I want to share some best practices I’ve seen online, and some of my own ideas, regarding ways we can help people feeling the financial pinch this summer. Many of you do versions of these ideas already. What I like about these concepts is that each serve the community and each presents multiple sponsorship opportunities. Here are five:

- Gas Price Patrol: Have the audience send in pictures from wherever they see the best prices at the pump. Likewise, if they see outrageously high prices, they should share those as well.

- Local Finds: This is the summer of the “local vacation,” and yet many of us don’t know about the hidden treasures in our own backyards. Invite people to share their favorite out-of-the-way restaurants, hotels, swimming spots, etc.

- Entertaining the Kids: We have to find clever ways to entertain the kids at home or locally this summer. How are people coming up with creative, fun family activities?

- Favorite Bike Rides: Bring along a digital camera and show us your favorite bike trails.

- Take a hike! : Where are those easy/medium/challenging hiking spots the audience can share with us? Find out, and send a reporter.

Each of these can easily be turned into a contest as well, if your sales team can find the right sponsor. The nice thing about all of these is that they are audience-driven and they share great ideas during a financially difficult time.

Let us know about your great ideas. Write to me at ssafran@ar-d.com or Terry at theaton@ar-d.com