Tripepi Smith Offers Live Broadcasting Services

Posted by Melanie James on August 13, 2018

Tripepi Smith recently started offering Facebook Live Broadcast support as a part of its repertoire of marketing, technology and public affairs services. Organizations that wish to reach their communities with the latest social media technologies can now look to Tripepi Smith for help facilitating broadcasts.

“Live video has become very popular–and with good reason. It encourages people to participate in meetings from the comfort of their homes or to stay informed about important,” said Ryder Todd Smith, President of Tripepi Smith. “Tripepi Smith understands that this is a shift in the way that local government interacts with constituencies. We have invested in tools–microphones, cameras, lights–that enhance live broadcasts quality while also having the experience of successfully running. Instead, clients can focus on what matters most: their message and their community while we sweat the technology.”

Using live broadcasting technology, cities can engage constituents beyond the council chambers, often reaching more people than with an in-person meeting alone. Moreover, the video format can be more effective at conveying information about news and initiatives, such as public safety warnings and tax measures.

“Tripepi Smith’s presence made our first experience with Facebook Live positive. Because they took care of everything from set-up to relaying comments to our team, we were able to focus on our message and information,” said David Biggs, City Manager for the City of Hercules. “Plus, since it was recorded and stored on our Facebook Page for later viewing, residents could watch it when it was convenient for them. Overall, the City is pleased with how this broadcast went and with Tripepi Smith’s help.”

As a part of its commitment to delivering high quality services to its clients, Tripepi Smith uses a 4k MEVO camera and multi-mic audio system. During the broadcast, Tripepi Smith works behind the scenes to gather and organize incoming inquiries from viewers on the Facebook Live comment feed. Simultaneously, a Tripepi Smith team member monitors the Facebook Live to ensure that audio and visual quality remains consistent throughout the broadcast.

Tripepi Smith has facilitated live broadcasts of community forums and discussions for city clients including the cities of Rolling Hills Estates, Hercules and La Cañada Flintridge.

The Tripepi Smith team stands ready to help you with your live video broadcast efforts. Inquire about how we can help today.

About Tripepi Smith

Tripepi Smith is a marketing, technology and public affairs firm located in Orange County, CA. Its clients include for-profit, nonprofit and public agencies throughout the state of California. Its unique mix of marketing and technology prowess provide a competitive advantage for organizations seeking to leverage the Internet to achieve their communication goals. The firm also provides full content creation services, including: ghost writing, collateral development, photography, video production, search engine marketing, search engine optimization, email marketing campaigns and website design and execution. Tripepi Smith clients include: City of Culver City, City of Rolling Hills Estates, City of La Puente, City of Tracy, City of Cupertino, City of Duarte, City of Millbrae, City of Daly City, City of La Cañada Flintridge, City of Fountain Valley, City of Paramount, Rowland Water District, Valley Water Company, California Contract Cities Association, California City Management Foundation, League of California Cities, Institute for Local Government, Renne Public Law Group, Avenu Insights and Analytics, Inland Empire Utilities Agency and Climatec Energy Services.

Tripepi Smith President to Speak at WCMA Summer Conference

Posted by Melanie James on August 7, 2018

Tripepi Smith President Ryder Todd Smith has been invited to speak at the 2018 Washington City/County Management Association’s (WCMA) Summer Conference. In “Axioms & Social Media: How to Upgrade Your Social Media Strategy,” Ryder will cover key principles local government staff and leaders should know when navigating today’s communications environment.

“I’m honored speak to WCMA’s membership on communications for public agencies. WCMA foments thought leadership and has been an open partner for Tripepi Smith,” said Ryder. “I hope to share golden nuggets of wisdom and best practices that will inspire Washington’s local government leaders to see social media through a new lens. We all know social media is a volatile space for public agencies. My goal is to show people the tangible steps their agency can take to navigate today’s environment.”

Ryder will share his tried-and-true axioms, discuss social media as an engagement tool for local governments to make the greatest impact on their constituencies, identify the benefits of social media metrics and review how agencies can respond to social media feedback and complaints.

The “Axioms & Social Media: How to Upgrade Your Social Media Strategy” is scheduled from 9-10:15 a.m. on Thursday, August 16.

