Hey! My name is Robert and I am a rising senior at Birmingham-Southern College. I am working on a business degree with a minor in visual art. Throughout the summer months I have dedicated my time to aiding the marketing efforts of Coosa Riverkeeper. As the marketing and media intern I have been working on creating short, informative videos that teach fisherman how to filet fish properly but also a way to prepare their fish to reduce exposure to harmful toxins. Stay tuned for the release of these videos on the Coosa River Fish Guide page!
Robert on the Coosa River capturing footage for future video projects!
My other project involved working with other members of Coosa Riverkeeper to create a toll free hotline that will raise awareness for the fish consumption advisories that have been issued in various areas across Alabama.
Marketing is an extremely important part of what Coosa Riverkeeper does. The hard work and countless hours that are put in by all of the interns and staff are helping us to gather incredible amounts of data about the Coosa River and the fish that dwell within it. The next step is to spread the word about our results as to better protect the people swimming and fishing in the river.
With the new hotline and short videos, we will be able to extend our reach by offering a free way for people to check their local consumption advisories as well learn about fun new ways to better protect themselves from possible contamination. The internet is an amazing way to increase awareness as it is becoming increasingly easy to share, send, and receive useful information. From a business perspective, marketing and outreach is essential for building not only trust in our community but also for spreading any pertinent information like water quality alerts.
Interns Robert & Marilyn clownin’ around with Southern Exposure Film Fellow, Cai, on the Coosa below Jordan Dam. One of the 2016 Swim Guide sites!
Warnings and general information need to be easily accessible and understandable so the public can ensure their safety before they go out on their favorite lake or river. That was my goal this summer; to create ways to better increase the reach of the information gathered by our Fish Guide program. This experience has been incredibly beneficial as it allowed me to support an amazing organization through use of my business and artistic background.
