KCCI – Alison Leavitt

Communications Coordinator

About

In May 2018 I started as an intern at Knight Creative Communities Institute (KCCI). I was responsible for managing social media accounts, writing press releases, designing graphics and printed materials, and more.

After a successful summer term, I was asked by the Executive Director Betsy Couch to continue my involvement at KCCI with an upgraded title due to my hard work and added responsibilities – becoming Communications Coordinator in August 2018. During this time I conducted extensive research to start the podcast, “Think TLH.” I created a campaign plan to execute it successfully. I produced and edited each episode, as well as guest hosting on two of them. Additionally, I continued my other responsibilities of managing social media platforms, writing press releases, contacting media, planning events, designing materials, and more.

Work

“Think TLH” Podcast

After observing some of the diverse talents and impacts people were making locally and beyond in Tallahassee, Florida, I pitched the idea of a podcast during my interview for an intern position at KCCI. During my internship, I conducted more research on this topic and guests, as well as the production and management of a podcast campaign. The dream became a reality when we launched the podcast, “Think TLH,” on October 18, 2018. With over 3,800 plays in this 25-episode limited series, the community is learning more about their home, while reinforcing the idea of “Tallahassee Proud.”

Released every Thursday, each podcast episode shared how innovative ideas have made the Tallahassee community more successful and the catalysts behind them, with topics such as research, history, breweries and placemaking. It also highlighted how the quality of life and innovation serve as key drivers in retaining talent.

Before starting the podcast, I researched extensively on equipment, programs, hosting sites, possible guests and more. I also contacted guests and scheduled recordings. In preparation for each recording, I wrote introductions, questions and conclusions to be said. In addition to producing the podcasts, I also edit them and serve as the guest host for some episodes. I uploaded the podcast and edited the KCCI WordPress site accordingly. A campaign was run across all of KCCI’s social media platforms.

Visit www.kccitallahassee.com/thinkTLH or play the series on any podcast listening platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts and Anchor.

Media Coverage

View my “Your Turn” in the Tallahassee Democrat, an opinion article I wrote about my inspiration for the podcast and my love for Tallahassee.

Read the press release I submitted in Tallahassee Magazine and FSView and Florida Flambeau.

The success of the podcast allowed us to be given complimentary billboards by Lamar Advertising in prime locations to promote the podcast. I designed these digital billboards to catch more listeners during their daily commutes. View below.

Awards

After the start of a successful campaign and series, I submitted the Think TLH Podcast to the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) Capital Chapter’s 2019 Image Awards. The podcast received an Award of Distinction under the Student Category, which is “presented to entries that meet the standards of excellence set by a panel of judges.” It was an honor to attend the event and learn about other inspirational campaigns led by agencies, professionals, and students in the Tallahassee community.

This award allowed the podcast to qualify to be entered in the FPRA’s 2019 Golden Image Awards for the entire state of Florida. The podcast received an Award of Distinction in the Student Category.

#ThisisKCCI Campaign

During the last months of my internship at KCCI, I was inspired to focus on the passionate and driven KCCI Catalysts. I produced a video campaign series about KCCI, the community catalysts and select projects.

Below are a select number of videos from this campagin.

#ThisIsKCCI: Creating Change in Tallahassee, FL through Community-Driven Projects

For over a decade KCCI has been making positive change in the Tallahassee community. KCCI brings together a diverse group of Community Catalysts who implement “sense of place” projects that help retain, attract and harness talent, increase entrepreneurship and enhance Tallahassee’s economic mobility. KCCI is responsible for projects like the TLH letters, the revitalization of Gaines Street, growing the Frenchtown Farmers Market and many more.

Here's Why You Should Apply to Become a KCCI Catalyst

2009 KCCI Catalyst Jay Revell shares how you can make a difference in the Tallahassee area. Revell was a part of the Midtown Action Plan, which was used as the basis for including a large scale Midtown placemaking project as part of the Blueprint sales tax extension. The project includes a number of key improvements that total $22 million. Revell is the Vice President at the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce.

What Does It Mean to Become a KCCI Catalyst?

2018 Experience Tallahassee Catalyst Elizabeth Emmanuel shares how the opportunity to be a KCCI Catalyst can grow you personally and professionally, as well as enhance your community.

What is KCCI?

KCCI Executive Director Betsy Couch shares how the organization and its selected volunteer team of catalysts have impacted the community through various projects. Prior to working at KCCI, Couch volunteered her time as one of KCCI’s Cultivate Cascades Community Catalysts.

Experience Tallahassee

During its fourth year, the Experience Tallahassee Festival received creative assistance and guidance from the 2018 KCCI Catalyst team of selected community volunteers. The festival is a partnership between Florida State University, Tallahassee Community College, and Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University to welcome students into the community, and demonstrate that Tallahassee is a great place to live, work and play – during and after college.

My contributions as a KCCI intern at the event included designing graphics for the event that were promoted on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

I created a sponsorship packet that was sent to companies and people that wanted to support the event. A clear representation of the categories and what is included.

One of the catalyst meetings sparked the idea and need for a compilation places and things to do in Tallahassee. The intention was to encourage students, as well as residents, to get engaged with the community.

I designed Tallahassee’s Top 50 List, which is a double-sided document: a list of events and places derived by the catalyst team and the #SeeTallahassee map from KCCI’s 2016 Catalyst project.

The list incorporates the color palette, fonts, and theme of the map in order to make a cohesive document. It has been added to companies’ recruitment packets and shared by the community. It was also distributed at university orientations and events. This document was able to advertise the upcoming Experience Tallahassee event while aligned with the goal of becoming involved in the community. View Tallahassee’s Top 50 List here.

Writing

I edited and updated the KCCI WordPress website frequently with news and press releases related to KCCI and Tallahassee. This includes publishing the “Think TLH” podcast episodes and corresponding briefs.

Read press releases:

View articles/updates:

I also contacted and conducted interviews with former KCCI Community Catalysts for the monthly Catalyst Interview Series for June and July.

Read some of my work:

Newsletters and announcements were written, designed and sent via Constant Contact.

Social Media

I manage the social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) for KCCI. This includes creating monthly content calendars, scheduling posts and making graphics

Photography

I photographed at KCCI events and went around the city to showcase different spots on the Experience Tallahassee’s Top 50 List. These were published on social media and the KCCI website.

Event Management

I assist with event management throughout my time at KCCI by working with printing companies, securing restaurants and locations, designing materials and presentations, and contacting and following up with media outlets. I also helped answer questions from attendees and made sure the event was following the planned agenda timely and accordingly.

For the 2019 KCCI Catalyst training, I also led my own program in the form of an icebreaker. The team was able to test their musical knowledge to learn more about their project through an interactive Jeopardy game, while also starting conversations with their fellow catalysts. To prep for this, I conducted thorough research and designed the game.