1. Communicating with Residents
#IowaLeague17
Communicating with Residents
Lauran Haldeman, Public Information Officer, Bettendorf
Denice Enfield, PR, Social Media Specialist, Bettendorf
Handouts and presentations are available through the event app and at

2. Speakers Lauran Haldeman Public Information Officer
20 years with the City of Bettendorf
Denice Enfield
Public Relations Specialist
1 Year with the City of Bettendorf

3. Meet the City of Bettendorf
City was incorporated in 1903, population 404
Current Population: 35,505
Estimate Population Growth: 1.5% annually, up to 47,623 by 2035
Claim to fame: One of the first modern-day riverboat casinos in the United States, The Diamond Lady, was launched in Bettendorf on April 1, Davenport’s President Riverboat also launched the same day. This sparked the introduction of regional gaming across the nation.

4. Tools of the Trade Public Information Officer Newsletter
Public Relations Specialist
Bettendorf 101: City Citizen
Academy/Police Academy
Citizen Survey
Media
Websites
Social Media
Access Channel
Citizen Information
Newsletter
Alert Iowa
YourGov
Bettendorf Now
Ward Meetings
Communication Network
Special Events
Volunteers

5. Social Media Facebook, Twitter and YouTube
The 7 Rules of Social Media by Colin Wood
Local governments use social media to promote transparency, enhance engagement, and foster collaboration.
Identify which social media platform(s) will work
for your community
Good content is crucial to engage residents,
businesses, and visitors.
Post frequently, not too frequently

6. Social Media Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube
Communicate, be professional
Encourage participation
Good content is crucial to engage residents,
businesses, & visitors.
Social media policy, have rules & stick with them

7. Discover Bettendorf Event Calendar allows event submissions
Description of things
to do, eat, experience
Photos and links
Coordinating
Facebook page
which shares
events and business
information

8. Citizen Survey National Citizen Survey Background
The NCS gathers resident opinion across a range of community issues. This tool improves service delivery, strengthened communications with residents and helped leaders identify clear priorities for use in strategic planning and budget setting.
Endorsed by the International City/County Management Association and the National League of Cities.
National Citizen Survey Background
• City takes part in the survey every other year. Survey are mailed.
Postcard sent to randomly selected households.
• ,500 surveys were mailed. 476 surveys returned.
Typical response number is between
• Data from surveys found on the City’s website.
• NRC’s database includes the results from citizen surveys conducted
in about 600 jurisdictions in the United States.

9. Voice of the People Award
Cities receiving award showed biggest improvement in service ratings and/or highest rated services according to a representative sample.
Bettendorf has received the VOP Award:
2007 – Excellence in garbage collection, library services, overall services,
park services & police
2009 – Excellence in garbage collection services, library services, parks
& overall services
2011- Excellence in police services, garbage collection, recycling services,
library services, and overall services
Finalist for Excellence in Built Environment & Mobility
2017 – Nominated for Transformation in Safety/Excellence in Safety &
Excellence in Community Engagement

10. Citizen Information Email, Newsletter & Government Access Channel
City Newsletter
Citizen
Information
Government
Access Channel

11. Marketing and Brand
Merchandise featuring City of Bettendorf logo available for purchase.
Online Store
Golf Course
Family Museum
Isle Casino

12. Marketing and Brand
Traveling Exhibit Program - one year rental program coordinated by Quad City Arts
4 new locations on public property
1 new location on private property
1 existing location on public property
Enhancing the art presence in our community

13. Using Special Events to Communicate
Tis the Season
4th of July Festival
Public Works Day
Discovery Fair

14. Communicating with Business
Bettendorf Business Network holds
monthly meetings
Additional marketing meetings for BBN
In person visits – FAM Tour

15. Bettendorf 101: City Citizen Academy
Academy is a seven week interactive program that looks into the operations of the City. Participants will gain knowledge through discussions, demonstrations and site visits. Citizens will learn how they can play a role in the future of Bettendorf. The academy gives city staff the opportunity to receive community feedback.

16. YourGov
Request application that allows residents to report non-emergency issues and service requests using the web or smartphone.
YourGOV users can submit common issues such as potholes or vandalism, complete with location, details, and photos. Once submitted, YourGOV will automatically deliver requests to staff.
Users of Apple iPhone can download free app in iTunes App Store. Users of Android can download the free app in Google Market or Amazon App Store.

17. Alert Iowa
Statewide mass notification and emergency messaging system that can be used by state and local authorities as well as the National Weather Service to quickly disseminate emergency information to residents in counties that utilize the system.

18. Bettendorf Now Bi-monthly informational program
Airs on Government Access Channel & City’s website
Promotes events, city projects, & recreational activities

19. Ill/Ia Communication Network
The mission of the Communication Network is to bring local communications professionals together for the purpose of sharing information, developing relationships, and to provide communication support, resources and/or assistance to each other in the event of a crisis, emergency situation or catastrophic event in the Quad Cities region. The group will foster an informational link between each branch of the committee, which includes governments, public safety, schools, health facilities, utilities, and private businesses. 

20. Questions
Contact Information
Lauran Haldeman, Public Information Officer
1609 State Street, Bettendorf, Iowa 52722
Denice Enfield, Public Relations Specialist