Situation

Governor Christine Gregoire established the Puget Sound Partnership to protect and restore the environmental health of Puget Sound. She appointed an advisory board to develop a research and public engagement program and to recommend a plan for solving the problems plaguing Puget Sound. The advisory board hired Cocker Fennessy to quickly develop and help implement a public involvement strategy. Cocker Fennessy was subsequently asked to organize a media event announcing the Puget Sound program.

Cocker Fennessy's Work

• Drafted a fast-paced initial public communications program.
• Interviewed 32 Washington leaders.
• Managed an opinion survey of 825 citizens.
• Conducted 10 focus groups and analyzed the results.
• Organized six public open houses.
• Wrote, designed, produced and distributed public information materials including newspaper ads, a postcard meeting notice, display boards, PowerPoint presentation and a brochure.
• Planned and organized a media event at which Governor Gregoire announced the initiative.

Outcome

The public involvement efforts were successful, attracting approximately 600 individuals to six open houses; involving an additional 96 people through focus groups; and engaging Washington leaders through interviews about Puget Sound’s problems and potential solutions. The media event resulted in extensive coverage.

Work Examples

• Brochure about the Puget Sound Partnership.
  
• One of several news articles Cocker Fennessy helped to generate.e of several

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Updated 12-21-07