About Washington City/County Management Association (WCMA)

The primary goal of the Washington City/County Management Association is to increase the knowledge, proficiency, quality and professionalism of local government management by providing education, information, and support services to members and their agencies. Members include managers, administrators, and assistants of municipalities, counties, and other similar government agencies.

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Tripepi Smith Produces Duarte 2017 Public Opinion Survey Brochure

Posted by Melanie James on August 2, 2018

In December 2017, Tripepi Smith was engaged by the City of Duarte to produce an infographic-style brochure for its 2017 Public Opinion Survey. The survey provided qualitative and quantitative data that expresses Duarte residents’ perceptions of their quality of life, personal economic well-being, overall satisfaction and various civic issues. The instrument was administered by the Center for the Study of Los Angeles, Loyola Marymount University, who engaged approximately 400 Duarte residents and collected data through telephone and in-person interviews.

“We came to Tripepi Smith because we knew they would accomplish what we envisioned for this brochure. Duarte has quality services and service priorities, communication with residents and community events. The intention behind the brochure was to highlight this while reinforcing that Duarte is good place to live, be safe and raise a family,” said Karen A. Herrera, Deputy City Manager. “We wanted to use beautiful imagery and design to capture the spirit of our community and residents–Tripepi Smith made that happen.”

Building on a PowerPoint template about the community survey, previously presented to the City of Duarte’s City Council, Tripepi Smith’s task was to create a printed piece that highlighted key parts of the survey. The publication presented a dual challenge, requiring formatting that enabled it to be inserted into the Duarte City News, the City’s 24-page, magazine-style newsletter as well as to be produced as a stand-alone piece for distribution at City Hall and at other key venues.

Tripepi Smith Director Katherine Griffiths and Business Analyst Melanie James led the production process, working with staff to both capture the City’s voice and ensure that all design elements were strategically chosen. First, Tripepi Smith provided samples from which staff could select design elements that reflected their ideas. Next, the team pulled important figures from the original survey in its raw form and its complementary PowerPoint presentation. Last, using Duarte’s website as a branding style guide, Tripepi Smith wove together thoughtfully chosen fonts, colors and images with the data.

“Designer Melanie and I began by preparing a list of items to which the City of Duarte staff could respond,” said Griffiths, “with the hope that the examples would provide an overview of Tripepi Smith’s capacity for visual representation of data, and perhaps also guide a desired structure and format for the final brochure.”

The sample resources included two items to which the City responded enthusiastically: a one-page infographic created for the Inland Empire Utilities Agency along with a brochure created for Claremont McKenna College.

“We really liked the piece from Claremont McKenna,” said Herrera, “because it is a nice balance of photography, text and infographics. Additionally, the feel of the piece is more playful and more like marketing than straight facts and figures.”

The project resulted in a printed, tabloid-size publication that incorporated key data elements identified by the City staff along with a selection of the City’s excellent photo assets, which supplemented the presentation of the data within the brochure. James produced the design in two sizes: one slightly modified for bindery within the newsletter and another in a standard, bi-fold format.

“Creating the Duarte Public Opinion Survey brochure with Tripepi Smith was pleasant and had a quick turnaround. Katherine and Melanie made sure that our vision was met,” continued Herrera. “Both organized and attractive, the information has been presented so our residents can easily understand and find value in it. Overall, we are very happy with the brochure and Tripepi Smith!”

About the City of Duarte

The City of Duarte was incorporated on August 22, 1957. With integrity and transparency, the City provides exemplary public services in a caring and fiscally responsible manner with a commitment to our community’s future. For more information visit www.accessduarte.com or call (626) 357-7931. Follow the City of Duarte on Facebook at facebook.com/duartecommunity; Twitter @CityofDuarte; Instagram @city_of_duarte and LinkedIn.

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Tripepi Smith Delivers Express Communications Assessment to La Puente

Posted by Melanie James on July 10, 2018

Tripepi Smith has delivered an Express Communications Assessment report to the City of La Puente. The report documents Tripepi Smith’s review of the City’s existing communications efforts and provides recommendations to improve the City’s overall approach to communications and informing their residents.

