3CMA COMMcast: Recent Episodes
City-County Communications & Marketing Association
Get a sneak peek at three of the inspiring keynote sessions coming to the 2026 3CMA Annual Conference in Denver!In this episode, we sit down with Julie Parker, Joseph Beaver, and Cara Lenz to preview the ideas, strategies, and practical takeaways they'll be sharing during this year's conference. You'll hear about: Julie Parker – Yellow Means Go: Leading Through Communication When Silence Isn't an Option * Joseph Beaver – Designing for Trust: How Visual Communication Builds Public Confidence * Cara Lenz – How We Show Up Matters – The Quiet Power of Presence and Influence*
Whether you're already registered or still considering attending, this episode offers a preview of the thought-provoking conversations and actionable insights waiting for you in Denver. Tune in and discover why this year's keynote lineup is one you won't want to miss! #3CMACOMMCAST #3CMAAnnual #WeGetGov
Get a sneak peek at three of the inspiring keynote sessions coming to the 2026 3CMA Annual Conference in Denver!In this episode, we sit down with Julie Parker, Joseph Beaver, and Cara Lenz to preview the ideas, strategies, and practical takeaways they'll be sharing during this year's conference. You'll hear about: Julie Parker – Yellow Means Go: Leading Through Communication When Silence Isn't an Option * Joseph Beaver – Designing for Trust: How Visual Communication Builds Public Confidence * Cara Lenz – How We Show Up Matters – The Quiet Power of Presence and Influence*
Whether you're already registered or still considering attending, this episode offers a preview of the thought-provoking conversations and actionable insights waiting for you in Denver. Tune in and discover why this year's keynote lineup is one you won't want to miss! #3CMACOMMCAST #3CMAAnnual #WeGetGov
Get an inside look at the upcoming 2026 3CMA Annual Conference with Conference Chair Catherine Glasby from Chatham County, GA.
In this episode of 3CMA COMMCAST, Catherine shares what attendees can expect in Denver, including breakout sessions, pre-conference workshops, keynote presentations, networking opportunities and evening events designed to help local government communicators connect, learn and recharge.
From professional development and emerging trends to the energy and collaboration that make the 3CMA Annual Conference so unique, this preview highlights why the conference continues to be one of the premier events for city and county communicators across the country.
3cma#WeGetGov
Get an inside look at the upcoming 2026 3CMA Annual Conference with Conference Chair Catherine Glasby from Chatham County, GA.
In this episode of 3CMA COMMCAST, Catherine shares what attendees can expect in Denver, including breakout sessions, pre-conference workshops, keynote presentations, networking opportunities and evening events designed to help local government communicators connect, learn and recharge.
From professional development and emerging trends to the energy and collaboration that make the 3CMA Annual Conference so unique, this preview highlights why the conference continues to be one of the premier events for city and county communicators across the country.
3cma#WeGetGov
3CMA COMMCAST 065 - So You Want to Put on a Regional Conference?While the 3CMA Annual Conference is the highlight of our year, Regional Conferences play an important role in bringing members together at the local level. These events create opportunities to spotlight regional issues, share ideas, and build connections that strengthen local government communicators from across the country. In this COMMAST, hear from two 3CMA members who have organized Regional Conferences this year. They’ll share what it takes to plan and execute a successful event - from logistics and programming to lessons learned along the way - and offer practical guidance for bringing a Regional Conference to your area. #3CMARegional #3CMACOMMCAST #WeGetGov
3CMA COMMCAST 065a - So You Want to Put on a Regional Conference?While the 3CMA Annual Conference is the highlight of our year, Regional Conferences play an important role in bringing members together at the local level. These events create opportunities to spotlight regional issues, share ideas, and build connections that strengthen local government communicators from across the country. In this COMMAST, hear from two 3CMA members who have organized Regional Conferences this year. They’ll share what it takes to plan and execute a successful event - from logistics and programming to lessons learned along the way - and offer practical guidance for bringing a Regional Conference to your area. #3CMARegional #3CMACOMMCAST #WeGetGov
Today, we’re going beyond the final product and digging into how a winning Savvy entry actually comes together. Whether you’re a one-person shop wearing all the hats, or part of a larger team, there’s always a strategy behind the success. Joining us is Meredith Haynes from the City of McKinney, Texas, to break down how their team built a winning approach - from concept to execution - and to share a few practical tips you can use to elevate your own entries. #3CMACOMMCAST #3CMASavvy #WeGetGov
Today, we’re going beyond the final product and digging into how a winning Savvy entry actually comes together. Whether you’re a one-person shop wearing all the hats, or part of a larger team, there’s always a strategy behind the success. Joining us is Meredith Haynes from the City of McKinney, Texas, to break down how their team built a winning approach - from concept to execution - and to share a few practical tips you can use to elevate your own entries. #3CMACOMMCAST #3CMASavvy #WeGetGov
3CMA COMMCAST 063: What Wants to Be a Mentor!!
