The City of Round Rock's Communications and Marketing Department recently garnered recognition for their exceptional communication efforts, securing five awards at the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers' 50th-anniversary conference. The event, which took place from June 5-7 in San Antonio, saw Round Rock stand out among local government entities striving for transparency and community engagement.
Director of Communications and Marketing Sara Bustilloz expressed pride in her team's accomplishment. "Local government communications are vital for fostering transparency, public engagement, community building, and effective service delivery," Bustilloz said in a statement shared by Round Rock’s official news page. "Our team is grateful to have such a great story to tell in Round Rock, as well as a community that is so active and engaged in helping us make this a great place to live."
Among the accolades, the Round Rock Public Library Rebrand won the top spot for Best Marketing Plan or Campaign for cities with a population from 50,000-150,000. The rebranding aimed to reflect the energy and professionalism expected by residents, including the development of a graphic identity, staff training, and brand integration across various media outlets. The City's Winter Weather Social Media Response was a hit with an 8.1% engagement rate, utilizing creative content to inform and prepare residents for potential severe weather without causing unnecessary alarm or panic.
Other honors included second best in the state for the 2023 Budget Video, adopting a Wes Anderson-esque theme to demystify the City’s budgeting process. The Historic Downtown Walking Guide earned praise for melding the town's past with a present-day vibrancy, and the "Things That are Hot" Heat Advisory post, which struck a chord with residents during a blistering Texas summer, demonstrated the efficacy of engaging and accessible public communication.
Round Rock's awards are not simply a narrative of a local department's success; they serve as a blueprint for effective community interaction. Through a variety of campaigns and initiatives, Round Rock's Communications and Marketing Department demonstrated the invaluable role of clear, creative, and calming information dissemination in local governance and community welfare. For further details on these awards and the city's achievements, visit Round Rock's news page.
