We did it. Thanks to you.

Thanks to your support and involvement in Gov 2.0, OCTA won the top award for new media from the California Association of Public Information Officers (CAPIO) last week.

John Pope, media relations manager for the Port of Long Beach and awards judge, shared his thoughts about OCTA’s proactive cost-effective social media program.

“OCTA stood out to the judges in this competitive category of social media,” said John Pope, communications manager from the Port of Long Beach. “Everything you’ve done in social media is so extensive and really showed a lot of leadership. You went forward very proactively with great research and implemented an outstanding program with a real focus on evaluating results.”

It truly is about public engagement, and you've been a big part of helping us cultivate community.

“This award is dedicated to our social media friends,” said OCTA’s Kristin Johnson. “When Ted and I went up on stage to receive the award, I thought about being part of an amazing community.”

After the award ceremony, OCTA’s Johnson and Ted Nguyen presented the new media program to conference goers.

“As a public agency serving Orange County's taxpayers, we can’t help but share with others in government and public agencies because OCTA cares about enhancing the community,” said Nguyen, OCTA public communications and media relations manager. “That’s the point of it all — to help each other ‘get’ social media and share it.”

This year’s competitive field included nearly 200 award submissions with 42 awards presented in various communications programs such as community newsletters, public safety, special events, etc.

The professional group has more than 300 member agencies ranging from school districts, cities, counties, water and air pollution control districts, parks and open space districts, private communications firms, municipal television channels, police and fire departments.

For nearly 40 years, CAPIO has advanced the public information and communications profession to improve customer satisfaction in local government and the private sector.

OCTA’s public communications team wants to thank the social media community for helping put Orange County on the social media map.

This award is for you!

Kristin Johnson (@BaxterSpeaks) and Ted Nguyen (@TedNguyen) celebrate the award from the California Association of Public Information Officers (CAPIO) last Thursday. We couldn't have come so far without the help of our social media friends.

Join OCTA’s Ted Nguyen and Kristin Johnson as they pick up the state award for new media. They weren't the only representatives from Orange County — Kris Concepcion, Orange County Fire Authority battalion chief, won the top award for a public safety program. The city of Laguna Beach placed third place for its website.

With hands-on experience with social media, OCTA’s Kristin Johnson and Ted Nguyen share their insights and enthusiasm with public information officers from throughout California.

A Gov. 2.0 panel features new media strategies and thought-provoking insights from a nationally recognized strategist from Washington, D.C. and Southern California’s local social media enthusiasts. Orange Mayor Carolyn Cavecche recognizes the Orange County group for helping lead the nation in enhancing citizen engagement.
 
 

Representatives from O.C. governments and public agencies join social media practitioners to learn best practices for Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.


A music slideshow captures memories of Gov. 2.0 participants sharing information and taking initial steps to forge a vibrant social media community.

 
 

With a little help from our friends...

  
 

Adriel Hampton
Alexandra Spencer
Annmarie Hill
Beverly Macy
Bob Fine
Cathy Hillen Rhulloda
Craig James
Debbie Miller
Deborah Micek
Diana Wei
Elmira Karimzadeh
Jason Rosenthal
Joel Bishop
John F. Moore
Jonathan Lanser
Justin Moore-Brown
Kevin Sablan
Loren Nason
Madison Chetwood
Marie Nordhues
Marieke Hensel
Marisa O’Neil

Mark Davidson
Mark Drapeau
Matt Prince
May Oo
Megan Enloe
Michele Mattia
Mirna Baird
Morgan Brown
Neal Schaffer
Paul Tran
Reggie Escalante
Ric Dizon
Rochelle Veturis
Ross Teasley
Ryan Maloney
Sarah Swensson
Simon Oh
Steve Rin
Steven Chan
Tami Abdollah
Vitamin OC gang
Wayne Moses Burke ... and many others!