When you were coming up as a young government communicator, was there someone you could count on for advice or someone to bounce ideas off of? Those of us that were lucky to have mentors can credit them with showing us the career path in the myriad duties that comprise this job.
Is that something you're up for?
In this episode of 3CMA COMMCAST, four members share their insights into the 3CMA CONNECT Mentorship Program.
And, BTW, we need good MENTORS!!
3CMA COMMCAST 063: What Wants to Be a Mentor!!
When you were coming up as a young government communicator, was there someone you could count on for advice or someone to bounce ideas off of? Those of us that were lucky to have mentors can credit them with showing us the career path in the myriad duties that comprise this job.
Is that something you're up for?
In this episode of 3CMA COMMCAST, four members share their insights into the 3CMA CONNECT Mentorship Program.
And, BTW, we need good MENTORS!!
In this episode of 3CMA COMMCAST, we explore the continued value of printed newsletters in an increasingly digital communication landscape. While many municipalities rely heavily on online tools, print remains a trusted and effective way to reach residents—especially those who may not engage through digital channels. This conversation features Kim Overholt (Loveland, CO), Ben Hayle (Blaine, MN), and Laura Shepard (Vancouver, WA), who share how printed newsletters continue to support accessibility, visibility, and community trust. They discuss when and why print still works, how it complements digital strategies, and what they’ve learned by maintaining a balanced communications approach. #3CMACOMMCAST #WeGetGov
Find out in this Member Profile how your current 3CMA President, Chris Floore, runs almost as fast as he reads. During this in-depth discussion, Chris will share his perspective on the role of government communicators as storytellers and outline some of the extreme measures his team has taken to tell the story of Macon-Bibb County, Georgia.
AUDIO ONLY: Find out in this Member Profile how your current 3CMA President, Chris Floore, runs almost as fast as he reads. During this in-depth discussion, Chris will share his perspective on the role of government communicators as storytellers and outline some of the extreme measures his team has taken to tell the story of Macon-Bibb County, Georgia.
3CMA COMMCAST 059 | Not Everything Stays in Vegas - 2025 Annual Conference RecapJoin us as we take a winning stroll down the Las Vegas Strip to revisit the unforgettable moments of the 2025 3CMA Annual Conference, held at Planet Hollywood. From inspiring general sessions to engaging workshops and high-energy networking events, this year’s theme — High Stakes. High Impact. Winning Strategies for City & County Communications — came to life in every way. Whether you were learning, connecting, or celebrating at the Savvy Awards, there’s something for everyone to relive. Dive in and enjoy a visual recap of this incredible event! #3CMACOMMCAST #WeGetGov #3CMAAnnual
Catch up with what's going down at 3CMA as autumn kicks in across the country. From mentoring opportunities to webinars, Government Comms Day, and even info on next year's conference and Savvy competition, we've got it here. Be sure to stay tuned for a special preview of the "2025 Las Vegas Annual Conference Recap" coming soon.
Catch up with what's going down at 3CMA as autumn kicks in across the country. From mentoring opportunities to webinars, Government Comms Day, and even info on next year's conference and Savvy competition, we've got it here. Be sure to stay tuned for a special preview of the "2025 Las Vegas Annual Conference Recap" coming soon.
So many of our colleagues are venturing into the wonderful world of podcasting, many with really good results in connecting with their communities. Three municipalities in different parts of the country share the story of their podcast journey, from Santa Clarita CA to Franklin County NC with a stop along the way at Montgomery Township PA.
3CMA COMMCAST 056: Kerrville - In the aftermath of the catastrophic Fourth of July flooding in the Texas Hill Country, 12 of our members volunteered to help man the Joint Information Center that was set up in the epicenter of Kerrville. Hear from four of those members who will relate their stories, perspectives and key takeaways that every member can use for emergency preparedness. This is a lengthy one so be sure to download the audio-only link if a listen during the commute works better.
Meet California's legendary communicator, Maurice Chaney, who loves to travel, hates to fly and has led an extraordinary career from Sacramento to Roseville.
Meet California's legendary communicator, Maurice Chaney, who loves to travel, hates to fly and has led an extraordinary career from Sacramento to Roseville.
