Request for Proposals

In reference to national public relations services 12/3/2012

GNO, Inc. National Public Relations RFP December 3, 2012 Background Greater New Orleans, Inc. (GNO, Inc.) plays a vital role as the regional economic development agency, serving to coordinate, consolidate, and catalyze economic development initiatives. The organization works to generate wealth and improve the quality of life in the region. Attracting and retaining businesses, advocating for policies to improve the competitive climate, and ensuring the availability of a high-quality workforce, GNO, Inc. intends to counter negative perceptions and ensure that there is a clear understanding of the supreme opportunities available in the Greater New Orleans region. GNO, Inc. Communications Mission The GNO, Inc. Communications Mission is to brand Greater New Orleans as a premier region to live, work, and operate a business. GNO, Inc. will accomplish this by strategically utilizing and maximizing as many communication formats and mediums as possible to communicate business development and product development wins, promote vital assets and advantages of the region, and improve the national perception of Greater New Orleans. Requested Services Greater New Orleans, Inc. is seeking to retain a public relations agency to manage national media relations. Ultimately, media coverage should positively impact perceptions about the business climate in Greater New Orleans. Base Services Expected to be Provided Proactive outreach to national media and story development that produces positive coverage of the business climate of the Greater New Orleans region, the six target industry sectors GNO, Inc. is working to grow and develop, and other pertinent initiatives GNO, Inc. undertakes. Multiple appearances in national, non-industry media publications per month are target. Strategic counsel, especially during crises facing Greater New Orleans. Monitoring of media coverage that Greater New Orleans, Inc. is mentioned within, in addition to content that directly impacts or pertains to the core GNO, Inc. mission. Positioning GNO, Inc. as an expert in various issues on economic development and policy related to economic development. Goals Coverage should drive business and economic growth of the Greater New Orleans region and shift perceptions in mass markets. Coverage should drive interest in corporate executives and in site selection consultants in locating or retaining business interests in Greater New Orleans. Coverage should offset quality of life perception gaps that inhibit economic growth. Proposal Essentials Agency Overview Provide an overview of your firm, including size, areas of expertise, key clients, and respective industries. In terms of media outreach and brand management, how do you differentiate yourself from your competitors?

GNO, Inc. National Public Relations RFP December 3, 2012 Client and Experience Related Questions Please provide three case study examples that demonstrate your experience with economic development subject matter. What is the biggest PR crisis a client of yours has faced, and how did you manage it? Please describe how you work with a clients other vendors, such as a social media agency. Please provide three references. Account Team Questions Describe the team structure, and include biographies for the team assigned to this account. How will you allocate resources to and manage our account? How do you currently maintain regular communication lines between your firm and clients? Project Related Questions What are some creative ways you propose to drive the brand of Greater New Orleans as a strong place to do business? Describe the breadth of your national media contacts and how you will leverage these contacts to drive coverage in mainstream national media. Provide us with information on the first 90 days: how you would get up to speed and begin to achieve results. Budget and Account Management Explain billing procedures and account management. Do you offer non-profit rates?

Scoring System 100 total points Overall quality of National Media Relations proposal, including the breadth of your media list and how you plan to leverage your relationships with national media contacts (35 points) Proposal of team structure, including biographies of team members, and proposed management of our account (25 points) Case studies that highlight expertise in the following areas: marketing of geographic regions to highlight business climate and other key attributes, familiarity of economic development subject matter, and knowledge of Greater New Orleans (20 points) Proposed project budget and explanation of agencys billing procedures (20 points)

Proposal Guidelines, Requirements, and Submission This is an open and competitive process. Your companys name, address, telephone number, main contact, fax number and email address must be included on the cover page. The proposal must contain the signature of a duly authorized officer or agent of the company submitting the proposal.

GNO, Inc. National Public Relations RFP December 3, 2012

Budgets submitted for this project should not exceed $100,000. Proposed budgets should include monthly retainer fee costs. The price you quote should be inclusive. If your price excludes certain fees or charges, you must provide a detailed list of excluded fees with a complete explanation of the nature of those fees. Provisions of this RFP and the contents of the successful responses are considered available for inclusion in final contractual obligations. Additionally, there will be an interview process to screen vendors that meet the majority of these guidelines. The number of vendors chosen to be interviewed will be determined by both the overall number of submissions and vendors which are eligible for the selection process. Vendors who are not chosen will be notified by Greater New Orleans, Inc. in a timely manner. MWBEs are strongly encouraged to submit proposals. Greater New Orleans, Inc. will not reimburse applicants for any costs related to preparing this proposal. Respondents are encouraged to contact GNO, Inc. with any questions or concerns. Final proposals submitted are to be received by Greater New Orleans, Inc. no later than 4:00 p.m. CT on Friday, January 4, 2013. Four printed copies of the proposal must be submitted and one digital copy must be emailed to cberni@gnoinc.org. Schedule of Events for Proposal Request for Proposals 12/3/2012 Proposals due 1/4/2013 Finalist Interviews Week of January 14 We expect to award this contract by January 31, 2013. Please submit questions in writing to cberni@gnoinc.org (no deadline) Physical copies should be mailed to: Greater New Orleans, Inc. Attn: Caitlin Berni, Press Secretary 365 Canal Street, Suite 2300 New Orleans, LA 70130