The County of Wellington is experimenting with a corporate social media presence.
At its Oct. 27 meeting, Wellington County council approved a recommendation from the administration, finance and human resources committee to support corporate Twitter and Facebook accounts on a one-year trial basis beginning on Nov. 1.
“It is recognized that social media networks can be a powerful communications tool that can have a significant impact on the county’s reputation,” states a report from county communications manager Andrea Ravensdale.
“The use of social media creates new opportunities for enhanced communication with residents; it also creates new responsibilities for County of Wellington departments.”
Communications staff recommended the county embark “cautiously” on the initiative and begin with one corporate Twitter and Facebook account for a trial one-year period.
“One corporate account allows the county to have a single voice; it’s easier to monitor and for residents to find information,” the report explains.
“After the trial period has concluded, the communications manager will meet with the staff advisory committee to discuss creating additional county social media accounts.”
Ravensdale said the social media effort will evolve as the process develops.
“Initially we would just be pushing out information and monitoring comments on the Facebook page,” she said.
Warden George Bridge noted the thought process behind moving into social media was that “it was very difficult for us to get the message out about what the county does.”
Bridge added, “We do have a good resource in the Wellington Advertiser, but as you know, we’re in a position where a lot of people 30 and under aren’t reading a Newspaper.”
