Title
Communication Consultant - Public Response Group (PRG) - Approval
History
The Village of Orland Park prides itself on effective communication with the community it serves, continually looking at the best ways to reach all audiences, residents, business and visitors. With the proliferation of communication channels such as online, social media, etc. it is important to build a communication plan.
Despite the economic downturn, the Village continues to move forward with its projects. Therefore, staff is recommending the hiring of a communications consultant to assist in delivering key messages to the community as well as facilitating healthy feedback.
It is staff’s recommendation to hire The Public Response Group or PRG to assist with the delivering of key messages and gathering feedback and information from residents and businesses in the Village. PRG has a history of working with the Village and has worked with a number of other local government agencies on a number of issues. PRG has communicated issues in a clear, concise manner with some of its clients including the National Association of Convenience Stores, the National Education Association and corporate clients such as American Airlines, SBC Ameritech, General Mills and Nestle.
Attached is a detailed proposal outlining what Orland Park related projects PRG will address for the next several months. Some of the specific initiatives with which PRG will be involved include 143rd Street and LaGrange Road Improvements; LaGrange Road widening; 159th Street widening; Triangle RDA; Plaza Acquisition; Energy Aggregation; Community Surveys; Collective Bargaining; and Budget/Finance.
PRG’s scope will focus on two major components with the first being the initiatives listed above and secondly to assist the Village of Orland Park in conducting surveys and focus groups within the Village. They are also charged with determining how different projects will impact the Village’s stakeholders and address areas of accurate communication flow so not to distract from the project’s objective.
Once PRG has collected information from its surveys, they will provide specific recommendations for the best, most effective way for the Village to deliver its message.
PRG will also develop a strategy and will execute an overall plan for ongoing
community relations. This will be achieved with the creation of focus groups. The creation of these groups will ensure that the Village’s messages are communicated succinctly to its stakeholders.
PRG will also assist with the development of collateral materials including but not limited to press releases, brochures and on-line social media.
On August 1, 2011 this item was reviewed and approved by the Technology, Communication & Community Engagement Committee and referred to the Board for approval.
Financial Impact
A FY2011 budget transfer will be required in the amount of $11,000 to fund this expenditure.
Funds will be transferred from the Contingency line item to the Non-Departmental Professional Services line item. The Board is not required to approve a budget amendment as the overall budget of the General Fund is not being increased. Funds for the balance must be budgeted in FY12 to continue the engagement.
Recommended Action/Motion
I move to approval an 18 month contract with Public Response Group (PRG) in an amount not to exceed $49,500.