DEPARTMENT MAKING REQUEST
Budget & Admin Services
Title
title
25-502, Approve Ranking, Economic Development Marketing Services – Annual Contract (Economic Development)
end
REQUESTED MOTION/ACTION
recommendation
Recommended Action:
a) Approve the Ranking of firms for Request for Proposals #25-502, Economic Development Marketing Services – Annual Contract: 1st Maris, West and Baker, Inc. of Sebring, Florida; 2nd Aqua Marketing and Communications, Inc. of St. Petersburg, Florida; and 3rd Marketing Alliance, Inc. of Celebration, Florida; and
b) Approve start of negotiations; and
c) Authorize the Chairman to sign the Contract after completion of negotiations.
This is for a full-service economic development marketing firm that can provide strategic planning as well as develop and execute marketing initiative targeted to site selectors, business and industries considering expansions and relocations, commercial developers, and key audiences.
end
budget
Budgeted Action:
No action needed: Budgeted in the General Fund – Economic Development budget to be approved in the upcoming FY2026 budget process.
end
BACKGROUND (Why is this Action Necessary, and What Action will be accomplished)
body
Background:
This is for an annual contract with a full-service economic development marketing firm that can provide strategic planning as well as develop and execute marketing initiatives targeted to business and industries considering expansions and relocations, commercial developers, and key audiences in an effort to support the Charlotte County Economic Development (hereinafter County) mission. The budget shall not exceed $99,000 per year and will be in effect for Fiscal Year 25/26 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026). Media buys are not included within the budget amount.
A Request for Proposals was solicited and generated eight (8) responses which were reviewed by the Professional Services Committee consisting of Kay Tracy, Economic Development Director; Sean Doherty, Tourism Development Director; and Maureen Broderick, Recreation Manager – Community Services. A copy of the top three proposals are attached, along with a breakdown of the rankings.
end