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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011 08 08 Consent 203 Public Relations ConsultantCOMMISSION AGENDA ITEM 203 Consent X Informational Public Hearing Regular August 8, 2011 MGR. /DEPT. Regular Meeting Authorization REQUEST: City Manager requesting the Commission to approve a six -month contract with Todd Persons Communications for purposes of providing professional public relations /communications support to the City of Winter Springs. SYNOPSIS: The City Commission has previously expressed a desire to procure a professional public relations firm/consultant for purposes of disseminating information about the activities of our City, in an effort to enhance our communication efforts with our customers. The City Manager is recommending the City enter into a six -month contract with Todd Persons Communications for this purpose, at a total cost of $7,500. CONSIDERATIONS: The City Manager has evaluated and reviewed various options for procuring professional public relations support for the City. After consideration and analysis, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City procure the services of Todd Persons Communications for this purpose (information on Mr. Persons and his firm may be found in Attachment A). The scope of services for this project includes: • Writing and disseminating major press releases • Pitching positive stories to magazines and television media • Editing speeches for key city executives • Communications and media training • Communications Audit • Media Interaction • Other activities as deemed necessary and appropriate This relationship will be evaluated at the completion of the initial six -month engagement for determination of continuation. FISCAL IMPACT: The total six -month contract fee for services is $7,500, paid in monthly installments. Initial funding for this contract fee would be via current FY 2011 budget savings, thus no additional funding is required or requested. COMMUNICATION EFFORTS: This Agenda Item Has Been Electronically Forwarded To The Mayor And City Commission, City Attorney /Staff, And Is Available On The City's Website, LaserFiche, And The City's Server. Additionally, Portions Of This Agenda Item Are Typed Verbatim On The Respective Meeting Agenda Which Has Also Been Electronically Forwarded To The Individuals Noted Above, And Which Is Also Available On The City's Website, LaserFiche, And The City's Server; Has Been Sent To Applicable City Staff, eAlert /eCitizen Recipients, Media/Press Representatives Who Have Requested Agendas /Agenda Item Information, Homeowner's Associations/Representatives On File With The City, And All Individuals Who Have Requested Such Information. This Information Has Also Been Posted Outside City Hall, Posted Inside City Hall With Additional Copies Available For The General Public, And Posted At Five (5) Different Locations Around The City. Furthermore, This Information Is Also Available To Any Individual Requestors. City Staff Is Always Willing To Discuss This Agenda Item Or Any Agenda Item With Any Interested Individuals. RECOMMENDATION: The City Manager recommends that the City Commission approve a six -month contract for professional public relations /communications services with Todd Person Communications in the amount of $7,500 and authorize the City Attorney to prepare and the City Manager to execute any and all applicable documents required for this purpose. ATTACHMENTS: • A — Todd Persons Bio JUNE 14, 2010 • REGULAR AGENDA ITEM 605 PAGE 2 ATTACHMENT A Consent Item 203 August 8, 2011 Poo STRATEGIC COMMON SENSE Todd B. Persons — Todd Persons is president of Todd Persons Communications, a strategic public relations firm in Orlando, Florida. After graduating from Rollins College, Mr. Persons enjoyed a distinguished career in journalism, public service, education and public relations in the Central Florida market. He was an award - winning journalist at The Orlando Sentinel, news manager at both CBS and ABC affiliates, press secretary for the Orange - Osceola State's Attorney and for Former Orlando Mayor Bill Frederick. He was also on the president's staff at Florida Technological University (University of Central Florida). Mr. Persons started Todd Persons Communications in 1985, growing the full service agency to the top ranked PR firm in Orlando before selling the agency in 1997. After the sale, Mr. Persons served as Vice Chairman of the firm until he left in 2009 to form his own strategic consultancy. Mr. Persons has been the recipient of numerous professional awards including being named PR Professional of the Year by the Florida Public Relations Association. Mr. Persons is the author of many articles, columns and restaurant reviews in local, regional and national publications and has written a biography ( "The Lonely Trip Back ") published by Doubleday & Sons. He is married and has five children and nine grandchildren. He and his wife live in Maitland. He enjoys cooking, gardening and collecting wine. so3o North Orange Avenue Orlando, Florida 32801 v(4 f(4 c(407) 592 -zo6o Orlando and Washington, D.C.