments not only strengthen their reputations but also cultivate meaningful relationships with their communities. In this digital age, authenticity is more than just a buzzword; it is the cornerstone of effective communication.

Public relations is not just about managing messages—it’s about shaping relationships. And in municipal governance, those relationships are what define the success of our communities.

Celebrating 26 years of creating change, King Media is a full-service marketing, public relations, digital, creative and advertising agency that provides research-based solutions tailored to clients’ needs. Founded by Coleen King in 1999, the agency’s core competencies include market and community research, brand development, strategic planning, creative and message development, graphic design, media planning and buying, and web design and development. King Media’s corporate office is in East Lansing, MI, with additional offices in Ada and St. Joseph, MI. For more information and to view recent work, visit KingMediaNow.com (http://kingmedianow.com ).

NOVEMBER 19, 2024

King Media Wins Emmy for “Don’t Regret the Bet” Campaign
with the Michigan Gaming Control Board

EAST LANSING, MI:

King Media, a leading boutique marketing, public relations, digital and creative agency, is thrilled to announce it has won an Emmy Award ® for its groundbreaking campaign, “Don’t Regret the Bet” created in collaboration with the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB). The campaign, which focuses on responsible gaming, was recognized for “Graphic Arts: Motion Graphics* category, showcasing excellence in design and creative storytelling.

The “Don’t Regret the Bet” campaign was developed as a result of a close partnership between King Media and MGCB, aimed at raising awareness about the risks of gambling while promoting responsible gaming behaviors to Michigan residents. By combining King Media’s creative expertise with the MGCB’s deep knowledge of the state’s gaming regulations and responsible gaming initiatives, the campaign brings together powerful messaging with engaging visuals to educate and entertain.

“We are incredibly proud of the work we’ve done with the Michigan Gaming Control Board,” said Coleen King, President and Founder of King Media. “This Emmy win is a testament to the dedication, creativity, and passion of our team. It also highlights the strength of our collaboration with MGCB. The success of this campaign is the result of an amazing partnership, where both organizations brought their unique strengths to the table in service of a shared goal—raising awareness and making a real impact on the lives of Michigan residents.”

The campaign’s TV and digital ads feature humorous scenarios in which individuals face the consequences of impulsive or poorly considered gambling decisions. These light-hearted cautionary tales are designed to educate viewers on how to enjoy gaming responsibly and avoid the pitfalls of gambling addiction. By combining humor with a strong message of personal responsibility, the campaign captures the attention of a broad audience while sparking important conversations about gambling risks. This collaborative effort allowed the campaign to strike the perfect balance between creativity and the serious, life-changing message about responsible gaming.

“The Michigan Gaming Control Board is honored to receive this prestigious Emmy Award for our impactful ‘Don’t Regret the Bet’ campaign in partnership with King Media,” shares Sandra Johnson, manager of MGCB’s Responsible Gaming Section. “This recognition underscores our commitment to raising awareness about responsible gaming practices and supporting a safe and enjoyable gaming environment for all Michigan citizens. We’re proud to be recognized for our efforts in promoting responsible gaming behaviors and look forward to continuing our work with King Media in this important area.”

This award-winning campaign is just one example of the strong partnership between King Media and MGCB. The agencies worked hand-in-hand throughout the entire creative process, from brainstorming and strategy development to execution and media placement. King Media’s team collaborated closely with MGCB’s experts on responsible gaming to ensure that the messaging was not only engaging but also accurate and aligned with the agency’s mission of promoting integrity, transparency, and safe gaming practices.

The MGCB is a State of Michigan agency responsible for regulating and overseeing the state’s gaming industry, including casinos and sports betting. Its mission is to ensure integrity, transparency, and the promotion of responsible gaming practices. The MGCB works closely with stakeholders to create gaming environments across Michigan that are safe, responsible, and enjoyable.

