The Road Is Closed, but We’re Still Open: Getting Your Message Out

Businesses affected by road construction can communicate through mainstream news outlets, but they need to send the right message.

That’s the advice of Meghan Jansen, public information manager for KC Streetcar Constructors. As part of her job, Jansen acts as a liaison between construction contractors and businesses affected by the ongoing work being done for the Kansas City Streetcar Project, a streetcar line that will run from Union Station to the River Market.

Jansen understands the inherent hassle for businesses when roads get torn up and customers have trouble parking and accessing storefronts. But if the media shows up for an interview, it’s always best for business owners to “share a positive message,” she said.

“It’s so much more beneficial to talk about the improvements taking place,” Jansen said. “Even if you’re feeling like the sky is falling, even if you’re frustrated, it’s not an opportunity to vent your frustration. And I’ve seen that happen. It’s unfortunate when you see business owners on the news talking about how it’s so loud outside with the work. You don’t want to spread that message. That doesn’t help you as a business owner.”

To get a positive message out, businesses dealing with street construction can also contact the media to request news coverage, said Ray Hanf, co-owner of Mission Fresh Fashion on Johnson Drive in Mission, where construction has taken away convenient customer parking.

So Hanf pitched a story to the media about how his women’s clothing shop was offering its customers free valet parking.  As a result, his business received upbeat coverage from a Kansas City TV station and a suburban newspaper.

“Send them a press release,” Hanf said. “Send them an email. That’s what we did. If you want results, you’ve got to try things.”