“The City of La Puente has a growing economy and a residential population that wants to be informed and engaged with their neighbors. The City recognizes the importance of strong communications for an engaged community and is making prudent investments to help make that happen,” said David Carmany, City of La Puente City Manager. “Tripepi Smith is a recognized leader in city communications, so we turned to them for an outside perspective on how we can cost-effectively do better. Their report was thorough and cognizant of the unique characteristics of La Puente. We are eager to take action on Tripepi Smith’s recommendations and improve communication with our residents.”

To kickoff the assessment, Tripepi Smith led a three-hour onsite meeting with the City’s senior management team to understand the extent of the City’s current communications and gain insight into the team’s concerns and objectives. Tripepi Smith then gathered a range of data to understand the City’s audiences and reviewed the City’s existing digital communications platforms, print publications and potential communications outlets including local media and partner agencies.

“La Puente has a dedicated staff pursuing a higher quality of life for all residents and their efforts are apparent in the City’s many services. By choosing to improve its communications processes, the City is making a big stride towards a connected community that is engaged in the City’s happenings,” said Ryder Todd Smith, Tripepi Smith president. “La Puente is a community on the rise with a great story to tell. I am glad we could be a part of exploring how to better tell the story.”

Tripepi Smith’s Express Communications Assessment is a scaled-down version of the firm’s traditional Communications Assessment. While both assessments provide extensive insights, the express version expedites the timeline and reduces the number of people interviewed.

Tripepi Smith has also delivered communications assessment reports to the City of Duarte, City of Culver City, City of Paramount, City of Cupertino, City of Morgan Hill and City of Norwalk.

About La Puente

The City of La Puente, incorporated on August 1, 1956, is a community of more than 40,000 residents. Approximately 3.5 square miles, La Puente is located 20 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. La Puente is a general municipal city governed by the city council/city manager form of government. A mayor is elected annually by the council; the five-member council is elected by residents.

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Courtney Miller of Tripepi Smith is Hootsuite Certified

Posted by Melanie James on July 6, 2018

Senior Business Analyst Courtney Miller is the latest member of the TSA team to complete Hootsuite’s Social Marketing Certification Program. This certification strengthens TSA’s mission of ensuring that all team members are trained and certified in the most effective social marketing tools.

The Hootsuite Social Marketing certification course offers six preparation courses covering topics spanning community building, social media strategy, social media advertising, and content marketing. Participants are then required to pass a 60-question exam with a score of 80 percent or higher in order to be listed in Hootsuite’s “Certified Professionals Directory.”

Courtney, along with the rest of the TSA team, is now listed in the Directory, showcasing her proficiency in social media best practices and familiarity with multiple platforms.“ABL: Always Be Learning. It is a core motto of ours here at Tripepi Smith. Given how quickly things change in the digital world, we need to continue learning and growing so we stay ahead of the curve and add value for our clients. Courtney’s certification exemplifies this idea,” said Ryder Todd Smith, President of Tripepi Smith.

To view Courtney’s certification, please click/tap here.

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Tripepi Smith Renews Contract with Culver City

Posted by Melanie James on July 3, 2018

On June 11, 2018, the City of Culver City extended its contract with Tripepi Smith for strategic communication support services until June 2021, with an option for two additional one-year extensions. The engagement between Tripepi Smith and Culver City began in November 2016 when the marketing-technology-public affairs firm conducted a communications assessment for the City that ultimately led to a communications support agreement.

Tripepi Smith has co-led the City’s communication efforts, providing services including training staff on social media and email marketing best practices; identifying customer service and engagement opportunities; monitoring media coverage of the City on local, regional and national scales; developing relationships between the City and community organizations and local media; providing monthly reports on important community platform metrics; and advising on communications for City initiatives and during crises. Additionally, the City has enlisted Tripepi Smith for video production and graphic design services, such as guiding a voter education campaign.

“The City has focused on increasing transparency and community engagement, and the investments are paying off. Social media platforms have seen a dramatic rise in participation and reach, while content on the City’s website is being updated consistently,” said Jon Barilone, Director for Tripepi Smith. “This successful partnership is a team effort with staff, and I look forward to working with Culver City staff in the coming years.”

