Challenge
Although it had made significant strides in achieving significant reduction in crime and an enhanced quality of life, the city of Hawaiian Gardens continued to have difficulty shaking its past image as crime-ridden, gang-infested town. E & A was hired by the city to improve its image with its residents, surrounding cities, and the public at large, to foster increased econ development.

Solution
Working with city council and staff, E & A did a public image assessment and PR operations review for the city and created an action plan to improve the city’s image. The plan included improved outreach to media, and better communication to the public regarding positive activities and outcomes achieved by the city government. Further, city elected officials and staff were provided with media training and public speaking training. E & A was on hand to provide assistance dealing with crisis communications, creating outreach material, press releases, and speeches.

Result
Hawaiian Gardens has seen its image in the media improve, with several positive articles featuring improvements, as well as several editorials touting its work. Further, in response to several crisis situations, the negative impact to the city was mitigated, and in some cases turned into a positive.