REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Consider an Agreement with Essense Partners, Inc. to Provide Support Marketing, Outreach, Printing and Public Relations Services
Report
BACKGROUND
Independent survey results indicate that the City's customers rank Silicon Valley Power (SVP) at or near the top of all California utilities. Satisfaction surveys also show that customers are looking for SVP to increase communication and information via methods accessible on mobile devices.
Maintaining high customer satisfaction, trust and value requires constant effort to provide information and transparency and to create regular opportunities for customer engagement. The challenge of meeting our increasingly difficult energy efficiency goals requires competing for our customers' attention to raise awareness. To address our communication needs in a changing marketplace, SVP requires specific marketing and public relations support that will emphasize new communication approaches in social media and digital messaging, produce crisp and tailored messaging, and deliver a focused sustained effort that proactively leverages available media outlets.
In October 2016, SVP issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Marketing & Communications Services including requirements unique to SVP such as the assignment of full responsibility for 3rd party printing costs and question and answer management of the printing process on several deliverables, as well as the addition of strategic/proactive Public Relations support-a year-after-year proven benefit to the utility. Essense Partners Inc. was selected in this RFP process, and on May 9, 2017, the City Council approved a Call Agreement and Call No. 17-1. Under Call No. 17-1, Essense Partners, Inc. undertook a brand audit and developed a new style guide and brand strategy for SVP, as well as began development of new program materials.
DISCUSSION
This new agreement, Call No. 18-1 (Attachment 1), with Essense Partners, Inc. will continue to imple...
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