FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 17, 2009

County embraces social media with Facebook, Twitter
Officials seek better connection between residents 
and local government

FREEHOLD – Monmouth County has joined the world of social media by launching its own Facebook and Twitter pages to help connect residents with their county government.

The Facebook page features current information, general announcements, links to news releases, videos, and photographs from county events and other items. Find the county’s Facebook page by searching the words “Monmouth County government” and become a fan.

“We live in an information-driven society and these tools allow us to easily communicate important information in a timely manner,” Freeholder Director Barbara J. McMorrow said. “These social media outlets have grown steadily in popularity and the Board of Chosen Freeholders is excited that Monmouth County government now has a direct link with the residents they serve.”

“Newspapers are struggling to stay viable in the face of the Internet and these new technologies,” said William K. Heine, director of the county’s Department of Public Information. “Adding social media to the mix broadens the county’s outreach and offers a unique opportunity to unite people with their county government and their representatives on the Freeholder board. It also allows county officials to alert residents in the event of an emergency in a timely manner.”

Facebook is a user friendly application that lets visitors easily navigate and view pictures, watch videos, read news releases and public service announcements and network by becoming a fan of Monmouth County Government. Twitter is a micro-blogging service that lets users send and read other users’ updates, which are referred to as “tweets.” Tweets are short, text-based posts that are displayed on the user’s profile page and delivered to other users who have signed up to receive them. Go to http://twitter.com/monmouthgovnj

These social networking applications are free and connect a broad scope of people with up-to-date information and news about Monmouth County. Links to both are on the county’s home page at www.visitmonmouth.com. 

“I urge everyone in the county to follow the county on Facebook and Twitter and stay connected to their county government,” Heine said.

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