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September 23, 2009
SILGA Convention gets a few tips on media smarts
What’s said to the media remains on the record, forever. So it’s best to be prepared and responsible.
That was the message of keynote speaker Chris Gibson at the Southern Interior Local Government Association (SILGA) Convention, April 29 to May 1 in Osoyoos. A marketing and communications specialist who spent more than a decade as a broadcaster, Gibson (in photo with BC Hydro’s Jeanette Hoft) stressed that effective communication doesn't just happen, it’s carefully planned.
The SILGA convention brought together elected officials from municipalities and regional districts all over the Southern Interior. As a main sponsor, BC Hydro helped make possible Gibson’s presentation on media relations.
Addressing the convention theme “From the Roots Up,” BC Hydro Community Relations and Power Smart provided delegates with practical advice on Power Smart initiatives. Myles Gregory, Power Smart Specialist, delivered a presentation on the specifics of being Power Smart.
With so much pressure on conservation and sustainability, community leaders are looking for practical advice and other support to make their community development plans a reality.
"The SILGA convention was an excellent opportunity to network with other local government officials and business representatives such as BC Hydro," said Noreen Guenther, a Union of BC Municipalities director at large, SILGA first vice-president and councillor for Lake Country.
Guenther is also the UBCM’s representative on BC Hydro’s Electricity Conservation and Efficiency (EC&E) Advisory Committee.
"Best practice initiatives, climate change issues and solid resolutions to UBCM from the region resulted from the convention in Osoyoos," she said. "I look forward to my role on the EC&E, and am committed to finding effective ways BC Hydro, local governments, and other stakeholders can work together to encourage societal changes that will result in net reduction of energy demands and greenhouse gases in the province of British Columbia."
About this region
The Thompson Okanagan Columbia (TOC) Region features a greatly diverse geographical landscape. Stretching from Valemount in the North to Osoyoos in the South, Lytton in the west and Donald in the east, our demarcated region also includes what is traditionally referred to as the West Kootenays.
We utilize the natural energy of the mighty Columbia River to generate a large portion of B.C.’s electricity. Our dams include Mica, which forms Kinbasket Reservoir, Hugh Keenleyside, which forms Arrow Lakes Reservoir and Duncan Dam.
BC Hydro generating plants are situated at Mica, Revelstoke, Kootenay Canal, Walter Hardman and Whatshan.
