Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe's Web site

Project description
Designed more than a decade ago, the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe's original Web site was created with technology that is now outdated, making the site cumbersome to navigate and update. The Band needed to modernize its Web site to accommodate the growing number of Band members, government officials, international visitors, students, and media who want the latest information that is easy to access.

Why they came to Goff & Howard
The Band wanted the ease of working with one firm that could update how the Web site technically operates, as well as the site's organization, content, and design. The Band turned to Goff & Howard because of our proven experience managing complex projects from start to finish.

How we have assisted them
Goff & Howard managed all the moving parts of the project - from the technical design to graphic design to writing - in an on-time and on-budget manner. We developed the Web site to ensure it could be expanded and easily updated.

Results
The Mille Lacs Band's Web site reflects an accessible tribal government informed by its history and culture while meeting visitors' 21st century needs. Nearly 6,000 people visit the Web site monthly.

On Board Midwest

Project description
On Board Midwest is a growing coalition of state officials, local governments, chambers of commerce, businesses, individuals, and organizations that actively and strategically advocate for a proposed high-speed rail line from Saint Paul to Chicago.

Why they came to Goff & Howard
On Board Midwest is a grassroots movement with limited resources. In order to build an effective, well-informed, well-respected coalition, the founders turned to Goff & Howard for communications assistance that would get them the most results on a budget-conscious investment.

How we have assisted them
Goff & Howard has helped On Board Midwest establish and maintain a broad-based social media presence including an interactive Web site, blog, Facebook page, Twitter account, YouTube and Flickr channels, and e-mail blasts. Through social media, On Board Midwest has become a trusted source for information about transit projects throughout the state, built momentum for route funding, and increased awareness for the Minnesota Department of Transportation's comprehensive statewide rail plan.

Results
In less than a year, On Board Midwest has built a network of more than 1,000 supporters with whom it communicates regularly. Members of the organization have also become an important information resource for media outlets interested in covering stories about transit projects in Minnesota.

"Goff & Howard was instrumental in helping us launch a coordinated grassroots awareness campaign using a variety of channels. Their social media savvy helped us navigate these new technologies, reach out to hundreds of supporters, and inform the public of the benefits of high-speed rail."

Dan Scott, former chairperson of the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce

Financial Planning Association of Minnesota

Project description
The Financial Planning Association of Minnesota (FPA) has reached out to the media for many years to provide expert opinions and advice on topics ranging from tax tips to retirement planning. Until recently, FPA had used only traditional media relations tactics, such as hosting panel discussions to attract media attention.

Why they came to Goff & Howard
Goff & Howard has been working with FPA for four years. We saw social media as an opportunity for the organization to efficiently expand its media relations efforts and attract people to the FPA Web site.

How we have assisted them
Goff & Howard started by holding a social media training for the FPA public relations committee. We then created FPA's Twitter account and have helped develop content for the account. We also helped FPA coordinate these social media activities with other more traditional media relations efforts.

Results
Within a few days, several of FPA's key media targets were following its Twitter account, including the Minneapolis-Saint Paul Business Journal, Minneapolis-Saint Paul Magazine, and WCCO TV. Instead of gaining media attention a few times a year with time intensive events, FPA is now able to communicate with key contacts multiple times a week.

"Goff & Howard's team saw an opportunity for us to expand our media relations efforts to also include social media. Thanks to their initiative, we have been able to accomplish our goals more efficiently."

Nate Wenner, chairperson of the Financial Planning Association of Minnesota