Reference: Neal Pugliese, Project Manager / City of Beaufort, 714-357-0811
2013-2017

From the initial design stages to receiving a federal grant, from breaking the news that traffic would be disrupted on and off for two years to cutting the ribbon celebrating the project’s completion on time and on budget, John Williams and Williams Group PR led the communications effort for the City of Beaufort’s Boundary Street Update.

This $34 million project through the key entry to historic Beaufort, SC, included burying overhead utility lines for safety, efficiency and appearances; widening the road from two to four lanes; reconfiguring traffic signals and a major intersection with SC170; and new sidewalks, streetlights and landscaping.

The communications effort included a dedicated Facebook page, content for the city website, fliers and handouts to provide facts and dispel rumors, talking points for public meetings, and aggressive media and community relations to keep the project forward facing and responsive to merchant concerns, travelers’ questions and residents’ resistance to change.

In May 2017, Williams Group/PR earned South Carolina’s highest public relations award for its information campaign Boundary Street Update for the City of Beaufort, SC.