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Introducing CAPIO’s 2023-2024 Board of Directors

CAPIO is pleased to announce the 2023-2024 Board of Directors who oversee and guide the strategic direction for the association.   As the state’s leading government communications association, the California Association of Public Information Officials serves our 1000-member network of public communicators through training, networking and professional development opportunities.  Read on to learn more about our board members.

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Wendy Aguilar receives CAPIO’s 2023 Communicator of the Year Award

“The incredible work Wendy has done and her commitment to public sector communications made her stand out,” said CAPIO President Lael Wageneck. “Wendy was chosen to receive this special recognition for her expertise in digital communications and the exceptional work she has done in active outreach to her community, as well as her thoughtful commitment to her colleagues.”

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Las Virgenes Municipal Water District honored with 2023 Frank Potter Cowan Crisis Communicator of the Year Award

Monterey, Calif., – The Las Virgenes Municipal Water District was awarded the California Association of Public Information Officials (CAPIO) 2023 Frank Potter Cowan Crisis Communicator Award on Wednesday, May 3.  LVMWD was honored for their dedication, perseverance, and customer-service central approach during the most critical months of the state-wide drought. 

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2023 Paul B. Clark Achievement Award Winner
Christine Brainerd, MPA, APR

Monterey, Calif., – Christine Brainerd, MPA, APR, was awarded the California Association of Public Information Officials (CAPIO) 2023 Paul B. Clark Achievement Award on May 3. Brainerd was honored for her commitment to leadership and mentorship within the communications field. 

“The only surprise to hearing that Christine was receiving this award was that she hadn’t received it already,” said CAPIO 2023-2024 President Lael Wageneck. “Her contributions to CAPIO and public communications are immeasurable. While the Paul B. Clark Award is essentially a lifetime achievement award, we look forward to many more years of Christine’s leadership and commitment to the profession.”

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10 Reasons to Start Earning Accreditation in 2023

Chances are, if you haven’t already earned your APR, you’ve thought about what it might mean for you personally or how it could bolster your career. Maybe you’ve been thinking, “Next month will be the month!” And Now, Here. We. Are.

April is April is APR month, and CAPIO is proud to continue offering our members the internationally recognized Accreditation in Public Relations (APR). The APR is a true measure of excellence in the communications profession and the key to next-level career growth.

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New and unique offerings at CAPIO 360
Monterey conference insights

In less than two months we will be seeing each other in Monterey!  CAPIO 360 is your chance to reconnect with peers, learn from others and build your professional network as we convene May 1 - 4 at the Hyatt Regency, Monterey.  Each year we try to incorporate some fresh new offerings in addition to perennial favorites and great educational content.  Read on to learn more about the CAPIO conference happenings!

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Feb. 24 Government Communications Day
Download your toolkit here

Help us spread the word about Government Communications Day on February 24.  

Government Communications Day is a day to highlight all the good work YOU do as a public communicator.

  • When your agency is working on getting rate increases approved, guess who’s working on a public outreach and education campaign – you are.
  • When your agency receives an award, guess who’s preparing the media advisory, issuing the press release, and creating a highlight video – you are.
  • When a news outlet is looking for a comment
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Submit your entry for the 2023 CAPIO EPIC Awards
Deadline for entries March 3

Submit your entry for the 2023 CAPIO EPIC Awards

What EPIC programs did you work on in 2022?  We can’t wait to hear about your outstanding programs!

Each year CAPIO recognizes and honors outstanding professional work and accomplishments in the public communications field.  You’re doing great work throughout the year and this is your chance to receive recognition for all the great programs you implement each year. Still wondering if you should apply? Hear testimonials from your colleagues about the value of the EPIC awards.

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CAPIO President kicks off membership month with a personal video message
Erin Morales, Government and Public Affairs Supervisor, Cucamonga Valley Water District

CAPIO President kicks off membership month with a personal video message

During the month of February we will be highlighting our members and having fun discussions on social media with with a chance to win prizes!  Enjoy this video from CAPIO President Erin Morales as she shares a personal message to the membership about the value of CAPIO. 

Watch your email and your Facebook & Instagram feeds to connect with your fellow CAPIANS and your chance to win!

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Entries now open for the 2023 CAPIO EPIC Awards
Early bird deadline for entries February 10

What EPIC programs did you work on in 2022?  We can’t wait to hear about your outstanding programs!

Each year CAPIO recognizes and honors outstanding professional work and accomplishments in the public communications field.  We continue to see government communications professionals raise the standard of excellence and creativity in our profession.  Your work inspires us and we look forward to celebrating your EPIC work at the CAPIO Excellence in Public Information and Communications (EPIC) Awards Events this year.

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So you want to start a government agency podcast?
Tune in to CAPIO Chirp's Episode 7

Did you know that podcast listening has grown by almost 30 percent in the past three years? And with that growth comes an opportunity for public agencies to better engage with their communities. But what does it take to develop a government podcast and how do you attract listeners?

In this episode of CAPIO Chirp, we talk with the City of Agoura Hills and the Cucamonga Valley Water District about what it takes to launch a successful podcast.

It’s a podcast about podcasting!

  Listen now: So you want to start a government agency podcast? 

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CAPIO Board Welcomes Mid-Term Appointees
Board members appointed to fill vacancies

CAPIO is pleased to announce the appointment of board members assuming three positions due to mid-term shifts.  While this is a rare occurrence, it can happen due to any number of things including promotions, job transitions or new responsibilities that conflict with a position.  Because we will be holding an election in just four months, the Board has appointed Board members to assist in finishing out the current terms through the end of April.  These positions will then be up for election.

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CAPIO Conference Highlights
View our photo album

The 2022 CAPIO Annual Conference held in San Diego August 29 - September 1 was one to remember.  We celebrated many milestones including our highest attendance ever (560 attendees for the conference, awards programs and single day attendees).  We also added some unique first-ever offerings including offsite tours, interactive sessions on Monday such as the CAPIO solution room, the CAPIO Challenge Course and sessions on PIO mental health.  Evening offerings included fun opportunities such as the first-ever Beer Crawl and beach bonfire after party and an open restaurant evening at Liberty Station in San Diego.  We celebrated coming together with an inclusive theme – All Hands Meet – welcoming input for our community wall where we shared thoughts about DE&I, being a PIO and conference goals.

AND CAPIO celebrated hitting a major membership milestone – 900 members!  View our photo album to enjoy a look back at the conference.  If you attended and haven’t given your feedback on the event – we welcome it here: post-conference survey.

In 2023 we resume with our traditional spring conference timing - so mark your calendars for May 1 – 4, in Monterey.  And – if you’re interested in getting involved on the conference committee, email us at info@capio.org. 

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Special Award Winners Announced during CAPIO’s EPIC Awards Gala
August 31, 2022 - San Diego

During CAPIO’s EPIC Awards Gala in San Diego last Wednesday, CAPIO honored three individuals who exemplify what it means to be top-notch government communicators – over the course of a year, during a crisis, or through a career-long dedication to the craft.  We celebrate these individuals and congratulate them on their achievements.  Read on to learn more about Olivia Applegate, Jennifer Carey and Jennifer Cabral.