MGH selected by Indiana 811
MGH chosen to generate awareness about safe digging practices and empower Indiana 811 member utilities to spread the safe digging message
BALTIMORE (April 14, 2009) - MGH, a full-service marketing communications agency, today announced that it has been selected by Indiana 811, the state's call-before-you-dig notification center, to generate awareness of National Safe Digging Month in April. Additionally, MGH will work with Indiana 811 member utilities to spread the "call-before-you-dig" message to their customers. Prior to all digging projects it is imperative that a call be made to 811 in order to prevent damages caused by striking an underground utility line.
With the recent addition of Indiana 811, MGH continues to build upon its growing roster of utility damage prevention clients. MGH currently works with the Common Ground Alliance (CGA), which is the national association for damage prevention and promoter of the national 811 number, Miss Utility, the call-before-you-dig notification center for Maryland, and District One Call, the center for Washington, D.C.
"We're excited to expand our client list within the damage prevention industry and to promote the safe digging message in Indiana," said Andy Malis, president of MGH. "Our extensive industry expertise and reputation for successfully spreading the safe digging message makes us the perfect match to help Indiana 811 achieve its goals."
MGH will conduct local media relations to heighten the level of recognition of National Safe Digging Month among Indiana diggers - homeowners and professional excavators - in order to remind them to call 811 before digging. Additionally, MGH will provide media relations support for local Arbor Day activities, where Indiana 811 will plant trees and educate the community on safe digging practices. MGH will also create a marketing toolkit for Indiana 811 stakeholders to enable them to promote safe digging among their constituents.
MGH has worked with Miss Utility and District One Call for nearly 10 years, all of which have seen an increase in call volume compared to the previous year. Additionally, MGH has worked with CGA for nearly two years, and national familiarity with 811 has increased 20 percent since the start of MGH's campaign in 2007.
About MGH
MGH is a full-service marketing communications firm offering advertising, public relations, media planning/buying, creative design and production, interactive (design, development and marketing), market research, direct response, relationship marketing and word of mouth/social media marketing.
MGH maintains a diverse client base spanning multiple industries. Current clients include Papa John's Pizza, Texas Instruments, the American Psychological Association, the Baltimore Area Convention and Visitors Association, the National Aquarium, Medifast, Baltimore International College, University of Maryland University College, Towson University, Nobel Learning Communities, Ocean City, Md., Department of Tourism, Smyth Jewelers and Suburban Hospital.
Based in Baltimore, Md., MGH is one of Maryland's largest agencies, with more than $65 million in annual billings. For more information on MGH and its services, visit www.mghus.com. To view our latest creative work, visit www.youtube.com/mghtv. The MGH Word of Mouth expert blog and the WOM U educational program, a free service designed to educate the business world and demystify this form of marketing, can also be found at blog.mghwom.com.
About Indiana 811
Indiana 811, formerly known as Indiana Underground Plant Protection Service (IUPPS), was formed in 1981 by the owners and operators of underground facilities in Indiana. The mission of Indiana 811 is to unite the 890 members to promote damage prevention, public awareness of underground facilities and to operate an efficient and economical contact center to provide valued services for our members, excavators, and the public. Indiana 811 offers a one-point contact for homeowners and excavators to reach members to notify them of proposed excavation.
