Over a dozen departments help keep community informed
Earlier today, the City of McAllen honored the Office of Communications Department, as well as the dedicated individuals of the Employee Wellness, Fire, Human Resources, Keep McAllen Beautiful, McAllen Public Library, McAllen Convention Center, Parks & Recreation, Police, Public Works, Quinta Mazatlán, Recycling, and Utilities departments, who help keep the media informed through traditional and social media efforts, with a proclamation for “Government Communicators Day,” this year set for February 24, 2024. The City of McAllen joins the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers (TAMIO), the City-County Communications Association (3CMA) and public information officers throughout the Rio Grande Valley, who will also be recognizing the efforts of government communicators on this day across the country.
Government Communicators Day is a nationwide celebration dedicated to recognizing and honoring the indispensable contributions of public communicators. This special day, falling on February 24, 2024, provides a platform to spotlight the tireless efforts of government communicators who work diligently behind the scenes.
TAMIO President Jay Warren emphasized the impact of public communicators, stating, “As public communicators, your influence is felt in various aspects of government operations. Whether spearheading public outreach and education campaigns during rate increase approvals, crafting media advisories for award ceremonies, or formulating strategic responses during crises, government communicators are the unsung heroes ensuring transparent and effective communication,” concluded Warren, who is the director of communication and legislative affairs for the City of Arlington.
“As government communicators for the City of McAllen, we serve a critical role in keeping the public and the media informed about the decisions, programs, projects and services that impact the lives of the residents of McAllen,” said Xochitl Mora, director of communications for the City of McAllen. “Utilizing various communication tools, we ensure that the community is informed about their municipal government on a daily basis.”
“Government Communicators Day is a significant occasion to showcase the pivotal role that public communicators play in shaping public perception, disseminating critical information, and fostering community engagement,” said Scot Lehtonen, Executive Director of the City-County Communications & Marketing Association (3CMA). “For 364 days of the year, these professionals work tirelessly behind the scenes, and on this day, we aim to bring them into the spotlight they deserve.”
TAMIO, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, has been a driving force in advancing the field of municipal communications in Texas. With a commitment to excellence, TAMIO provides a platform for communication professionals to collaborate, share knowledge, and elevate the standards of government communication.
For more information about the City of McAllen’s communications efforts, visit www.mcallen.net or follow it or the numerous City departments on MCN 1300 on Spectrum cable; the City of McAllen website at www.mcallen.net; and on all the various social media platforms, including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn and You Tube.
For more information about Government Communicators Day and to get involved, visit www.3cma.org/govcommsday. To learn more about TAMIO and its contributions to municipal communication in Texas, please visit www.tamio.org.
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PHOTO CAPTION:
City of McAllen District 6 Commissioner Pepe Cabeza de Vaca proclaimed February 24, 2024 as Government Communicators Day, which recognizes the work of government communicators to inform the public and the media, disseminating important information and helping to keep organizations transparent. The Office of Communications Department includes (l to r) Jim Bob Sides, video production specialist; Roy Cantu, Jr., reporter/producer; Laura D. Garcia, digital media coordinator; Xochitl Mora, director; Samantha Diaz, administrative assistant; and Jose Esqueda, chief photographer. Follow the City of McAllen on all social media platforms, or watch MCN 1300 on Spectrum Cable 1300, the City of McAllen website at www.mcallen.net; on City of McAllen YouTube channel or on the 3-1-1 mobile app for the latest news and information.