Does your City recycle? Conserve water?
Congratulations! You're engaging in Sustainability in its most common form.
This edition of COMMCAST welcomes noted author and sustainability expert, Anna Clark, to talk about what "sustainability" really means and how you can undertake communicating it effectively.
Does your City recycle? Conserve water?
Congratulations! You're engaging in Sustainability in its most common form. This edition of COMMCAST welcomes noted author and sustainability expert, Anna Clark, to talk about what "sustainability" really means and how you can undertake communicating it effectively.
See how to safely and sanely secure yourself a Savvy on this year's stage with this special show that sketches the special sauce that will put a sizzle on your team's stock.
See how to safely and sanely secure yourself a Savvy on this year's stage with this show that sketches the special sauce that will put a sizzle on your team's stock.
Who juggles two books at once and has crafted a career that's just right? Join us for a fun and insightful conversation with 3CMA President Annette Privette Keller as she shares her "Goldilocks" journey in government communications!
Who juggles two books at once and has crafted a career that's just right? Join us for a fun and insightful conversation with 3CMA President Annette Privette Keller as she shares her "Goldilocks" journey in government communications!
Catch up on all things 3CMA! In this episode, we cover the Annual Conference, Savvy Awards, Webinars, COMMCASTS, the 3CMA Store, and Government Communicators Day! Don’t miss out on the latest updates!
Catch up on all things 3CMA! In this episode, we cover the Annual Conference, Savvy Awards, Webinars, COMMCASTS, the 3CMA Store, and Government Communicators Day! Don’t miss out on the latest updates!
How many of your local government communications colleagues played professional basketball? Now, how many of them played in New Zealand, Belgium and France?
Meet the City of Houston's Ryan Prillman in this 3CMA COMMCAST Member Profile.
What Happens When a Crisis Comms Operation is Based on a Myth? Hear from Springfield, Ohio Director of Communications Karen Graves on how a political narrative impacted her community.
What Happens When a Crisis Comms Operation is Based on a Myth? Hear from Springfield, Ohio Director of Communications Karen Graves on how a political narrative impacted her community.
3CMA COMMCAST 047: Arlington Revisited - Take a brief stroll down Nolan Ryan Expressway to relive the highlights of the 2024 3CMA Annual Conference at the Loews Arlington Hotel. There are about 300 photos here so chances are your face is in one of them!
What happens when a promising or established career in local government communications is suddenly interrupted by politics, budgets, or other outside factors? Hear from one 3CMA member who abruptly lost her job earlier this year and what she’s done to now call that turn of events “a gift.”
What happens when a promising or established career in local government communications is suddenly interrupted by politics, budgets, or other outside factors? Hear from one 3CMA member who abruptly lost her job earlier this year and what she’s done to now call that turn of events “a gift.”
Find out how 3CMA President Jennifer Bennerotte sometimes moonlights at the King of Pop, the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Woman and Harley Quinn, among others in this insightful and informative 3CMA Member Profile of one of the most experienced and progressive professionals in our business.
Find out how 3CMA President Jennifer Bennerotte sometimes moonlights at the King of Pop, the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Woman and Harley Quinn, among others in this insightful and informative 3CMA Member Profile of one of the most experienced and progressive professionals in our business.
3CMA COMMCAST 044a: 2024 Conference Preview in Five Minutes Flat - If you needed any encouragement to come to Arlington for the 2024 3CMA Annual Conference, take five minutes out of your day for this edition of Commcast! And, yes, it’s five minutes flat.
3CMA COMMCAST 044: 2024 Conference Preview in Five Minutes Flat - If you needed any encouragement to come to Arlington for the 2024 3CMA Annual Conference, take five minutes out of your day for this edition of Commcast! And, yes, it’s five minutes flat.
While many 3CMA members also benefit from the many robust state associations of government communicators around the nation, others are hoping to form such groups. Hear from three states that are doing it well, how they serve their members and what you can do to get involved in your state.
While many 3CMA members also benefit from the many robust state associations of government communicators around the nation, others are hoping to form such groups. Hear from three states that are doing it well, how they serve their members and what you can do to get involved in your state.
It’s Savvy Season! Find out the TOP FIVE factors that can help put your Savvy entry over the top. NOW AVAILABLE IN BOTH VIDEO AND AUDIO FORMATS (also on Apple Podcasts).
It’s Savvy Season! Find out the TOP FIVE factors that can help put your Savvy entry over the top. NOW AVAILABLE IN BOTH VIDEO AND AUDIO FORMATS (also on Apple Podcasts).
