Page 107 - BCCGA Best Practices Version 3.0

106 British Columbia Common Ground Alliance
announcements made by newspaper, radio, or television. Partnering websites
and social media are other advertising channels to promote damage
prevention.
Multiple stakeholders with similar goals and messages can partner together to
reduce costs and maximize impact.
Free items given to participants at a damage prevention session are an effective
means of inciting audience participation and interest. Examples can include
notepads, pens, luggage tags, mouse pads, clipboards, fridge magnets, and
other frequently used items for the home or office.
CURRENT PRACTICE: Direct mail inserts from utilities are frequently used to
remind homeowners about the need to “call before you dig” if they plan to put
in a deck, fence, or tree on their properties.
Industry newsletters and other periodicals can be targeted at specific trades,
commercial partners, special interest groups, etc.
Rental equipment suppliers can supply point-of-purchase brochures, operating
instructions, etc. to re-enforce the need to call for a locate.
Manufacturers of do-it-yourself in-ground sprinkler systems provide informative
posters in the aisles of their retail outlets that carry the same message.
Utilities post a “call before you dig” message on their vehicles, which takes
advantage of the free damage prevention advertising from the circulation of
the vehicles.
7-6 ESTABLISH STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIPS
PRACTICE STATEMENT: Establish and nurture strategic working relationships
to assist in the promotion of damage prevention. Since some promotion
activities can be expensive, partnering with other stakeholders can reduce
costs.
PRACTICE DESCRIPTION: Strategic relationships can be nurtured with others
who have shared or similar issues, interests, and needs. Relations could include
industry associations, equipment manufacturers, and trade groups.
Stakeholders at a distance, which may include government agencies,