HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/03/2007, C7 - AWARD CONTRACT FOR TOURISM ADVERTISING SERVICES FOR THE COMMUNITY PROMOTIONS PROGRAM council
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CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
FROM: Shelly Stanwyck,Assistant CAO
Prepared By: Brigitte Elke,Principal Administrative Analyst
SUBJECT: AWARD CONTRACT FOR TOURISM ADVERTISING SERVICES
FOR THE COMMUNITY PROMOTIONS PROGRAM
CAO RECOMMENDATION
1. As recommended by the Promotional Coordinating Committee (PCC) award the contract for
Tourism Advertising Services for the Community Promotions Program (Specification No.
90697)to Verdin Marketing Ink.
2. Authorize the Mayor to execute the contract.
DISCUSSION
Background
Increasing the City's Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) by means of tourism promotion is one of the
major components of the Downtown Improvement work program included in the 2007-09 Financial
Plan. The 2005-07 Major City Goal for economic development stipulated the encouragementand
promotion of projects and programs that will increase sales and transient occupancy tax. The City's
Community Promotions Program is a comprehensive program designed to support these goals and
includes the PCC's oversight of the development of a tourism advertising and promotional
campaign. The City applies a diversified approach to best achieve the program's defined objectives.
In the past, the City has awarded four separate contracts focusing on providing visitors center
services,public relations, direct marketing and regional advertising services.
Historically, the advertising contract has been filled through the RFP process and the next contract
term should run through June 30, 2009. Barnett, Cox and Associates (BCA) holds the current
contract that will expire June 30, 2007, but chose not to pursue the new contract. BCA did an
excellent job for the City over many years and their service is greatly appreciated.
In its March meeting, the PCC assigned an ad hoc committee to revise the RFP document to reflect
current work scope expectations based on updated marketing goals and objectives. The PCC had
met previously at its annual retreat on January 24, 2007 to initiate the revision of the current
marketing plan (established in 2003) and define the target audience, goals and objectives for the
City's marketing efforts. The ad hoc committee convened on April 5, 2007 to prepare a new RFP
document for approval by the PCC.
During its monthly meeting on April 11, 2007,the PCC reviewed the proposed RFP document. The
committee voted unanimously to recommend to Council that the attached RFP for Community
Promotion Advertising Services be issued as presented. (Attachment 1 —PCC Minutes). On May 1,
2007 Council approved the RFP documents and allowed for release and advertisement on
May 2, 2007.
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RFP for Community Promotions Advertising Services
Selection Process
On May 31, 2007 the received bids were opened with two members of the PCC and one member of
the public present. Three bids were received: JP Marketing from Fresno, Verdin Marketing Ink and
Webfeet from San Luis Obispo. Due to the small number of proposals received, the PCC members
present suggested that all three contractors be invited to interview with the PCC during its June
meeting.
On June 13, 2007 JP Marketing, Verdin Marketing, Ink, and Webfeet presented their proposals to
the PCC. Each contractor was given 30 minutes to present advertising concept, creative approach
and outreach strategy. After the three contractors had finished their presentation, the PCC started its
deliberation. Several of the members found that JP Marketing had an enticing proposal, combined
with enthusiastic out-of-the box thinking. However, local firm Verdin Marketing presented an
equally strong and creative proposition. The committee felt that the contract should not be awarded
to an out-of-area company due to the frequency of meetings and need to have in person
representation. After some discussion and deliberation, the committee voted (6-1) to recommend
Verdin Marketing, Ink for Council consideration (see attachment 2,PCC Minutes June 13, 2007).
Summary of the Workscope
The contract lists the specific advertising services sought by the City. Implementing the goals and
objectives of the adopted Tourism Marketing Plan is a critical function of the City's Promotional
Program. In addition to the typical services provided by an advertising contractor, such as preparing
and implementing an advertising campaign, the contract requires the use and integration of the
adopted tourism logo, tagline, and dedicated tourism website www.visitslo.org. It also encourages
cooperative advertising opportunities with the County Visitors and Conference Bureau, the San Luis
Obispo Cultural and Arts Community and provision for "fulfillment" materials requested by
potential visitors.
