Success Stories
Wisconsin DNR communications strategy reels in cost savings, engaged citizens
Situation
Realizing the importance of connecting with citizens, in 2009, the WDNR’s Web Redesign project co-leads John Bushman and Margie Damgaard went looking for a more direct, cost-effective communications solution to replace the disjointed system of more than five different processes the organization had been using. Among the many considerations was the ability to better engage with people in all areas of public health, recreation, and regulatory topics.
Solutions
WDNR selected GovDelivery to manage the digital creation and delivery of the department’s information directly to citizens, educators, and other interested parties. GovDelivery provides WDNR with the opportunity to efficiently manage its digital communication while offering citizens more subscription options of greater relevancy. Subscribers are able to select the specific topics on which they would like to receive updates and control how often email updates are sent to their inbox.
Results
“We had anticipated cost savings of $100,000 in the first year, but we actually saved that in the first three months alone with GovDelivery,” Damgaard said, noting that printing, postage, and graphic design work have been significantly reduced as more than 6.4 million messages were sent through GovDelivery during between Jan. 1, 2010 and March 31, 2011 . “Employees no longer spend hours managing and maintaining email distribution lists, instead they strategize outreach opportunities satisfied knowing our subscribers are receiving our information. Likewise, our efforts have helped to improve the public perception of our department and build customer communities online.”
