About the Latino Economic Development Council
The Latino Economic Development Council works to improve conditions for economic growth and increase tourism in South Omaha, while paying homage to the community’s culture and history to support and advance the Latino community.
The Challenge
The Council’s project of renovating a historic South Omaha park and business district was recommended to receive a portion of American Rescue Plan Act funds in 2022, but the Nebraska Legislature had not voted to allocate the funds by 2023. Lukas Partners needed to help enhance the organization’s authority and legitimacy and raise public awareness for the project before the vote.
The Big Idea
Create a coordinated, high-visibility media moment that would draw public attention to the stalled funding and showcase the Latino Economic Development Council’s readiness to break ground — encouraging state senators to follow through on earlier recommendations and award the grant.
Our campaign would also help introduce the newly formed Latino Economic Development Council to community members and prospective donors.
Our Approach
Lukas Partners executed a targeted PR campaign built around a newsworthy press conference and supporting tactics that elevated the Council’s story.
News Release
We created and distributed a news release to shape media coverage and emphasize key messages important to the Latino Economic Development Council.
Reporter Outreach
We identified and reached out to journalists who had previously reported on similar stories, state legislative issues or the Council’s impact in the community. We sent personalized pitches inviting them to the event and encouraging them to highlight the revitalization project’s stalled status in the state legislature.
Press Conference
Our team helped the Council organize a press conference near the planned renovation site. This included developing a run-of-show schedule and key messages for Council representatives to reference during the press conference. We also produced images of the project renderings and distributed them to the media after the press conference.
Post-Conference Interviews
We coordinated interviews with reporters and Latino Economic Development Council members after the press conference to promote continued coverage after the event.
The Results
In addition to educating the public on the legislative process and the Council’s proposed project, the PR campaign helped generate interest and excitement within the community for the long-anticipated revitalization effort. Two months after the press conference, the Nebraska Legislature allocated $225 million in economic recovery funding to Omaha, awarding $25 million to the Latino Economic Development Council — which plans to match the grant through additional fundraising.
Elevate Your Message With Strategic PR Events
Ready to plan your next press conference or PR event to help your cause gain traction in the community? With comprehensive PR services covering event management, marketing, media training and more, trust Lukas Partners to help your brand stand out. Contact us today to get started!