The Emmy® recognition marks another milestone in King Media’s impressive portfolio of award-winning work that drives social impact while engaging audiences with both purpose and creativity. The success of the “Don’t Regret the Bet” campaign further solidifies King Media’s position as a leader in developing marketing campaigns that combine creativity with social responsibility. King Media has received 10 awards related to MGCB and an impressive 176 in total.

Celebrating 25 years of creating change, King Media is a full-service marketing, public relations, digital, creative and advertising agency that provides research-based solutions tailored to clients’ needs. Founded by Coleen King in 1999, the agency’s core competencies include market and community research, brand development, strategic planning, creative and message development, graphic design, media planning and buying, and web design and development. King Media’s corporate office is in East Lansing, MI, with additional offices in Ada and St. Joseph, MI. For more information and to view recent work, visit KingMediaNow.com (http://kingmedianow.com ).

MAY 7, 2024

Michigan Gaming Control Board Wins Big with Investment in Problem Gambling Prevention

EAST LANSING, MI: PRNEWS has selected the Michigan Gaming Control Board’s (MGCB) “Don’t Regret the Bet” responsible gaming campaign as a first-place winner at the 2024 Digital Media Awards. The award comes as Michigan Sportsbooks record $497.6 million in March bets, an increase of 18% over March 2023, and iGaming gross receipts reach their highest to date at more than $215 million. Michigan leads the nation in online gambling and has done so for three consecutive years according to the American Gaming Association.

“Social media platforms serve as powerful conduits for disseminating vital information, and Facebook is no exception,” said Sandra Johnson, manager of MGCB’s Responsible Gaming Section. “King Media’s unwavering commitment and creative visions for Don’t Regret the Bet messaging has been instrumental in our success.”

“The MGCB is an incredible champion for problem gambling prevention,” shares Coleen King, president and founder of King Media, the marketing agency behind the campaign. With their work firmly grounded in research, King says her team can use cutting-edge digital marketing techniques to deliver tailored messaging directly to those who need to see it most.

“We balanced statewide awareness efforts with a series of hyper-targeted ads designed to reach specific audiences like recent casino visitors, March Madness fans, and even NFL Draft attendees,” explains King. “The messaging was on-point because it was designed specifically for them.”

These techniques caught the attention of judges at the PRNEWS Digital Awards, who selected “Don’t Regret the Bet” as their first-place winner for Facebook Platform Presence. “These honorees have shown what it takes to adapt, innovate and break through the clutter in an increasingly crowded digital space,” shares PRNEWS Content Director Kaylee Hultgren in the announcement.

The PRNEWS prize adds to a tally of platinum and first-place wins on an a national and international stage. “Don’t Regret the Bet” also received six platinum trophies from AVA Digital Awards, dotCOMM, MarCom and Viddy Awards in categories such as digital marketing, integrated marketing, website creativity and design. “It’s important work and it’s not just winning international acclaim—it’s changing lives and improving communities. That’s the biggest win of all,” says King.

“Coleen and her team ensure that we’re relevant, that we’re not only reaching our target audiences but also that our ads are resonating with them, and that we’re empowering individuals to make informed choices and recognize potential risks before they escalate into problem gambling. This remarkable achievement underscores our commitment to promoting responsible gaming practices and safeguarding Michiganders from harm, and we look forward to achieving even more together in the days ahead because we’re not done yet,” shares Johnson.

Celebrating 25 years of creating change, King Media is a full-service marketing agency that provides research-based solutions to move the needle for clients. Our core competencies include market and community research and analysis, brand development, creative and message development, strategic planning, graphic design, media planning and buying, and web design and development. King Media was founded in 1999 by Coleen King, president, remains 100% woman-owned and is Pure Michigan. King’s corporate office is centrally located in East Lansing with additional offices in Ada and St. Joseph. For more information and to view recent work, visit KingMediaNow.com.