Next Steps
The City of San Luis Obispo maintains for three additional contracts for community promotions,
which include regional marketing services with the Visitors and Conference Bureau, a Public
Relations contract with the Chamber of Commerce and a contract for the Visitors Center on 1039
Chorro Street with the Chamber of Commerce. The PCC's renewal recommendation for these
contracts is anticipated for presentation to Council at the July 17, 2007 meeting.
FISCAL IMPACT
The approved 2007-09 budget allocates $865,800 to Community Promotions over two years and of
that$187,500 is recommended for the advertising contract in 2007-08 and$197,000 in 2008-09.
ALTERNATIVES
Deny the recommendation. Council could choose to deny the PCC's recommendation to award the
contract to Verdin Marketing Ink. Should this occur, staff suggests re-bidding the RFP and
evaluating new proposal submitted
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RFP for Community Promotions Advertising Services
ATTACHMENTS
1. Advertising Services Contract
2. Promotional Coordinating Committee Meeting Minutes of April 11, 2007.
3. Promotional Coordinating Committee Meeting Minutes of June 13, 2007
Council Reading File
All three proposals are available in the Council Reading File.
C' ATTACHMENT 9
AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into in the City of San Luis Obispo on this day of
by and between the CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, a municipal corporation, hereinafter
referred to as City,and Verdin Marketing Ink hereinafter referred to as Contractor.
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, on May 2, 2007, City requested proposals for Advertising services for the City of San Luis
Obispo per Specification No.90697;
WHEREAS, pursuant to said request, Contractor submitted a proposal which was accepted by City for
said services;
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of their mutual promises, obligations, and covenants hereinafter
contained,the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. TERM. The term of this Agreement shall be from the date of this Agreement is made and
entered, as first written above, until June 30, 2009. By mutual agreement of both parties, the term of this
Agreement may be extended twice for an additional two years.
2. INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE. City Specification No. 90697 and Contractor's proposal
dated May 31,2007, are hereby incorporated in and made a part of this Agreement.
3. CITY'S OBLIGATIONS. For providing services as specified in this Agreement, City will pay and
Contractor shall receive therefore compensation in a total sum not to exceed$384,500.
4. CONTRACTOR'S OBLIGATIONS. For and in consideration of the payments and agreements
hereinbefore mentioned to be made and performed by City, Contractor agrees with City to provide services as
described in Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated into this Agreement.
5. AMENDMENTS. Any amendment, modification, or variation from the terms of this Agreement
shall be in writing and shall be effective only upon approval by the Council of the City.
6. COMPLETE AGREEMENT. This written Agreement, including all writings specifically
incorporated herein by reference, shall constitute the complete agreement between the parties hereto. No oral
agreement, understanding, or representation not reduced to writing and specifically incorporated herein shall be
of any force or effect, nor shall any such oral agreement, understanding, or representation be binding upon the
parties hereto.
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ATTACHMENT I
7. NOTICE. All written notices to the parties hereto shall be sent by United States mail, postage
prepaid by registered or certified mail addressed as follows:
City City Clerk
City of San Luis Obispo
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Contractor Verdin Marketing Ink
1920 Broad Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 934011
8. AUTHORITY TO EXECUTE AGREEMENT. Both City and Contractor do covenant that each
individual executing this agreement on behalf of each party is a person duly authorized and empowered to
execute Agreements for such parry.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this instrument to be executed the day and
year first above written.
ATTEST: CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO,
A Municipal Corporation
By:
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: CONTRACTOR
By:
(City ney
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EXHIBIT A ATTACHMENT 1
SCOPE OF WORK FOR ADVERTISING SERVICES
1. Assist in implementing the City's Tourism Marketing Plan Goals and Objectives.
1.1. Continue to maintain and improve upon strategic alliances including supporting
partnership opportunities with the San Luis Obispo Vintners and their two main
events, Cal Poly Open House, and the Arts Community (Symphony, Mozart
Festival, Plein Air Festival, etc.) through special events and marketing
opportunities.
