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MAY 2018: NEWS AND UPDATES
Monthly Extension MarComm Newsletter
We're just getting started...
Welcome to our new marketing and communications newsletter for Extension employees. Each month we'll share News and Updates on our latest Extension marketing initiatives and resources; Tips and Tools to help you promote your work; and Strategic Guidance on how to become a more effective communicator.

We've heard your feedback, and we want to do a better job of keeping you informed and equipped. We'll highlight valuable materials, feature examples of great marketing from across the state, as well as review industry trends and tools that can optimize your impacts and help you grow your programs.

This newsletter is the first of several major marketing-related resources coming this summer – stay tuned for more updates!
We Grow N.C. media campaign celebrates CALS, Extension
A new CALS media campaign beginning this week is highlighting the ways that NC State impacts local communities every day. The “ We Grow N.C. ” campaign is built around five strategic themes that Extension supports statewide (We Grow: Opportunities, Solutions, Communities, Economies, Talent). Extension employees can tie their work back to these themes to help bolster awareness – what you do every day is growing this state – it’s time to start talking about it!

Employees driving successful rebrand for Extension
Congratulations and a big thank you to all Extension employees for supporting and implementing our revamped Extension brand during the first year! We've made tremendous strides forward. Please continue to check and replace materials that don't reflect the new brand standards, including materials like handouts, forms, apparel, signage and so forth.

Event marketing toolkits, online system on the way
We're currently creating Extension banners, table displays and other materials as part of an event marketing toolkit that will be available online. Kits are being developed for each district, as well as campus programs, and will be available through an online reservation system. You will have the option to choose from a menu of resources to address specific outreach needs. Until then, some popular promo and county signage items can be ordered here .

More to Come Soon!
WHERE CAN I FIND EXTENSION
BRAND RESOURCES?
go.ncsu.edu/ExtensionBrand
The Extension brand site offers guidance on:
  • Business cards, name badges and stationery
  • Logos and style guidelines
  • Signage and promo items
  • Templates for marketing materials, e-newsletters, PowerPoint and more
...among many other materials.
Hot off the press...
HOMEGROWN VIDEOS
EDUCATE, CONNECT N.C.

NC State Extension recently launched a web video series called Homegrown. The new program aims to reconnect people to the food, landscapes and agriculture of North Carolina through videos highlighting tips and tools from Extension experts across the state.

THE N.C. EXTENSION GARDENER HANDBOOK

The award-winning North Carolina Extension Gardener Handbook is the essential resource for gardening and landscaping. Each county should receive a copy, and books can be purchased from UNC Press . Code for 30% discount: 01GEH30 (employees only).

Excellence in Extension Communications
Marketing is an essential element of programmatic success. As such, we'll be recognizing examples of effective marketing that we come across that best exemplify our Extension brand.

It could be an individual or team. It could be a county center or campus program. It could be YOU. To kick things off, our first Extension communications rock stars are from the Currituck County Center .
Example of Excellence
Currituck County Center
The Currituck crew have embraced video in a big way, launching their own monthly "In the News" video series, as well as producing an excellent 2017 annual impacts video.

Additional Resources
Quick Poll
How receptive would you be to using marketing templates (brochure, flier, etc.) in Word format?
Very receptive
Somewhat receptive
I don't feel strongly one way or the other
Somewhat unreceptive
Very unreceptive