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For more information, please contact King Media at 517.333.2048

MARCH 6, 2024

Strong Female Mentors Help Shape the Future by Empowering Others

The results of a 2023 survey quantify what King Media’s president and founder Coleen King has experienced first-hand: mentors matter. Commissioned by mentorship program Être in partnership with YPulse, findings suggest that mentorship closes the confidence gap for girls and young women. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we acknowledge and applaud the essential role female mentors play in supporting and encouraging others.

Until age five, King was raised by her grandmother who taught her that she could be and do anything—a belief that helped her sustain resilience during the traumatic childhood that followed. By the time she was 11, she knew two things for certain: she would escape the life that she saw before her, and education would be her route to freedom.

King shares “I believed my grandmother. I knew that whatever I did with my life, it would be meaningful.” So, when Judy Labanowski (now Perschbacher), a first-year typing and stenography teacher at Forest Hills Central High School, asked why King, “had such a bad attitude” in her class, King was ready with her response.

“I’m not going to be a secretary,” she recalls saying, refusing to be pigeon-holed. “I am going to have a secretary, and my grade in your class is bringing down my GPA, so what are we going to do to fix this?”

Perschbacher quickly learned that King wanted something better for her life but had a difficult home environment. “For extra credit, Judy had me take stories from the Grand Rapids Press and convert them to stenography. She helped me navigate the college application and selection process. But most of all, she and the Perschbacher family made me feel important and showed me what was possible,” shares King.

Similarly, high school English teacher Ann Layton mentored King during a time when women were expected to fill more traditional roles. “Ann believed in me and encouraged me to consider a career in communications,” explains King, who went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts in communications from Michigan State University.

“My grandmother planted a seed. These women helped nurture that. There’s no doubt they impacted my life trajectory in a positive way.”

King’s work in the male-dominated world of broadcast media began at Avery Knodel, a prestigious national rep firm in Chicago. She went on to become the first female sales representative at Lansing’s CBS affiliate, where she later delivered the station’s first-ever live remote broadcast. King continued to break barriers as the top-performing regional sales manager for two Lansing television affiliates.

In 1999, King Media was born—and with it the opportunity to have the meaningful impact that she’d envisioned as a child. This year, King Media celebrates 25 years of “creating change.” King’s focus is on campaigns that positively impact Michigan communities. King partners with school districts, municipalities, health departments, transit systems and many others to move the needle on important topics like promoting a culture of consent, school bond campaigns, enrollment, responsible gaming, veterans’ services, public transit and so many more.

“It has been the adventure of a lifetime. Thank you, Judy and Ann—educators, mentors and lifelong friends. I get to wake up each morning and work hard, doing what I love with some of the industry’s top talent. It feels fabulous.”

FEBRUARY 14, 2024

Award-Winning Campaigns “Doing Good” in Michigan

Genesee Health System, the Michigan Association of Broadcasters and the Michigan Gaming Control Board all have something important to say to Michiganders. They have invested in getting their messages out—and they are working to make Michigan a better place to live, work and play.

The community awareness and education campaigns were developed in partnership with King Media, an East Lansing-based marketing agency known for delivering critical messaging to hard-to-reach audiences. So far, the campaigns have earned 11 platinum and three gold awards on international platforms—including the recently announced 2024 AVA Digital Awards.

Genesee Health System’s “Help is Here” campaign earned platinum for Digital Marketing. The fully integrated effort is designed to deliver the message that wellness and mental health care are more important now than ever. “The anti-stigma approach is highly impactful and highlights Genesee Health System as a hopeful beginning. As a result, we have experienced a large increase in people reaching out to get started with their treatment journey,” explains Jennifer McCarty, GHS chief operating officer.

Video production for the Michigan Association of Broadcasters’ “Be There” campaign earned two platinum awards for Video Ad Series and Long-form Video. “The ‘Be There’ campaign is an incredible tool for Michigan broadcasters,” shares Sam Klemet, MAB president and CEO. “Our industry is evolving rapidly and the King team put together a campaign that is modern, engaging, and helps us better connect with a new generation. We are proud of the partnership and how the initiative has helped elevate awareness.”

