recent assignments
June 2024
From Identity to Impact
In collaboration with Magryt Keuning from ‘puur mec’ marketing, education and communication I refined and strengthened the identity of the municipality of Waadhoeke (the Netherlands) and implemented it into the work of their communications team. Through tailored strategies and practical guidance, we prepared them for the clear communication and effective integration of their identity into their operations. We prepared the organization, the communications team, and the board to work with this new identity. This process has brought more structure, resulting in increased calm, oversight and efficiency within the communications team.
Magryt and I work together under the name KEUNING VAN DER MEER. We help organizations—both large and small—strengthen their identity, positioning, and internal organization. We provide guidance to enhance the profiling of organizations within their specific environments through tailored advice on effective communication, based on the organization’s identity and goals. With our years of experience and practical approaches, we offer thoughtful advice and guidance. We stay up-to-date with recent developments, know the ropes, and love to get things done.
ongoing
Strategic & crisis communications volunteer
As a volunteer, I assist in strategic communication and crisis communication for Stichting Flappus in Zwolle. This foundation annually rescues nearly 3000 animals who, for various reasons, can no longer remain with their owners. They also provide care and shelter for stray, abandoned, and wild animals.
since March 2024
Partyband LAYS 2024
The beginning of a new chapter
(photo 2007: album Lays live – Al 15 jier in boppeslach)
Since its inception, partyband LAYS (named after the song title “Look At Yourself” by Uriah Heep) has made an indelible impression on the party scene of Friesland, a province in the northern Netherlands, and beyond. Between 1992 and 2009, the band left its musical mark on countless events, ranging from bustling village festivals to intimate weddings and lively corporate parties. But LAYS went beyond the boundaries of the province and the country. They even let their music be heard across the Atlantic Ocean, with four unforgettable performances in Texas, United States.
(photo 2024: cover new single LAYS – Welcome to the Floor)
And now, in 2024, LAYS is back for a new chapter in their existence, with the same mission the band members have always had: to entertain people. Under the inspiring leadership of bandleader Rintje, the band had already earned a reputation as the ultimate party makers. The band’s repertoire was never set in stone, and it still isn’t. In fact, in 2024, there is still no setlist. LAYS plays what suits the mood of the moment. Bandleader Rintje often describes the band as a “family band with ice rink music,” a term that encapsulates the versatility of their repertoire. A mix of international hits, festive medleys, and local favorites appeals to a wide audience, from young to old.
Over the years, partyband LAYS has experienced various line-up changes. In 2024, LAYS consists mostly of musicians from the early days: Rintje Kas, bandleader, vocals, and guitar; Gerard Schram, bass; Sjouke Vogel, drums; Loeky Westra, vocals; supplemented by Marco van der Meer, keyboards, and vocals (2004 to 2009)
Follow Partyband LAYS for more updates and information:
https://www.instagram.com/feestbandlays/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063704490830
https://www.youtube.com/@feestbandLAYS
https://www.tiktok.com/@feestbandlays
past assignments (highlights)
Communication advisor ad interim
Independently responsible for the following assignment: supporting the various colleagues in the Communication department in the broadest sense of the word. This means, among other things, thinking along in and carrying out extra work for projects already in progress at the Communication department as well as continuing to implement the current Communication policy within the municipality of Waadhoeke.
> contract via Reijn professionals
Developing corporate communication strategy
> in cooperation with ‘puur mec’ marketing, education and communication – www.keuningvandermeer.nl
Producer promotional videos animal shelter
As a volunteer for the Flappus animal shelter foundation in Zwolle (the Netherlands), I am involved in a campaign to raise money by literally lighting the shelter with 2021 lights in this dark period of the year. For this purpose I developed a promotional video and the day before Christmas another video with the result of the campaign appeared.
External communications advisor ad interim
Temporary support of the communication team of the municipality of Waadhoeke, the Netherlands. Core task: structure and strengthen the (online) external communication process and content, write and edit newsletters and on- and offline content.
Videos ‘Waadhoeke en corona’
A series of videos about the impact of COVID-19 (corona) on the daily lives of residents and entrepreneurs of the Municipality of Waadhoeke. #dutch #frisian
Communications advisor & spokesman of various organisations
Strategic communications advisor to Mayor and Alderman, Management and Organisation of multiple municipalities and public organisations. Translate programs and projects into strategies and actions, with the focus on the interests of in- and external stakeholders. Build and sustain a network of press contacts, write press statements, monitor the effects and tailor them to achieve the objectives set.
Producer and strategic communications advisor opening international art project 11fountains
Producer and strategic communications advisor of the opening of the 11fountains art project, live broadcasted from 11 Dutch cities simultaneous on TV and internet. Responsible for the international script and technique, 11 led-screens in the cities, 12 sound engineers, 14 camera’s and the director for the broadcast.
11fountains is an international art project for Leeuwarden-Fryslân 2018, European Cultural Capital.
www.11fountains.nl/
New cultural heritage
11fountains forms a new cultural heritage and is an unmissable destination for national and international tourists. This largest international art project of Leeuwarden-Friesland 2018 is supported by the province of Friesland and the six municipalities involved.
Composer and musician Dutch musical Eise Eisinga
Composer of the music for a musical about the life of the famous Dutch astronomer Eise Eisinga and leader of the band. The musical has been performed 8 times in Dronryp and Franeker (the Netherlands) by amateurs.