2. Use the City of San Luis Obispo's Community Promotion's Brand, San Luis Obispo
— Experience the SLO Life!in all materials and promote its use by the media.
3. Plan, prepare and implement annual advertising campaign with measurable goals.
Provide account services such as but not limited to:
3.1. Development of ad concept.
3.2. Design and production of advertising materials.
3.3. Media buys and placement that meet criteria to reach the defined target audience
considering traditional and new media.
3.4. Explore cooperative advertising opportunities, in particular those with the San
Luis Obispo County Visitors and Conference Bureau, San Luis Obispo Vintners,
Cal Poly and the Arts Community and athletic events (Tour of California,
Downtown Criterium, Jeep King of the Mountain, City to Sea Marathon, Mission
Christmas Classic, Soccer Club, etc.) driving tourism traffic to San Luis Obispo.
3.5. Provide advertising budget management. Pay placed advertising invoices and
account for all such activity conducted on the City's behalf in monthly billing
materials.
3.6. Provide additional advertising and consumer relations services as needed.
3.7. Work with the Marketing Subcommittee to generate new ideas, approaches to
advertising, and evaluation of placed campaigns.
4. Consumer Relations.
4.1. Provide "direct marketing" services to consumers through various advertising and
promotions efforts.
4.2. Develop targeted themes to attract consumers to the region. Coordinate themes
with the Public Relations Contractor and the Promotional Coordinating Committee
(PCC) Marketing Subcommittee.
4.3. Pursue other targeted niche opportunities as identified by the Contractor and the
PCC Marketing Subcommittee. Evaluate creative focus for success and adjust
accordingly.
4.4. Use local events and amenities identified by Contractor and PCC Marketing
Subcommittee in consumer oriented email, electronic newsletters, and other web-
based promotional opportunities.
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ATTACHMENT f
4.5. Pursue focused promotional opportunities with local organizations to reach target
audience as defined.
4.6. Direct mail to electronic database, monthly, an electronic newsletter, promoting
events and new visitor opportunities in the City. Provide copies of the newsletter
to all City lodging properties and encourage its use by visitors. Make a copy of
the newsletter available to the Chamber of Commerce for placement on
visitslo.com.
4.7. Explore other creative direct marketing opportunities in defined feeder markets.
5. Provide advertising "fulfillment" services in response to requests for material as a
result of advertising and direct marketing to consumers.
5.1 This may be subcontracted to another party such as a "fulfillment house" or the
Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center and may include use of the Chamber of
Commerce's Visitors Guide.
5.2 Focus consumers to the website, visitslo.com, for fulfillment as well as for the
continued development of the electronic database.
6. Monthly Reports. Monthly, by the first Wednesday, provide written reports on
advertising activities to the City's Administration Department to be included in the
Promotional Coordinating Committee's meeting packets. At a minimum the reports
shall include:
6.1. Evaluation of campaign compared to work scope
6.2. Summary of advertising placed during the reporting period.
6.3. Summary of direct consumer marketing placed during the reporting period.
6.4. Summary of results and responses to materials during reporting period.
6.5. Examples of materials distributed during the reporting period.
6.6. Summary of strategic alliances supported during the reporting period.
Once every three months, the contractor will provide an oral report to the PCC to discuss
achievements in comparison to the work scope and a 60-day outlook for planned
promotions.
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EXHIBIT B ATTACHMENT i
GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1. Business License & Tax. Contractor must have a valid City of San Luis Obispo
business tax certificate prior to execution of the contract. Additional information
regarding the City's business tax program may be obtained by calling
(805) 781-7134.
2. Ability to Perform. Contractor warrants that it possesses, or has arranged through
subcontracts, all capital and other equipment, labor, materials, and licenses
necessary to carry out and complete the work hereunder in compliance with any
and all federal, state, county, city, and special district laws, ordinances, and
regulations.
