{"id":328,"date":"2026-04-22T15:15:43","date_gmt":"2026-04-22T20:15:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.phonelive.io\/?p=328"},"modified":"2026-04-22T15:15:48","modified_gmt":"2026-04-22T20:15:48","slug":"gfg_ep56","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/phonelive.io\/blog\/gfg_ep56\/","title":{"rendered":"From TV Reporter to Public Relations Expert in Local Government (with Stu Gooden) | Ground Floor Government Ep. 56"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert speaks with Stu Gooden, the PR manager of utilities for Charlotte County, Florida. They discuss the challenges and rewards of working in local government, particularly in the utilities sector. Stu shares his journey from television journalism to public relations, emphasizing the importance of effective communication in promoting water conservation and managing crises. He highlights the need for young people to consider careers in local government and the significance of mentorship and community service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Takeaways<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Working in local government involves unique challenges and responsibilities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Public relations is crucial for managing the image of utilities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Effective communication can enhance customer experience and promote conservation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Crisis management is a key aspect of public relations in utilities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Humanizing utility workers helps build community trust and connection.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Financial management is essential for executing communication plans.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. People skills are vital for dealing with various stakeholders.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  8. Accessibility in communication is important for reaching diverse audiences.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  9. Collaboration across departments enhances service delivery.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  10. Passion for community service drives professionals in local government.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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Stu shares his journey from television journalism to public relations, emphasizing the importance of effective communication […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":true,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[36],"class_list":["post-328","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-technolgies","tag-audiopodcast"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nFrom TV Reporter to Public Relations Expert in Local Government (with Stu Gooden) | Ground Floor Government Ep. 56 | PhoneLive Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Host Hugh Plappert speaks with Stu Gooden, the PR manager of utilities for Charlotte County, Florida. They discuss the challenges and rewards of working in local government, particularly in the utilities sector. 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