Contact: Susie Meyers, City of Longview - Public Info Specialist (360) 442-5022

Contact: Oscar Myre IV , omOriginals - Creative Director (360) 575-9839

The City of Longview was notified on August 21 that it has won a 2007 Savvy award in a competition sponsored by 3CMA (City-County Communications and Marketing Association). The City will be presented its award at the annual 3CMA conference awards gala to be held in Kansas City, Missouri in late October. Over 780 entries were submitted in this year’s competition.

The City is receiving its Savvy award on behalf of the efforts of the ad hoc committee that created CowlitzToday.com, the online community calendar and local directory for Cowlitz County. The City competed with 91 other entries in the general category of Communications Technology.

"The City is excited to accept this very prestigious award for its part in the creation of CowlitzToday.com,"said Public Information Specialist Susie Meyers. "But the calendar project is so much more than a City achievement. While originally initiated by the City, it is truly a joint endeavor that could not have been realized without the dream and vision of the ad hoc committee, over 80 community partners, and the expertise of omOriginals. We are very proud of what has been accomplished, and I'd like to personally thank each and every partner for making the calendar and directories such a success. I'd especially like to thank Oscar Myre IV and his team of dedicated individuals for their hard work in bringing the calendar and directories to life."

The entire CowlitzToday.com calendar project was completed in less than six months from inception to completion, and at no cost to the community or its many partners. CowlitzToday.com has been online for over a year now, boasting over 2,500 event listings and 80 community partners, with each growing daily. The complete award package is viewable online at www.mylongview.com/news/, or www.CowlitzToday.com.

The Savvy awards recognize outstanding local government achievements in communications, public-sector marketing, and citizen-government relationships. The Savvies salute skilled and effective city and county professionals who have creatively planned and carried out successful innovations in communications.

About 3CMA
The City-County Communications and Marketing Association is the leading organization in local governments that are innovating new and better ways of communicating with their citizens by viewing them as customers with important input into the kinds of services offered and how they are provided. In 1988, 3CMA founders saw a need to develop members' skills to enable cities and counties to compete to retain and satisfy residents, businesses, shoppers, tourists, utility customers, transit users, and other specialized customers. With over 825 city and county members from a number of governmental disciplines and functions, 3CMA offers a wide range of member services, networking, and resource saving opportunities. By adapting ideas from the Annual Savvy Competition, participating in a 3CMA Conference, reading 3CMA newsletters and hotsheets, or calling 3CMA's office, a member can tap a growing pool of specialized expertise.