3. Laws to be Observed. Contractor shall keep itself fully informed of and shall
observe and comply with all applicable state and federal laws and county and City
of San Luis Obispo ordinances, regulations and adopted codes during its
performance of-the work.
4. Payment of Taxes. The contract prices shall include full compensation for all taxes
that Contractor is required to pay.
5. Permits and Licenses. Contractor shall procure all permits and licenses, pay all
charges and fees, and give all notices necessary.
6. Safety Provisions. Contractor shall conform to the rules and regulations
pertaining to safety established by OSHA and the California Division of Industrial
Safety.
7. Public and Employee Safety. Whenever Contractor's operations create a
condition hazardous to the public or City employees, it shall, at its expense and
without cost to the City, furnish, erect and maintain such fences, temporary railings,
barricades, lights, signs and other devices and take such other protective measures
as are necessary to prevent accidents or damage or injury to the public and
employees.
8. Preservation of City Property. Contractor shall provide and install suitable
safeguards, approved by the City, to protect City property from injury or damage. If
City property is injured or damaged as a result of Contractor's operations, it shall be
replaced or restored at Contractor's expense. The facilities shall be replaced or
restored to a condition as good as when the Contractor began work.
9. Immigration Act of 1986. Contractor warrants on behalf of itself and all sub-
contractors engaged for the performance of this work that only persons authorized
to work in the United States pursuant to the Immigration Reform and Control Act of
1986 and other applicable laws shall be employed in the performance of the work
hereunder.
10. Contractor Non-Discrimination. In the performance of this work, Contractor
agrees that it will not engage in, nor permit such sub-contractors as it may employ,
ATTACHMENT I
to engage in discrin enation in employment of persons because of age, race, color,
sex, national origin or ancestry, sexual orientation, or religion of such persons.
11. Work Delays. Should Contractor be obstructed or delayed in the work required to
be done hereunder by changes in the work or by any default, act, or omission of the
City, or by strikes, fire, earthquake, or any other Act of God, or by the inability to
obtain materials, equipment, or labor due to federal government restrictions arising
out of defense or war programs, then the time of completion may, at the City's sole
option, be extended for such periods as may be agreed upon by the City and the
Contractor.
12. Payment Terms. The City's payment terms are 30 days from the receipt of an
original invoice and acceptance by the City of the services provided by Contractor
(Net 30).
13. Inspection. Contractor shall furnish City with every reasonable opportunity for City
to ascertain that the services of Contractor are being performed in accordance with
the requirements and intentions of this contract. All work done and all materials
furnished, if any, shall be subject to the City's inspection and approval. The
inspection of such work shall not relieve Contractor of any of its obligations to fulfill
its contract requirements.
14. Audit. The City shall have the option of inspecting and/or auditing all records and
other written materials used by Contractor in preparing its invoices to City as a
condition precedent to any payment to Contractor.
15. Interests of Contractor. Contractor covenants that it presently has no interest,
and shall not acquire any interest direct or indirect or otherwise, which would
conflict in any manner or degree with the performance of the work hereunder.
Contractor further covenants that, in the performance of this work, no sub-
contractor or person having such an interest shall be employed. Contractor certifies
that no one who has or will have any financial interest in performing this work is an
officer or employee of the City. It is hereby expressly agreed that, in the
performance of the work hereunder, Contractor shall at all times be deemed an
independent contractor and not an agent or employee of the City.
16. Hold Harmless and Indemnification. Contractor agrees to defend, indemnify,
protect and hold the City and its agents, officers and employees harmless
from and against any and all claims asserted or liability established for
damages or injuries to any person or property, including injury to
Contractor's employees, agents or officers which arise from or are connected
with or are caused or claimed to be caused by the acts or omissions of
Contractor, and its agents, officers or employees, in performing the work or
services herein, and all expenses of investigating and defending against
same; provided, however, that Contractor's duty to indemnify and hold
harmless shall not include any claims or liability arising from the established
sole negligence or willful misconduct of the City, its agents, officers or
employees.
