Conference to Focus on Social Media, Digital Communication & Open Government

Every year, county elected officials, Senators, Delegates, and other representatives of Maryland’s 23 counties and Baltimore City gather in Dorchester County, Maryland for the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Winter Conference.  The goal of the event is to provide county decision-makers and other participants with tools for more effective leadership and a clearer perspective on the issues that will be addressed during the upcoming Maryland General Assembly Session. The ultimate result of attendance is more effective and efficient county government.

The year’s MACo Winter Conference takes place December 11-13, 2013 at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay in Cambridge, Maryland.  The theme of the conference is “#CountiesConnect,” focusing on communication, social media, and open government.

Jordan Harp, Facebook’s Education & Outreach Manager, will be the featured speaker at the General Session, “Social Media: Making It Work for You.” During the session, attendees will learn how to use social media effectively, especially as government users, to communicate with residents and constituents. Other General Sessions include “You Say More Than You Think: Using Body Language as a Communication Tool” and “Creating the Connection: Better Government Through Better Outreach.”

“This year’s MACo Winter Conference is critical for elected officials with regard to communicating with the citizens of St. Mary’s County,” said Commissioner President Jack Russell, a member of MACo’s Board of Directors. “Getting better acquainted with the various types of social media and communications tools will only benefit everyone in the long run.” Commissioner Russell is scheduled to moderate the session “Creating the Connection:  Better Government Through Better Outreach.” Russell will also detail the St. Mary’s County’s outreach efforts, including being the first county in Maryland history to produce a State of the County video. The video, which debuted in September, chronicles the county’s year to date accomplishments and summarizes plans for the immediate future. 

During the course of the three-day conference panelists will review best practices and case studies in successful public communication. A heavy emphasis will be placed on how social media can be used as a “two-way street” to both give and receive information and to better engage Maryland’s residents. A workgroup meeting on Open Government will encourage a free-flowing exchange of ideas to enhance county services overall.

Governor Martin O’Malley is scheduled to address conference attendees with thoughts about the upcoming Maryland General Assembly Session, which begins in January.

Other features of the conference include seven courses from the Academy for Excellence in Local Governance certificate program and over twenty table-top exhibits of vendors offering cost-saving services and products to local governments. The conference schedule, descriptions of the educational offerings, and a listing of confirmed exhibitors can be found at www.mdcounties.org.

Also representing St. Mary’s County will be Commissioner Cindy Jones, a member of MACO’s Legislative Committee, Chief Financial Officer Elaine Kramer, a member of MACo’s Budget and Finance Affiliate Member. She will speak at the session “Red Light, Green Light:  Finding Ways for Funding Schools