HomeMy WebLinkAboutSR - C28340 - Public Relations SvcsCITY OF PALM DESERT
COMMUNITY SERVICES
STAFF REPORT
REQUEST: Award Contract No. c2834o to Nancy J. Friedman Public
Relations in the amount of $72,000 for Public Relations Services
SUBMITTED BY: Kristy Kneiding, Marketing Manager
DATE: November 20, 2008
CONTENT: Nancy J. Friedman Contract
Draft Marketing Committee Minutes October 21, 2008
Recommendation:
By Minute Motion, 1) Concur with the Marketing Committee's recommendation and
award Contract No. c28340 to Nancy J. Friedman Public Relations in the amount
of $72,000 for Public Relations Services through October 31, 2009; 2) Authorize the
Mayor to execute the agreement on behalf of the City.
Executive Summary:
For the past two years Palm Desert has retained the services of Nancy J. Friedman
Public Relations to add yet another dimension to the City's marketing program. During
that time, the additional reach and exposure for City attractions, programs, and events
have been reviewed. This effort has proven that public relations is an important
component to a successful marketing program.
While public relations agencies are an expensive undertaking, Palm Desert has been
fortunate to partner with the Desert Springs JW Marriott and benefit from a reduced
monthly retainer and shared expenses. By working cooperatively with the Marriott, the
City has a unified voice promoting the destination at an affordable cost of $5,000 per
month, plus reimbursable expenses. Expenses cover the cost of bringing writers and
media to the area (familiarization trips). Funds to support this initiative were included in
the 2008/09 Marketing budget and are available in account number 110-4417-414-
3090. CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
APPROVED li' DENIED
RECEIVED OTHER
MEET]:NC 'ATE // -O
AYES:
Ak3STAIN
VERIFIED BY:
Nancy J. Friedman Public Relations
Staff Report
Page 2
Discussion:
During the past two years the City has continued its marketing strategy that includes
retaining the services of Nancy J. Friedman Public Relations. Located in New York, this
agency continues to be one of the most well -respected and well-connected in the
tourism industry. Location is of key importance, as New York is the central location of
the major travel magazines and publications of interest to Palm Desert. By renewing
the contract with Friedman PR, the City would continue to take full advantage of a New
York based agency that is familiar with our area and everything the City has to offer, in
the most cost-effective manner.
Continuous progress and clipping reports submitted over the year have provided proof
of the benefits received from agency activities. Palm Desert and the Marriott have
received national media coverage by well -respected writers in key media outlets. The
City's energy initiatives, Desert Willow Golf Resort, The Living Desert, and other hotels
such as the Mod Resort also have received national exposure. Some of the media
outlets include Los Angeles Times, Good Morning America/ABCNews.com, Travel &
Leisure, BudgetTravel.com, Luxist.com, and US Airways magazine, to name a few.
The results of this past year's activities have been impressive, especially as it relates to
Palm Desert's energy initiatives. Many additional results are being realized from
outreach conducted in the first year of the contract. The agency continues to look for
unique opportunities to publicize Palm Desert and all its offerings. Therefore, Staff is
recommending a one-year renewal of the contract with Nancy J. Friedman Public
Relations at $5,000 per month plus $12,000 per year in expenses. Funds to support
this initiative were included in the 2008/09 Marketing budget and are available in
account number 110-4417-414-3090.
Submitted By:
Kristy Kn4iding
Marketing Manager
Approval:
Carlos L. Ortega
City Manager
�! Lei
Sheila R. Gilligan
Assistant City Manager
oAr
Paul Gibson
Director of Finance
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
PALM DESERT MARKETING COMMITTEE OCTOBER 21, 2008
V. NEW BUSINESS
A RENEWAL OF THE NANCY J. FRIEDMAN PUBLIC RELATIONS
CONTRACT
Kristy Kneiding gave an overview of the Nancy J. Friedman Public
Relations contract. The Agency has been instrumental in soliciting and
obtaining national media coverage of the City's Energy Program, as well
as publicity for the City's hotels, events, and attractions. Ms. Kneiding
stated that the Agency's promotional efforts have been successful and
staff was recommending renewing the Agency's contract for another year.
Upon question by Mayor Pro tem Spiegel, Ms. Kneiding responded that
last year's contract was in the amount of $72,000. Sixty thousand of that
amount was the retainer while the other dollars covered reimbursement
expenses. All expenses incurred by the Agency were split equally by the
Marriott Desert Springs Resort and the City.
Michael Shimer moved, by Minute Motion, to approve staff recommendation of a
one-year renewal of the Nancy J. Friedman PR Contract. Motion seconded by Mr.
Wise and carried 4-0.
B. PRESENTATION BY PAT CONLON, DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF ENERGY
MANAGEMENT
PAT CONLON gave an extensive overview of the City's Energy Plan and
Financial Assistance Program.
A discussion was held regarding same.
Mr. Shimer moved, by Minute Motion, to receive and file report given by Pat
Conlon. Motion seconded by Mr. Wise and carried 4-0.
C. REVISED MEDIA PLAN 2008/09
Ms. Kneiding gave an overview of the revised Media Plan. A conversation
took place regarding the movement of monies within the Plan. She stated
that the website design subcommittee met and will meet one additional
time before coming back to the Committee at its November meeting.
Upon question by Councilman Spiegel, Ms. Kneiding responded that the
Media Plan's budget did not increase.
Mr. Wise moved, by Minute Motion, to approve staff recommendation of the
Revised Media Plan 2008/09. Motion was seconded by Mr. Shimer and carried 4-0.
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