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ATTACHMENT.1
17. Contract Assignmunt. Contractor shall not assign, transfer, convey or otherwise
dispose of the contract, or its right, title or interest, or its power to execute such a
contract to any individual or business entity of any kind without the previous written
consent of the City.
18. Termination. If, during the term of the contract, the City determines that
Contractor is not faithfully abiding by any term or condition contained herein, the
City may notify Contractor in writing of such defect or failure to perform; which
notice must give Contractor a 10 (ten) calendar day notice of time thereafter in
which to perform said work or cure the deficiency.
If Contractor has not performed the work or cured the deficiency within the ten days
specified in the notice, such shall constitute a breach of the contract and the City
may terminate the contract immediately by written notice to Contractor to said
effect. Thereafter, neither party shall have any further duties, obligations,
responsibilities, or rights under the contract.
In said event, Contractor shall be entitled to the reasonable value of its services
performed from the beginning date in which the breach occurs up to the day it
received the City's Notice of Termination, minus any offset from such payment
representing the City's damages from such breach. "Reasonable value" includes
fees or charges for goods or services as of the last milestone or task satisfactorily
delivered or completed by Contractor as may be set forth in the Amended
Agreement payment schedule; compensation for any other work, services or goods
performed or provided by Contractor shall be based solely on the City's assessment
of the value of the work-in-progress in completing the overall workscope.
The City reserves the right to delay any such payment until completion or confirmed
abandonment of the project, as may be determined in the City's sole discretion, so
as to permit a full and complete accounting of costs. In no event, however, shall
Contractor be entitled to receive in excess of the compensation quoted in its
proposal.
19. Ownership of Materials. All original drawings, plan documents and other
materials prepared by or in possession of Contractor as part of the work or services
under these specifications shall become the permanent property of the City, and
shall be delivered to the City upon demand.
20. Release of Reports and Information. Any reports, information, data, or other
material given to, prepared by or assembled by Contractor as part of the work or
services under these specifications shall be the property of City, and shall not be
made available to any individual or organization by Contractor without the prior
written approval of the City.
21. Copies of Reports and Information. If the City requests additional copies of
reports, drawings, specifications, or any other material in addition to what
Contractor is required to furnish in limited quantities as part of the work or services
under these specifications, Contractor shall provide such additional copies as are
requested, and City shall compensate Contractor for the costs of duplicating of
such copies at the Contractor's direct expense.
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ATTACHMENT I
22. Attendance at Meetings and Hearings. As part of the workscope and included in
the contract price is attendance by the Contractor to public meetings to present and
discuss its findings and recommendations. Contractor shall attend as many
"working" meetings with staff as necessary in performing workscope tasks.
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EXHIBIT C
C' ATTACHMENT I
INSURANCE
The Contractor shall procure and maintain for the duration of the contract insurance
against claims for injuries to persons or damages to property which may arise from or in
connection with the performance of the work hereunder by the Contractor, its agents,
representatives, employees or subcontractors.
Minimum Scope of Insurance. Coverage shall be at least as broad as:
1. Insurance Services Office Commercial General Liability coverage (occurrence form
CG 0001).
2. Insurance Services Office form number CA 0001 (Ed. 1/87) covering Automobile
Liability, code 1 (any auto).
3. Workers' Compensation insurance as required by the State of California and
Employer's Liability Insurance.
4. Errors and Omissions Liability insurance as appropriate to the consultant's
profession.
Minimum Limits of Insurance. Contractor shall maintain limits no less than:
1. General Liability: $1,000,000 per occurrence for bodily injury, personal injury and
property damage. If Commercial General Liability or other form with a general
aggregate limit is used, either the general aggregate limit shall apply separately to
this project/location or the general aggregate limit shall be twice the required
occurrence limit.
2. Automobile Liability: $1,000,000 per accident for bodily injury and property
damage.