3CMA COMMCAST 041: Generation Gap - If you’re new at the job, ever wonder what kind of wisdom can be gleaned from our more seasoned members. How about what the youngsters among us could teach those of us that actually once used a typewriter? This episode of Commcast bridges that generation gap with a great conversation between members on each end of that spectrum - Our millennial is Josh Gonzalez from the City of Kent WA while our boomer is Ann Tennes, recently retired from the City of Skokie IL.
3CMA COMMCAST 041: Generation Gap - If you’re new at the job, ever wonder what kind of wisdom can be gleaned from our more seasoned members. How about what the youngsters among us could teach those of us that actually once used a typewriter? This episode of Commcast bridges that generation gap with a great conversation between members on each end of that spectrum - Our millennial is Josh Gonzalez from the City of Kent WA while our boomer is Ann Tennes, recently retired from the City of Skokie IL.
The 3CMA Board of Directors and Staff share their reflections on 2023 as well as their secret holiday indulgences and guilty pleasures. And not one of them mentioned Hallmark movies (although Taylor Swift did come up).
Take 10 minutes and enjoy!
Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from 3CMA!
We all have emergency communications plans, but what happens when the plan goes out the window in the face of a previously unimaginable crisis? Lauren Henrie is the Comms Specialist for Maui Rescue Mission and tells us about messaging Maui during the deadly August wildfires.
3CMA COMMCAST 036: Orlando Revisited
The 2023 conference is in the books as the biggest and best gathering of public sector communicators in 3CMA’s 35 year history. Whether you were there to help shape the experience, or especially if you weren’t able to join us, please enjoy this retrospective look back at Orlando as we simultaneously look forward to 2024 in Arlington, Texas. BONUS POINTS: Not counting crowds there are 158 faces featured in the various clips and pix. Extra credit if you find yourself (literally or existentially).
3CMA COMMCAST 032: It may a brisk 102 outside, but the Communications Plans being written at the Certified Public Communicator Program are very cool. Commcast goes to CPC in this installment of the non-award-winning podcast.
3CMA COMMCAST 031: Orlando Annual Conference Preview - Everything You Ever Needed to Know about Coming To Orlando in September … And Then Some.
Do you like theme parks, roller coasters, palm trees, warm breezes, good food, good friends, excellent networking and the best professional learning experience of the year? Yes? Well, we've got you covered.
April Michael and Kelly Allen from the City of Orlando tell us all the reasons we want to be in central Florida while the 3CMA Staff - Scott, Cathryn and Michelle - fill us in on what’s happening at the conference.
3CMA COMMCAST 029: Member Profile Ari Lyksett of Chanhassen MN. Have you wondered if the future of our profession is in good hands? Are you not sure if our newer members fully comprehend the nuance of the business? Meet Ari Lyksett of Chanhassen MN and rest easy with this member profile of an up-and-coming leader in local government comms.
3CMA COMMCAST 028: HOW’D THEY DO IT? Hear from 10 of last year’s Savvy Winners about what make their entry stand out, what was the secret sauce? Plus Savvy Chair Jennifer Bennerotte fills everyone in on the nuts and bolts of the program. Must-See TV for Savvy Season!
3CMA COMMCAST 027: ANNOUNCING CONNECT COHORT 4 WITH A MENTORSHIP UPDATE - Hear how 3CMA Legacy Melody Mileur is faring with her 3CMA Connect-inspired job connection in Germany.
3CMA COMMCAST 026 - Member Profile: Decatur GA’s Renae Jackson. Find out what a Community Engagement Manager is and why Decatur once had a popsicle war on the square in this COMMCAST Member Profile of Renae Jackson.
3CMA COMMCAST 025: Headline News - There’s a lot going on at 3CMA in 2023, find out about conferences, awards, scholarships, training, webinars mentorships and nuclear physics … OK, all but one of those.
3CMA COMMCAST 024 - What do you remember most about 2022 and what are you looking forward to in 2023? The 3CMA Board of Directors and staff share their thoughts in this special year-end podcast.
3CMA COMMCAST 023: What happens when you actively resist a career in government communications and wind up 3CMA’s Communicator of the Year? Meet the wonderful paradox that is Wentzville MO's Kara Roberson in this member profile.
3CMA COMMCAST 022 - FIRE & ICE: How A Local Government Communicator went from evacuating an entire City ahead of a wildfire, to record snowfall taller than she is. Meet PIO Lindsey Baker of South Lake Tahoe, California.