Under the new terms of agreement, Tripepi Smith will produce multiple press releases and a webpage for the City’s website each month in addition to the current scope of work related to social media management, media monitoring and strategic advice.

“Culver City has been one of Tripepi Smith’s greatest engagements because of the breadth of work we get to do in this community. The City has so many great stories to tell and a passionate public that engages with its government,” said Ryder Todd Smith, President of Tripepi Smith. “Cities should look to Culver City as an example of strong social media engagement and transparency initiatives. Their success is rooted in the Council and Staff’s commitment to these important principles.”

About Culver City

Culver City is a five-square-mile, urban community of 39,000 residents surrounded mostly by the City of Los Angeles but also shares a border with unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. It is centrally located on the Westside near Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and Los Angeles International Airport. Culver City is particularly known for its well-run public school system, “small town” charm, growing high-tech and creative economies, and a dynamic downtown that is regionally known as a destination for restaurants, live theater, and art galleries.

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Saara Lampwalla of Tripepi Smith Renews Constant Contact Certification

Posted by Melanie James on June 28, 2018

Tripepi Smith Junior Business Analyst Saara Lampwalla recently renewed her certification in Constant Contact. The renewed certification also cements Tripepi Smith’s status as a Constant Contact “Certified Solution Provider.”

Constant Contact is a mass email marketing software system that offers a one-stop-shop in designing and disseminating email marketing campaigns, surveys and event invitations. Additionally, the platform’s branding tools, data analytics and feedback mechanisms carry the potential to inform direction in strategy. In the local government sector, Constant Contact competes with GovDelivery and solutions integrated into website platforms like Civica and Vision Internet.

“Saara’s certification is a demonstration of her knowledge and skill in leveraging Constant Contact for the email marketing efforts of our clients and firm. All Tripepi Smith newsletters, event invitations and conference greetings are created with Constant Contact–we’ve found it to be extremely effective for keeping in touch with our community,” said Ryder Todd Smith, Tripepi Smith president. “The professional and tactical development of our team is what makes Tripepi Smith so successful. We will always invest in our team so we can provide the utmost value to our clientele.”

View or Sign up for Tripepi Smith’s newsletter to see what Constant Contact is capable of for your agency. Tripepi Smith is a Constant Contact Certified Solution Provider and six-time winner of the Constant Contact All Star Award. Our team stands ready to help you with your email marketing campaign efforts. Inquire about how we can help today.

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Lakeport Enlists Tripepi Smith for Communications Calendar Development

Posted by Melanie James on June 6, 2018

When the City of Lakeport wanted to improve their outreach efforts to the community the first call they made was to Tripepi Smith.

“I have been reading Tripepi Smith ideas for years and had seen Ryder present at conferences. The firm really understands cities and the engagement challenges of a community,” noted Margaret Silveira, City of Lakeport City Manager. “Tripepi Smith delivered. In one morning they helped our senior management team create a 12-month outline of key communication opportunities that can guide our outreach work. It was great.”

Tripepi Smith’s Communication Calendar process has become one of the most popular services offered by the firm. The two to three-hour sessions involve city senior staff focusing their attention on unique ways that each department can connect with residents and help them better understand their function. The session often breaks down silos between departments, identifying new collaboration opportunities. Typically, cities revisit the discussion on a quarterly basis to keep ideas fresh and revisit recent successes and missed opportunities.

“There is a deep hunger for more effective communication and engagement in cities everywhere I go. Councils are seeing social media generate unprecedented expectations of immediate and transparent communications from local government which requires work and planning. Our Communications Calendar process is a starting point for a communication roadmap in a public agency,” said Ryder Todd Smith, principal at Tripepi Smith. “I had never been to Lakeport and only spent a bit of time in Lake County. It is beautiful there, and Lakeport has real gems. Between the waterfront park, a community who is supportive of the progress of the City, and an active council there is a lot going right in the Lakeport.”

The work in Lakeport raised some unique traits about the community:

- It has several quintessential American experiences such as small town parades, Shakespeare in the Park and a Charles Dickens Night to kick off the Christmas season.
- The community takes a lot of pride in its remote location and independence, factors that contributed to the overwhelming support of Measure Z, a sales tax that generates significant new funds to support the independent operation of the City.
- The area has an exploding wine tourism industry that is benefiting from a halo effect of Sonoma County, yet the lower costs and less commercialized operations give the area an important market distinction.
- Lakeport is a destination for some of the most unique car shows, float plane gatherings and high-speed bicycle racing in the United States.

