WASHINGTON – New Mexico Counties has been recognized with an Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo). The awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents.
New Mexico Counties entered the video and social media campaign “A Day Without Counties is a Day Without…” in the category of Civic Education and Public Information. “A Day Without New Mexico Counties” is a day without the amazing services, programs, and people that keep our state running. This theme sprouted the county engagement campaign. New Mexico Counties President Linda Stover sought to elevate county messaging over the virtual buzz. NMC then partnered with New Mexico Black Leadership Council and Core-Visual, to create a county video and social media campaign to reinvigorate engagement and awareness about the role of county government.
The videos highlight New Mexico’s diverse socioeconomic regions and how counties manage the same responsibilities in unique ways. As the face for county government, officials express a passion for their county and its connection with their communities. The social media graphic posts reiterate the messaging that without county services and programs communities lose what makes residents grow and thrive. Hashtag #33StrongNMCounties grew with weekly social media graphic posts and biweekly video releases that were shared and reposted throughout the entire state in county communities. The campaign continues to expand as an organic process to refresh with new visuals and engage stakeholders on why counties matter.
NACo President Larry Johnson said, “All across the country, counties are working tirelessly to support residents and drive recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s Achievement Award-winning programs showcase how counties work every day to build healthy, safe, and thriving communities.”
“This campaign effectively illuminates the essential services that counties provide through interviews and discussions with some of our exceptional county officials,” said Executive Director Steve Kopelman. “President Stover is to be commended on making this the major initiative of her presidency. The campaign illustrates the broad spectrum of services counties deliver to New Mexico residents and the wonderful diversity and beauty of our state.
Nationally, awards are given in 18 different categories that reflect the vast, comprehensive services counties provide. Out of 1045 applicants, 921 were awarded including the 18 best in category.
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The National Association of Counties (NACo) unites America’s 3,069 county governments. Founded in 1935, NACo brings county officials together to advocate with a collective voice on national policy, exchange ideas and build new leadership skills, pursue transformational county solutions, enrich the public’s understanding of county government and exercise exemplary leadership in public service. Learn more at www.naco.org