3. Employer's Liability: $1,000,000 per accident for bodily injury or disease.
4. Errors and Omissions Liability: $1,000,000 per occurrence.
Deductibles and Self-Insured Retentions. Any deductibles or self-insured retentions
must be declared to and approved by the City. At the option of the City, either: the insurer
shall reduce or eliminate such deductibles or self-insured retentions as respects the City,
its officers, officials, employees and volunteers; or the Contractor shall procure a bond
guaranteeing payment of losses and related investigations, claim administration and
defense expenses.
Other Insurance Provisions. The general liability and automobile liability policies are to
contain, or be endorsed to contain, the following provisions:
1. The City, its officers, officials, employees, agents and volunteers are to be covered
as insureds as respects: liability arising out of activities performed by or on behalf
of the Contractor;. products and completed operations of the Contractor; premises
owned, occupied or used by the Contractor; or automobiles owned, leased, hired or
borrowed by the Contractor. The coverage shall contain no special limitations on
the scope of protection afforded to the City, its officers, official, employees, agents
or volunteers.
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2. For any claims related to this project, the Contractor's insurance coverage shall be
primary insurance as respects the City, its officers, officials, employees, agents and
volunteers. Any insurance or self-insurance maintained by the City, its officers,
officials, employees, agents or volunteers shall be excess of the Contractor's
insurance and shall not contribute with it.
3. The Contractor's insurance shall apply separately to each insured against whom
claim is made or suit is brought, except with respect to the limits of the insurer's
liability.
4. Each insurance policy required by this clause shall be endorsed to state that
coverage shall not be suspended, voided, canceled by either parry, reduced in
coverage or in limits except after thirty (30) days' prior written notice by certified
mail, return receipt requested, has been given to the City.
Acceptability of Insurers. Insurance is to be placed with insurers with a current A.M.
Best's rating of no less than ANIL
Verification of Coverage. Contractor shall furnish the City with a certificate of insurance
showing maintenance of the required insurance coverage. Original endorsements
effecting general liability and automobile liability coverage required by this clause must
also be provided. The endorsements are to be signed by a person authorized by that
insurer to bind coverage on its behalf. All endorsements are to be received and approved
by the City before work commences.
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ATTACHMENT 2-
Promotional Coordinating Committee
Minutes
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
5:30 pm
City Hall
Council Hearing Room
990 Palm Street
CALL TO ORDER: Staff, Brigitte Elke 5:35 pm
PRESENT: Nicklas, J. Conner, T. Conner, Kinney
STAFF PRESENT: Brigitte Elke, Principal Administrative Analyst
Due to the absence of the Chair, the committee voted on an interim chair for the April
meeting, since the Vice-Chair had left the PCC at the end of her term limit March 31, 2007.
ACTION: Moved by J. Conner/T. Conner to elect Debbie Nicklas as the interim Chair for
the April PCC meeting.
Motion carried 4:0
City Clerk, Audrey Hooper, swore in the newly elected members of the PCC: Rob Sexton and
Cathie Babb. Both signed their certificate and received the City pin.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no public comment.
CONSENT AGENDA
ACTION: Moved by J. Conner/T. Conner to approve the consent agenda as presented.
Motion carried 6:0.
BUSINESS ITEMS ATTACHMENT 2
1. Election of Vice-Chair
ACTION: Moved by J. Conner/T. Conner to elect Debbie Nicklas as Vice Chair for the
upcoming year.
Motion carried 6:0.
2. Review RFP documents for advertising contract as submitted by ad-hoc committee
and recommendation to Council
The committee reviewed the document as presented by the ad-hoc committee. Brigitte Elke
reiterated the RFP process and proposed time table. Debbie Nicklas highlighted the changes
the ad-committee made in order to improve and clarify the work scope requested. She further
explained the elected definition of "destination" and the main target audience.
Terry Conner had an addition in the description of the work and suggested a different order of
the tasks listed.
ACTION: Moved by J. Conner/T. Conner to recommend the RFP to Council as
amended during discussion. Motion carried 6:0
SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Grants In Aid
The Grants in Aid subcommittee will have their first evaluation meeting on April 26, at
4:00 PM at City Hall.