About Lakeport

Incorporated in 1888, Lakeport is Lake County’s oldest town. Fronting on Clearlake–the largest lake in California–the City offers an escape from the hurried pace of the Bay Area, unlimited lake activities and stunning vistas. Approximately 4,800 people call Lakeport home and experience a full service city, close knit community and live every day to the fullest in this quiet place on the lake.

About Tripepi Smith

Ryder Todd Smith to Speak at MMASC AC 2017

Posted by Saara Lampwalla on October 19, 2017

Tripepi Smith President Ryder Todd Smith and Bob Murray & Associates President Valerie Gaeta Phillips will take the stage at the Municipal Management Association of Southern California (MMASC) Annual Conference to discuss how city staff and officials can leverage their online reputations to stand out from the crowd and land their dream jobs.

The session, titled “Standing Out from the Crowd with Your Online Reputation,” will be from 3 to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 25 at the San Diego Marriott in La Jolla.

“As we delve deeper into the digital age, the importance of a strong, professional online reputation is only growing. This is all the more true for those in the public eye, who can expect that a recruiter’s first step is to search their name,” said Ryder. “I’m honored to speak alongside Valerie and teach these folks how they can ensure that recruiters see their best side.”

Ryder is frequently sought after for his expertise on public agency use of social media and general public agency communications. He has previously spoken at conferences for the California Contract Cities Association, Municipal Management Association of Northern California, Municipal Management Association of Southern California, International City County Management Association, the League of California Cities North Bay Division, Orange County City Managers Association and Stanford University’s California Local Governance Summer Institute.

Tripepi Smith is a marketing, technology, and public affairs firm located in Orange County, California. Its clients include for-profit, nonprofit, and public agencies throughout the State. Through a unique mix of marketing and technology prowess, Tripepi Smith provides a competitive advantage for organizations seeking to leverage the Internet to achieve their communication goals. The firm also provides full content creation services, including: ghostwriting, collateral development, photography, video production, search engine marketing, search engine optimization, email marketing campaigns and website design and execution. The firm is one of the fastest growing public affairs firms in California.

About MMASC

MMASC is one of the oldest and the largest associations of its kind in the nation and is recognized by both the International City / County Management Association (ICMA) and the League of California Cities. The organization’s more than 700 members represent local governments serving an estimated 22 million residents.

The membership is composed of city managers, HR directors, analysts, graduate students, interns, executive recruiters, private sector consultants, non-profit managers, county administrators, and special district professionals representing local governments within a nine-county area of Southern California. MMASC was formed in 1953 to address the professional needs of local government employees and their private sector counterparts.

Tripepi Smith Renews Sponsorship of CCMF

Posted by Melanie James on September 13, 2017

The California City Management Foundation announced that Tripepi Smith has renewed their commitment to supporting the state’s city management community with another year as a Corporate Benefactor sponsor. Tripepi Smith is a marketing, technology and public affairs firm located in Orange County, CA. Its clients include for-profit, non-profit and public agencies throughout the state of California. Its unique mix of marketing and technology prowess provide a competitive advantage for organizations seeking to leverage the Internet to achieve their communication goals. The firm also provides full content creation services, including: ghost writing, collateral development, photography, video production, search engine marketing, search engine optimization, email marketing campaigns and website design and execution. Learn more at www.tripepismith.com.

“Tripepi Smith has offered steady support to CCMF as both a Corporate Benefactor sponsor and a communications partner to the Foundation. Their dedication to serving California’s local government agencies is clear, and CCMF relies on their team to help us keep CCMF members informed of city manager news in California and our member-only services.” – Wade McKinney, CCMF President

CCMF corporate sponsors enjoy a number of benefits including sponsorship recognition on the CCMF website, access to the CCMF weekly electronic newsletter, and invitations to members-only activities and special events at the annual League of California Cities City Manager Department conference. Corporate membership fees start at just $1,250. Click/tap here to learn more.