The Michigan Gaming Control Board’s “Don’t Regret the Bet” campaign launched in in March 2023 just in time for Problem Gambling Awareness Month and the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, popular for sports betting. The campaign continues today, using custom animation and a lighthearted message to remind Michiganders to keep gambling fun. Its two platinum awards are for Digital Marketing and Creativity in Website Design. Sandra Johnson, Responsible Gaming section manager, shares “Prevention is one of the most effective approaches. The ‘Don’t Regret the Bet’ campaign, King Media and their talented team have been

instrumental in achieving this goal. We have a great collaborative partnership and know that between our industry knowledge and their creative talent, we will continue to amplify our commitment to player protection and offer resources that can provide help and hope for Michigan citizens.”

King Media partners almost exclusively with organizations seeking to create tangible, positive change in Michigan communities. “The campaigns are getting a lot of attention,” shares Coleen King, the agency’s president and founder, “But the real win is what they are doing for communities throughout Michigan. It’s humbling to know that by getting it right we’re helping people in a variety of meaningful ways.”

Celebrating 25 years of creating change, King Media is a full-service marketing and advertising agency that provides research-based solutions in response to client needs. Founded by Coleen King in 1999, the agency’s core competencies include market and community research and analysis, brand development, creative and message development, strategic planning, graphic design, media planning and buying, and web design and development. King Media’s corporate office is centrally located in East Lansing, MI, with additional offices in Ada and St. Joseph, MI. For additional information and to view recent work, visit KingMediaNow.com.

JANUARY 17, 2024

King Says Strong Female Mentors Helped Shape Meaningful Career.

When King Media president and founder Coleen King was just 11 years old, she knew two things for certain: she would escape the life that she saw before her, and education would be her route to freedom. Raised by her grandmother until age five, King learned that she could be and do anything—a belief that helped her sustain resilience throughout her lifetime.

Despite the traumatic childhood that followed, King shares “I believed my grandmother, and I knew whatever I did, it would be meaningful.” So, when Judy Labanowski (now Perschbacher), a first-year typing and stenography teacher at Forest Hills Central High School, asked why the 16-year-old “had such a bad attitude” in her class, King was ready with her response.

“I’m not going to be a secretary,” she recalls saying, “I am going to have a secretary, and my grade in your class is bringing down my GPA, so what are we going to do to fix this?”

Perschbacher quickly saw that the self-assured sophomore wanted something much different for her life than most. She also recognized that her student did not have a supportive home environment. “For extra credit, Judy had me take stories from the Grand Rapids Press and convert them to stenography. She helped me navigate the college application and selection process. But most of all, she and the Perschbacher family made me feel important and showed me what was possible,” shares King.

Similarly, high school English teacher Ann Layton also noticed and encouraged King. “She believed in me, and suggested I look into a communications career,” explains King. During a time when women’s options were much more limited, King pursued her education and career with focus and passion. “Her support empowered me to dream big,” she explains.

King’s relationships with Perschbacher and Layton endured, and she credits the women for helping her achieve the career and life she loves. “My grandmother planted a seed. These women helped nurture that. They took an interest, and in doing so helped shape my path in life. Having a strong female support system was supremely important. It fuels my love and commitment to education and being a mentor to others,” King says.

King worked to support herself through college and earned her Bachelor of Arts in communications from Michigan State University. She is now a frequent guest speaker at her alma mater, opening the minds of students to dream big. In 2020, King was named Outstanding Alumni of the Year by the MSU College of Communications Arts and Sciences for “obtaining the highest level of professional or academic accomplishment.”

King’s career in the male-dominated world of broadcast media began at Avery Knodel, a prestigious national rep firm in Chicago. She went on to become the first female sales representative at Lansing’s CBS affiliate, where she later delivered the station’s first-ever live remote broadcast. King continued to break barriers as the top-performing regional sales manager for two Lansing television affiliates. But according to King, it wasn’t until she “retired” in 1999 that her career came to have the meaningful impact that she’d envisioned as a child.

