Montgomery County Department of Transportation, Director’s Office — Public Relations Contractor to serve the MCDOT Director’s Office

Courtesy of: Montgomery Community Media

A Unified Vision for Public Support

The MCDOT Director’s Office selected ECG to craft a strategic communication strategy that resonates with both the public and the media. Our shared objective is to establish a robust public image for MCDOT, focused on promoting public transportation and infrastructure projects while fostering strong community support.

In response to a staffing gap, MCDOT turned to ECG for expert public relations, marketing, and creative service support. In a remarkable turnaround, ECG swiftly deployed our skilled professionals to bolster MCDOT’s communication team within two weeks, seamlessly filling the void while they worked through their hiring process.

Epstein Creative Group (ECG), partnering with the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) Director’s Office, embarked on a transformative journey to enhance public relations and communications efforts from March to October 2023. Our mission was to propel MCDOT’s mission and programs into the spotlight, cultivating a positive public perception and garnering support for vital transportation and infrastructure projects.

Crafting a Compelling Narrative

Through meticulous planning and collaboration, ECG harnessed the power of strategic communication to generate substantial media coverage and heightened public engagement. We’ve artfully constructed press releases, media advisories, speeches, and talking points that have captured the essence of MCDOT’s initiatives. This meticulous approach culminated in successful press conferences and media events, allowing us to spotlight pivotal developments such as the Flash Bus Rapid Transit initiatives and the implementation of Saturday parking fees.

Navigating Challenges with Insightful Solutions

ECG implemented educational awareness materials in response to the limited public understanding of MCDOT’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) program. For the new Ride the Flash BRT webpage, ECG managed the strategic direction of the site’s design and provided copywriting and copyediting. Furthermore, ECG managed a subcontractor to create two informative animated videos, offering guidance on “How to Ride” and “How to Pay,” and played a key role in scripting both videos.

Seamless Event Coordination

ECG managed a press conference and “ground painting” ceremony for the launch of the Great Seneca Transit Network. Our work included drafting and disseminating a press release, overseeing vendors, and seamlessly coordinating all event details. At the event, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich highlighted the importance of connectivity for attracting businesses and employees to the county, emphasizing the substantial economic development return on transit investments. The upcoming Ride On pink and lime lines, spanning two-and-a-half miles on dedicated lanes, will significantly reduce travel times for commuters and enhance overall transportation accessibility.

Overcoming Hurdles through Strategic Messaging

ECG ingenuity shone during the implementation of Saturday parking fees in Bethesda and Silver Spring. Understanding the delicate balance between business owners’ concerns and the community’s expectations, we crafted a compelling press release highlighting increased turnover and enhanced security measures. Our approach secured extensive media coverage, showcasing the importance of the fees in promoting safety and increasing local economic activity.

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