Once construction or renovation of your boat launching facility is completed, you’ll want to share the good news with everyone, especially those who will benefit from its completion and those who helped fund the project. A press release, such as the Sample Press Release in this Media Package, is a great first step that has potentially far-reaching results, especially if widely circulated to appropriate media and markets. A letter to elected officials, such as the Sample Letter to Elected Officials, is another tool to use that will announce your accomplishment. Sometimes a creative approach, such as hosting an event at the new or renovated boat launching facility, serves a dual-purpose: It will bring folks onsite and publicize your accomplishment. In many instances, you’ll still want to announce the event somehow – you’ll find some suggestions on how to get your news out in the SOBA Boating Access Promotion Media Package document Spread the Word. The following are some suggestions for publicizing your new boat launching facility: • Get your publicity efforts started early: Hold a groundbreaking ceremony and invite elected officials. Remember the coffee, cookies, balloons and gold shovels! • Release to news media interesting tidbits about the boat launching facility’s site; include artwork or photos. • Hold a communitywide picnic at the recently completed boat launching facility. • Offer the site to a local fund-raising group for one of its charity events. • Host a youth-centered event at the boat launching facility. • Team with your local boat retailer and offer to host boat demos or a boat rendezvous. • Sponsor an educational event either onsite or at a local venue. • Invite local politicians and other elected officials to tour the new or updated boat launching facility. • Offer yourself or one of the team involved with your accomplishment to your local media as an expert on a subject related to boat launching facilities. Don’t forget to create photo opportunities at your publicity event, and make artwork available to media with every press release. Let the above be just a starting point for your publicity efforts. Remember to register your boat launching facility with SOBA’s Boating Access Promotion Program using the Boating Access Site Completion Form found in this Media Pack