Connecting.
That’s Kaylyn Staudt’s job as the Village of Waunakee’s new communications manager, or more specifically, connecting Waunakee residents with what’s happening in the village and the village staff with one another.
Kaylyn introduced herself to Waunakee Rotarians at the Nov. 7 meeting. She joined the village staff in April when she was hired for a newly created position. As a college student, Kaylyn worked for the campus newspaper and most enjoyed her role as digital editor. She went on to work in communications in Wisconsin Dells and then for an insurance association where she put her graphic design skills to use.
The opening in Waunakee seemed like an opportunity to combine all of her skills, she said.
Before Kaylyn came aboard, the village staff collaborated on communicating to the public. Now, one position is dedicated to enhancing internal and external communication.
As for internal communication, the focus is on building a supportive, connected culture, that Kaylyn said is essential for transparency. Kaylyn said a close, well connected team is more effective. Kaylyn was amazed at how much the staff seemed to like each other when she interviewed for the position, she said. Since then, they have created a CARE team, an acronym for Creating a Rewarding Environment, and have launched a quarterly newsletter with staff’s birthdays and other life events, along with an employee recognition program. This past month, Karla Endres, village clerk, was recognized.
Kaylyn also holds weekly communications briefings with all department heads to discuss what messages should be relayed.
To enhance communication with the public about Waunakee happenings, the village’s website now includes a new language access feature, allowing people to read it in their native languages.
Kaylyn is also working to enhance the events calendar, and if service organizations have events they would like to promote, they can contact her to add them.
There is also a news flash section to provide updates on things like construction.
And, social media is now a two-way communication, with Kaylyn responding to posts on various sites. People can also ask questions on the village’s Facebook page.
Kaylyn is also working on providing engaging content on the, such as the Answers with Todd series, with short videos featuring Todd Schmidt explaining various topics. Kaylyn showed one of these where Todd demonstrates how to turn on the splash pad at the new accessible playground within Centennial Park.
Newsletters are another way the village reaches the public, with the senior center’s Silver Notes, the Village Center, library, Senior Center and Create Waunakee’s Activity Guide and an annual guide.
Some new initiatives could include introducing a bilingual specialist shared with the Waunakee Neighborhood Connection, and more public service announcements for the Waunakee Fire Department and EMS.
“It's part of our commitment to building a more accessible, inclusive and connected community,” Kaylyn said.
******
Other News:
-The club welcomed three new members, Hilary Pink Budworth, Leah Abeyta and Jim O’Brien. Two members have resigned, President Phil Willems announced.
-Jennifer Tasker has ornaments commemorating the 20th anniversary of Rotary in Lights for sale. All proceeds will go to the Waunakee Neighborhood Connection and Food Pantry. Jennife announced that the Rotary in Lights booklets are netting $15,000 in advertising sales.
Guests: Julie Siegler, guest of Greg Garton; Kaylyn Staudt, speaker; Jim O’Brien.
Visiting Rotarians:
Birthdays: None.
Anniversaries: None.
Greeters: Nov. 14, Corey Randl and Paul Knutson; Nov. 21, David Kennedy and John Reuter.
To sign up to greet or to find out if you are greeting, visit:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805054CAAAA2CA7F85-44320149-2023#/
