HomeMy WebLinkAbout6C(3) Staff Report Blue Waters Group
City of South Bend
Redevelopment Commission
PHASE 3 ACTIVITIES WITH THE BLUE WATERS GROUP
May 7, 2010
Staff request approval of a third phase of a contract with The Blue Waters Group for marketing consultation and
communications services in support of Ignition Park and related economic development activity. We are
seeking approval of a contract not to exceed $430,000. This would bring the three-year total to $1.2 million, as
first proposed to the Redevelopment Commission in 2008,
Phase 3 would begin June 1, 2010, and continue through Jan. 31, 2011.
The primary communications objectives are:
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Build local awareness of, and participation in, tech transformation in South Bend.
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Build, state and national awareness of tech transformation in South Bend
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Engage media
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Build local identity of Ignition Park
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Increase communication about economic development activity in South Bend
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Provide business-friendly resources and activities
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Create capacity to respond to emerging opportunities and new development strategies
Activities will be divided over three areas:
1.Continuation of existing efforts at existing funding levels: Ongoing billboard advertising, updates to
IgnitionPark.com, public-affairs management and measurements to evaluate progress.
2.Enhancing existing efforts: Increase frequency and circulation of South Bend ON e-newsletter, creation
of additional support materials targeted at key audiences.
3.New efforts: Increased engagement with statewide business media as well as local companies and
opinion leaders; collaboration in community partnerships to communicate about economic opportunity
through tech transfer.