The Navy Week program is the U.S. Navy’s primary outreach event in parts of the country that do not have a significant Navy presence. Ghidotti was hired to ensure that Little Rock’s first-ever Navy Week was successful, reaching audiences across the Central Arkansas area.
The Situation:
Little Rock’s first-ever Navy Week event kicked off Oct.16, 2017, at the Inland Maritime Museum in North Little Rock with a ceremony and performance by Navy Band Southeast. Little Rock is one of only 15 cities that hosted Navy Week activities in 2017. The U.S. Navy brought musicians, a dive team, interactive simulators and more to central Arkansas for its inaugural event.
Although Navy Weeks are not focused on recruitment, they serve a broader awareness purpose. A particular focus is the emerging Centennial Generation who are aware of the Navy, but say they have little to no understanding of the Navy’s full mission, reach and influence. Navy Week events demonstrate why having a strong Navy is critical to the American way of life. Since 2005, 195 Navy weeks have been held in 71 different U.S. cities.
Ghidotti was tasked with encouraging Central Arkansans to participate in the many events planned from Oct. 16-22 and raise awareness of how the Navy specifically helps Arkansas.
Media Coverage
Media Coverage
Media Coverage
Media Coverage
Media Coverage
The Strategy:
Navy Weeks aim to engage their host communities in many ways, so it’s important to connect Navy officials with chambers of commerce, major employers and key leaders in the area, as well as Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions and other civic and service-oriented organizations. Mayoral, county and gubernatorial proclamations are key events in every Navy Week, as are meetings with local city councils and county commissions. We used our connections in the community to create a master spreadsheet of all possible connections and events, and went to work prioritizing the list in partnership with the client and scheduling specific meet-and-greets, speaking engagements and more.
Media relations was a major goal, and we went to work creating a comprehensive plan to hit all major media outlets in the state to create momentum and buzz for Little Rock’s first-ever Navy Week.
Events we planned, managed and executed throughout the week included a kick-off ceremony with Navy Band Southeast at the Inland Maritime Museum, Navy diver demonstrations at the local aquatics center, a workshop at the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service to teach small businesses how to do business with the Navy and a top Navy official speaker at the state’s largest and oldest civic organization, The Rotary Club of Little Rock, which meets in the Clinton Presidential Library.
The Results:
The inaugural Little Rock Navy Week was a resounding success with a total of 65 events reaching a variety of audiences (general public, veterans, students, civic groups, corporations, media and more). More than 20 community and civic events and meetings were specifically planned and executed by the Ghidotti team, well over the client’s goal of seven. Media coverage included stories from every major media outlet in Central Arkansas, leading up and through Navy Week, including an interview with the Arkansas Democrat Gazette, the statewide paper, and a live event with the Navy diving team showcasing their unique equipment on the top television station.
Almost 3 million impressions were generated throughout the week from media, social media and events.
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Are You the Next Rock Star on the Ghidotti Team?
The Ghidotti Team is overflowing with full-fledged rock stars. Sure – we’re looking for the best, brightest, most creative, most organized. You get the picture. But what we REALLY want is someone who we can laugh with, depend on, learn from and do great work together. Learn more about who we’re looking for and what you can expect.
Experience in public relations, content marketing, digital media and influencer marketing is a must, but here is what we really want in a fellow Rock Star. Don’t let it scare ya – we just have high standards!
You anticipate every move of our clients and us.
You dream of ways to crack the Instagram gold mine in your sleep.
You are resourceful.
You are humble.
You know what needs to be done because it just comes naturally.
You are accurate. Every. Single. Time.
You take our vague guidance and get it done.
You are fast, yet error-free and awesome.
You care about every single, tiny, little detail.
You follow instructions.
You know you are extraawesome, and totally own that.
You meet deadlines even when you only have minutes to do it.
You can handle your own drama. Better yet, you don’t have any.
You have a life outside of work that you love and nurture.
You loathe micromanagers and don’t need one.
You love learning new things.
You sing karaoke and have “that song” when you really need to bring it.
You ask questions when appropriate. (Basically, you don’t ask us how to spell someone’s name because you know how to Google like your life depends on it).
You treat our clients and your team members with respect.
You are funny.
You are caring.
You are a good friend and co-worker.
You are creative and think of winning marketing ideas in your sleep.
You love writing award entries. Like it’s your job!
You are resourceful. It’s so important that we’re mentioning it again.
Rock Star Environment
We strive to create a fun, engaging atmosphere where high fives, chicken minis, and celebrations are commonplace. We lift one another up, honor achievements and reward hard work.
Professional Enrichment
Whether instructor-led, web-based or sharing during Fireside Friday, we are always learning more!
Community Engagement
We love the state of Arkansas. Our team enjoys outings to locally-owned businesses and pride ourselves on community involvement. In addition, employees are often offered free tickets to community events to get out and enjoy life with friends and family.
Team Building
Quarterly adventures for the team!
Winter Recess
We shut this place down at the holidays so we can all rest, relax and reinvigorate for the new year.
Summer Fridays
We get an early jump on the weekend every Friday during the summer.
Volunteer Time Off (VTO)
Along with your PTO, you also get VTO to use to support your favorite charity or organization.
Does this describe you?
Apply for one of our open positions or just send us an email letting us know why you should be part of this Rock Star team. Email bethany@ghidotti.com.