Heading to Portland? Meet 3CMA President-Elect Kathy Gilwit in this special Member Profile … and say “hi” to her in Portland. And find out what Carl Reiner has to do with all this.
When asked what the “weirdest” event of your career has been, and the answer involves Snoop Dogg, that makes this 3CMA Member Profile “Must See TV” with Thomas Bunn, Part II.
What do you do when your hometown team is driving to win the Super Bowl but you need pix of your Council reacting? You get the shot! Hear the story of Inglewood CA’s Thomas Bunn in this insightful 3CMA Member Profile.
Find out in this 3CMA CONNECT TESTIMONIAL how our MENTORSHIP program translated to a new job in Europe for one of our members.
And here's what our members had to say about the state of social media in 2022. Featuring:
- Jeff Montgomery | Athens-Clarke County GA
- Ben Hayle | Blaine MN
- Mitch Beaumont | LaVista NB
- Kristen Waggener | Bryan TX
- Chelsea Sawyer | Chatham County GA
- Molly Fox | Bedford TX (w/ a special appearance by Abby Aldrich)
- Kara Roberson | Wentzville MO
- Kyle Moore | SeaTac WA
- Patti Belle | Kent WA
- Rachel Reynolds | Keller TX
- Jacob Board | Jacksonville Beach FL
Find out from two veteran 3CMA members, and repeat Savvy winners, how to go about preparing the best entry possible for Savvy Season 2022 - with Pier Simeri of Avondale AZ and Jay Warren or Arlington TX.
What happens when you take a rock solid and consistently steady career in local government communications, mix in some Kardashians and a dash of “Star Search? You get the tried and true 3CMA Communicator Pam Solomon from Weston, Florida. Come meet Pam in this Member Profile edition of 3CMA CommCast.
Five members from across the country share their experience of preaching Coronavirus prevention for two years, then falling victim to Omicron themselves. The firsthand experience brings it home. Literally.
Commcast checks in with the Certified Public Communicator Program at TCU and hears from 3CMA members about the program and what its like to study in this game-changing curriculum.
3CMA Officers, Board Members and Staff offer their take on the year that was and what gratitude could be gleaned from it.
Do you ever feel like a fraud? Like you have no business doing what you do and you’re going to be found out at any moment? You’re not alone. Hear from two self-professed “imposters” and get a better idea of how to deal with “Imposter Syndrome.”
Half of the crowd in St. Louis was made up of first-timers - young, enthusiastic local government communicators who are energetically paving the way for the future of our profession. In this episode of 3CMA COMMCAST, we begin to meet some of these dynamic personalities that will take 3CMA into the future in what we’re calling a periodic series - 3CMA: The Next Generation.
With more faces than Facebook, COMMCast remembers the 2021 3CMA Annual Conference with this look at the sights and sounds of St. Louis.
With the 2021 Annual Conference just a few weeks away, 3CMA Executive Director Scott Lehtonen talks about what's coming up in St. Louis and the latest info that members need to know. Members can also find out why they need to know what City in the U.S. has a volcano in its limits ... Hmmmm.
Find out how Marnie transitioned from a tropical climate in Florida to a desert landscape in Arizona and what Sean Connery had to do with her name.
Manassas, Virginia’s Patty Prince is many things - an accomplished communicator, a dedicated leader of her peers in 3CMA and … a hedgehog enthusiast?!?! Find out as we probe deep into the psyche of 3CMA President Patty Prince in this installment of 3CMA COMMCAST.
After a COVID-induced year off, the 3CMA Annual Conference is back in 2021! City of Wentzville MO's Kara Roberson traveled to the host hotel in St. Louis to give us a sneak peak and show us around!
Now that we have your attention, this REALLY IS how to find out about the 3CMA Savvy Awards program with Awards Committee Chair and Extraordinary Human Being Jennifer Bennerotte, from the City of Edina, Minnesota. Then, hang on for the force of nature that is City of Round Rock, Texas’ Will Hampton with some golden advice for submitting your work for Savvy consideration.
How do you juggle a communications job for the third largest city in the state with a husband and three small kids? What’s it like to work for your hometown City government? And, what is a degree in “Metals & Jewelry?” Meet 3CMA Member Katie Smith from the City of Joliet, Illinois.
Valentine's Day weekend 2021 will be remembered for so much more than Hallmark and chocolates. In Texas, it will be remembered for the unprecedented deep freeze that Texas is not built for. Hear from 3CMA Members, at different ends of the state - Belinda Willis in Mansfield and Brian Ligon at Mont Belvieu - to find out more about communicating with residents in a weather emergency when many are without power.