2. Marketing Subcommittee
The Marketing Subcommittee continued work on the Marketing Plan. The committee decided
to lead the plan with a mission statement, in addition to defining the new positioning
envisioned.
PCC LIAISON REPORTS
No liaison reports were given.
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ATTACHMENT 2
PCC COMMUNICATIONS
Brigitte Elke passed the new contact list for committee members to verify and update as
needed.
Debbie Nicklas asked to change the reporting schedule for the contractors. Instead of having
all of them present at the same meeting once a quarter, they will alternate their reports and
be assigned a month. This will still give the PCC a quarterly report by each contractor, but
allow for a more in depth presentation and discussion on the individual contracts.
The meeting adjourned at 6:25 pm to the May 9, 2007 meeting.
ATTACHMENTS
Promotional Coordinating Committee
Minutes
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
5:30 pm
City Hall
Council Hearing Room
990 Palm Street
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Cate Norton 5:30 pm
PRESENT: Nicklas, J. Conner, T. Conner, Kinney, Sexton, Babb
STAFF PRESENT: Brigitte Elke, Principal Administrative Analyst
PUBLIC COMMENT
Two members of the Bike Coalition presented their thanks for the GIA recommendation in
support of their organization.
Maggie Cox thanked the committee for their commitment to the advertising contract over the
past 14 years and handed out aprons they produced for the Sunset Show. Robert Sexton
asked whether she would be willing to conduct an exit interview. Staff will follow-up with her
to set a date and time.
CONSENT AGENDA
ACTION: Moved by Nicklas/ Kinney to approve the consent agenda as presented.
Motion carried 7:0.
BUSINESS ITEMS
1. GIA— Final Recommendations
After hearing public comment from Marta Beloso from the Arts Council, the committee
discussed the recommendations and made the following changes:
ARTS Obispo increase to $2,500
CalPoly Open House reduce to $3,500
Central Coast Shakespeare Festival eliminate all funding
GALA increase to $3,000
San Luis Obispo Art Center reduce to $7,400
City-to-Sea Half Marathon reduce to $4,500
San Luis Obispo County Band increase to $1,550
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International Film Festival reduce to $7,400
Mozart Festival reduce to $7,400
The members will review the new priority criteria for the grants and provide feedback to
Brigitte Elke for final summary.
Moved by J. Conner/Kinney to recommend grants-in-aid funding as amended.
Motion carried 7:0
2. Interviews of Advertising Contractors and Committee Recommendation
Three contractors had submitted proposals and all of them were invited to present their
proposals to the PCC. After the presentations were received, the committee deliberated to
provide a recommendation to Council.
Rob Sexton voiced a very strong preference of the first presenter, JP Marketing from Fresno.
Their proposal, in his opinion, was the most innovative and yielded the most promising
campaign, mainly due to their strong integration of various web features and "out of the box"
thinking. Several committee members concurred regarding innovation and most creative
approach, but they felt that the local firm, Verdin Marketing, had a solid proposal and
circumstances did not warrant the contract going to an outside company. Some of the
members also found that JP Marketing had too narrow a focus and came across as too
aggressive..
The third presenter, Webfeet from San Luis Obispo, was not considered since no actual
marketing concept was presented. This company presented media options and based most
of their outreach on a direct mail component. They did not attempt to develop a conceptual
marketing strategy and were therefore eliminated.
The following committee discussion points supported the recommendation:
1) With Verdin Ink the contract is kept local and they understand the market and the
community.
2) Verdinn Marketing Ink's proposal had lower cost associated with administration and
more money for media placement.
3) Keeping the contract local increases availability for meetings and accountability.
4) Verdin Marketing Ink presented a good, solid concept if also not overly innovative and
more based on status-quo.
Moved by Kinney/T. Conner to recommend Verdin Marketing Ink as the advertising firm for
the City's Community Promotions contract.
Motion carried 6:1 (Sexton)
The meeting adjourned at 8:35 pm to the July 11, 2007 meeting.