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As you know, Mayor Daniel (Dan) Clodfelter was appointed Mayor of Charlotte back in April. Since he has had some time to settle into his role, we thought it’d be a great time to pick his brain a little and learn more about him. Here’s what Mayor Clodfelter had to say…
What are the key areas you’re concentrating on to better Charlotte? How did you choose them?
At present, I’m interested in three broad themes. One focuses on how we can continue to diversify our local economy and build a strong infrastructure to support entrepreneurial enterprises in our City, especially for businesses that emphasize innovative products and services. A second theme centers on strengthening regional partnerships with surrounding cities and counties, with a view toward developing ways to address challenges on a regional basis even when the State government is unable to do so on a statewide basis. A third area involves my longstanding interest in building and supporting strong neighborhoods that are resistant to social and physical decay and that can serve as the focal points for delivery of city services and programs. I believe all three of these are critical for Charlotte to be and to remain a resilient and adaptable City in the decades ahead of us.
What is one thing you want Charlotteans to know about you?
I think I became a “Charlottean” many years ago as a student at Davidson College and long before I finally settled here. I love the sense of pride that people have for this city and how they back it up with an incredible willingness to roll up their sleeves and go to work whenever there is a challenge or an opportunity confronting the community.
How do you balance your role as an attorney with that of the mayor?
Balancing my law practice with the role of mayor has its challenging moments, but I’ve found a system that works well. Certain days are blocked off entirely for the city, and other days I devote entirely to the law practice. I continue to believe there is value in having people serve in elected office who also maintain a work life that is not dependent on political involvement. I find that combination helps me keep a more balanced perspective on “things political.”
You’re coming up on six months as Charlotte mayor. What have you learned about working with the local media?
There are many more influencers on media and reporting than when I served on city council in the 1990s. Deadlines are tighter, the 24 hour news cycle never stops, and social media plays a major role now in shaping stories and news reports. I encourage reporters to grab me when I am out and about at different events, or if I’m already scheduled to attend some occasion or speak to some group. That may be the easiest way to catch me. Of course, they can always contact my office to request an interview, and I will do my best to make myself available to them.
If marketing/communications professionals would like you to attend their event, what do they need to do?
Please make initial contact with Peggy Huffman ([email protected]), who handles scheduling for the Mayor’s office. When sending an email, I recommend attaching background or a press kit on your company/organization so that I can fully understand your mission, goals, etc. While I wish I could participate in all of your events, unfortunately my schedule won’t always allow it. It’s best to submit your event request with as much advance notice as possible to increase the likelihood of my being able to participate. Mondays and Tuesdays are typically the best days for my schedule. If I’m unable to attend, we may have the opportunity to send someone else to represent the Mayor’s office.
We wouldn’t be doing our job if we didn’t ask. Do you intend on running in 2015?
At this time I haven’t made a definite decision as to whether or not I will run for election in 2015. I’m mainly focused on doing the job at hand, working with the City Council to articulate its collective vision for the City, and the community’s vision for itself. I’m trying to keep a sense of how the Council and community feel about the work I’m doing, and I’ll settle on a decision at a time a little closer to the filing period.
We would like to give a special thanks to Ashley Simmons, the press secretary for the office of the mayor, for facilitating our Q&A with Mayor Clodfelter.
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Join us as we kick off TWO new things in Charlotte. #1: a brand new special interest group – CAMAComm and #2: a unique all-in-one trio in South End. Enjoy some craft beer and tasty bar bites while getting to know other communication professionals, share best practices (and war stories), and just have fun!
Why? Because it’s new. You’re a trend setter. You want to be “in the know.”
November 12, 2014
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Craft Tasting Room & Growler Shop
REGISTER HERE
What is CAMAComm?
Presented by Pivot PR, CAMAComm is American Marketing Association’s newest small group series targeting marketers in the communications field who specialize in marketing communications, communications and/or public relations. We’re the ones that create and execute a strategy utilizing written and verbal communications for a brand or company (or at an agency). We serve as the “voice,” ensuring all communications — from websites and social media to collateral and media materials — align with overall brand/company strategy. If this sounds like you, please join us.
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On our agency’s one year anniversary, I’m very proud to introduce you to our next brainchild, Charlotte Media Exchange (CMX). Powered by Pivot PR, CMX is a communications platform designed for marketing professionals, subject matter experts and media to connect on hyperlocal stories in Charlotte.
You are interested in getting your company more media exposure, right? Well, here’s your chance! If you’d like to position yourself or your colleagues as experts available for interview, or receive inquiries from the local media, sign up below. It’s free!
If you’re a Pivot PR client you’ll find yourself already listed and we’ll be monitoring for you. CMX is yet another perk of working with us. But, for those of you who are not clients be sure to set, “My Alerts” so you’ll receive all appropriate media opportunities via email, based on your preferences.
There is nothing else like this in Charlotte. With your help I believe CMX has the potential to change how media relations is done in this town. Enjoy. And, please let me know if you have any questions or suggestions in making CMX even better!
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I had the pleasure of sitting down with Natalie Dick, a former reporter and now VP of Communications and Research at the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce. Natalie had several useful tips and advice for working with the Chamber. Please see our Q&A below…
What kind of marketing and communication opportunities exist for Chamber members?
There are so many ways the Chamber can help promote your organization; from press conferences, ribbon cuttings, the member news section of our website, weekly e-newsletter, monthly publication and social channels. We also get inquiries from the media and I can help connect our members that way too. If you do a great job, and turn around and get them the information they need, they’ll usually come back for more!
Nice! Speaking of press conferences, I’m curious to get your general thoughts on them and what circumstances are they warranted?
Press conferences don’t always have to be big job or economic development announcements. They could be about diversity, entrepreneurship, revitalization, an exciting industry, partnerships, etc. The basic ingredients are to have something unique and be able to provide visuals.
Keep in mind timing can be a factor, though. I prefer to hold press conferences midweek and midmorning. As a former reporter, I know that assignment desks have more flexibility at certain times of the day, and Tuesdays or Wednesdays generally seem to be a good bet in the news cycle. That said, if it is a big enough announcement, why not take advantage of pairing the announcement with regular news programing. One thing our clients have really appreciated is to live stream the announcements. That gives the employees who will soon be moving to Charlotte a chance to see the announcement as it unfolds.
Are the announcing companies expected to have their own media kit?
I would recommend it. I’ll send out the actual media advisory since it’s held by the Chamber and I have those relationships, but it never hurts for the company to come prepared with additional information like company background, bios, press releases, contact information, photos, key supporting facts, product/service demos, etc.
What is one piece of advice you can give to marketing folks in Charlotte?
If you represent a small to midsize company in Charlotte there is a place for you at the Charlotte Chamber. In fact, 80 percent of our members fit into that category. There are so many different programs, initiatives and committees available. You just need to get involved.
As you know, Mayor Daniel (Dan) Clodfelter was appointed Mayor of Charlotte back in April. Since he has had some time to settle into his role, we thought it’d be a great time to pick his brain a little and learn more about him. Here’s what Mayor Clodfelter had to say…
