On May 19, 2023, the Florida Municipal Communicators Association (FMCA), a professional network of individuals providing communications leadership and support in Florida’s cities, town and villages, announced that the City of Cocoa achieved the organization’s prestigious Certificate of Excellence in Government Communications for a Governmental Entity. This certificate recognizes those local governments whose communications staff have established and are utilizing different tools, resources, and technology to effectively and efficiently communicate with their residents.
Also, the City of Cocoa’s Director of Communication and Economic Development, Samantha Senger, APR, CPRC, APIO achieved the Certificate of Excellence in Government Communications for an individual. This certificate recognizes individual and government entities for their exemplary work, training, and participation in FMCA programming.
“Floridians receive their news in different ways, so it’s crucial that our local government members ensure they’re reaching their residents effectively and providing them with the important information they need,” said FMCA President Candice Temple, public media relations director for the City of Palm Beach Gardens. “Receiving the Certificate of Excellence in Government Communications recognizes those municipal communications offices that are leaders in creating and utilizing different resources that make it easier to communicate to their community.”
“I commend the city staff and my fellow elected officials for always striving to reach the highest standards when communicating to our residents. Constant, transparent, and relevant communications is key to making sure our community is informed and engaged with their local government,” said Mayor Michael C. Blake, Mayor of the City of Cocoa.
The tools used by the municipal public information offices include live streaming commission meetings, using social media, creating an app for the community, and having a crisis communications plan for the municipality. The Certificate of Excellence in Government Communications Program recognizes local government communicators who score points for attending and participating in FMCA events throughout the year, including conferences, webinars, committee meetings and ethics courses.
To learn more about the many ways that the City communicates to residents, visit our website at https://www.cocoafl.org/1313/Public-Relations.