“My former clients continued to call, and I enjoyed helping them. King Media was born, and with it the opportunity to create real, meaningful change,” says King. This January, the full-service marketing agency celebrates its 25th anniversary.

King is filled with gratitude for a career she’s never taken for granted. “I get to wake up each morning and work hard, doing what I love with some of the industry’s top talent. It feels amazing.” King and her team’s work has earned more than 140 national and international awards since 2015 with campaigns addressing issues like problem gambling, mental health, marijuana education, mobility, veterans services, talent recruitment, and many more.

King has kept the agency thriving and growing through challenging economic times—but she hasn’t done it alone. “It has been the adventure of a lifetime. Thank you, Judy, Ann, and the other remarkable women who have been inspirational educators, mentors and lifelong friends.”

Founded in 1999 by Coleen King, King Media is a full-service marketing and advertising agency providing research-based solutions in response to client needs. Our core competencies include market and community research and analysis, brand development, creative and message development, strategic planning, graphic design, media planning and buying, and web design and development. King Media’s corporate office is centrally located in East Lansing, MI, with additional offices in Ada and St. Joseph, MI.

DECEMBER 28, 2023

From Landlines to Likes, King Media Celebrates 25 Years of Creating Change.

A lot can change in a quarter century. Just ask Coleen King, president and founder of the East Lansing marketing agency that bears her name. When King Media was formed in 1999, Facebook was but a gleam in 15-year-old Mark Zuckerberg’s eyes, and 96% of households used a landline. Next month, the local and 100% woman-owned agency will celebrate its 25th anniversary.

“I started King Media five years before Facebook was born,” King recalls with a laugh, “Now social and digital media are powerful tools to reach precise audiences and mine for insights. We can deliver tailored messaging to the right person at the right time and place. Nearly all our client’s marketing plans have a digital and social component.”

Change is a big deal for King, whose path to success in a male-dominated industry includes time with Chicago’s prestigious Avery Knodel television; breaking barriers as the first female sales representative in the history of WLNS-TV (Lansing’s CBS affiliate); and rising to become a top-performing regional sales manager for Lansing’s NBC and CBS affiliates.

When King retired, the quality relationships she’d built and maintained over her career endured—giving rise to King Media. Today, the agency offers a full complement of top-shelf advertising, marketing, and public relations services, and has supported change for countless organizations across the country.

In recent years, King has made the conscious choice to focus on helping Michigan residents, businesses and organizations succeed. “Michigan is my home,” she explains, “and I believe I can leave a lasting legacy by strengthening communities right here.”

“A project has to mean something for us to take it on,” King says. “Our team gets excited about contributing to the growth and vitality of communities and making a positive difference in people’s lives.” King’s work always begins with research, a key ingredient in the agency’s “secret sauce.” “By grounding our strategy in facts, we’re able to move the needle in meaningful ways.”

Some things haven’t changed: the agency’s timeless, research-based approach and focus on meaningful work, and Ms. Kings gratitude for a career she has never taken for granted. “I get to wake up each morning and work hard,

doing what I love with some of the industry’s top talent.” Her team, says King, is one of her biggest points of pride. “As a small agency, every person here is important and has fingerprints on virtually every project. Put us all together? The synergy is something to see, and the results are stunning.”

Small but mighty, King maintains the highest standards and produces work that’s smart, effective, and beautifully executed. It’s also consistently acclaimed—earning more than 135 national and international awards since 2015. Most of those campaigns shed light on critical public health issues, increase support for essential public services and inform communities about important initiatives. “The real win, though, is that these efforts are impacting communities across our Great Lakes State in significant and positive ways,” King shares.

King has kept her agency thriving and growing through challenging economic times, including the Great Recession, 9/11, and the COVID-19 pandemic. “It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s always been worth it,” she shares.