At the outset of its work, citizens of the city were surveyed in focus groups and by telephone and guidance was provided on the challenges and opportunities for the future. After more than two years, a Blueprint emerged that outlined the priorities for New Orleans on critical factors.
This was not another typical city study in several respects: it included only volunteer civic, business and religious leaders and not politicians; it raised its own funds; it identified legislation and funding sources for its recommendations; and, it conducted its own media campaign to bring the issues to the public directly.
STRATEGIES:
Working with Bright Moments, Inc. of New Orleans, The Ehrhardt Group served as communications consultants to the Committee. The firm worked closely with the Board and Task Forces to produce readable documents and convey messages to the public. We also worked with local radio and TV stations to develop a program that had each station matching the :30 commercials that were purchased by the Committee. This effort was unprecedented in the history of the city. Over the two year span of the Committee, The Ehrhardt Group also assisted in the establishment of the Committee's web site, and it coordinated and managed the appearance of Committee members on local news shows and with public appearances, along with several editorial board meetings.
RESULTS:
The Committee had a tremendous impact on the recent citywide elections. The campaign of :30 commercials was successful in conveying the message that private citizens were concerned about the future of New Orleans and were willing to hold candidates accountable for their actions. The public profile has made the Committee a real force in the community and plans are underway to repeat the matching program for future TV and radio commercials next year to measure progress.
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