San Joaquin Valley Energy Leader Partnership (VIEW)
PARTNERS MARKETING TASKFORCE SUMMARY NOTES February 4, 2010 Attendees: Kim Loeb, City of Visalia Gail Henry, County of Tulare
Jesse Langley, SCE John King, SCE
Cynthia Downing, SJVCEO Courtney Kalashian, SJVCEO
Paulo Morais, So Cal Gas
Location: County of Tulare, RMA, RMA Main Conference Room, 5961 South Mooney Boulevard, Visalia, California, 93277 Time: 9:00 a.m. Next Meeting: Thursday, March 4, 2010 Location: County of Tulare, RMA, RMA Main Conference Room, 5961 South Mooney Boulevard, Visalia, California, 93277 Agenda Topics for February 4, 2010 1. Welcome 2. Visalia Spring Fest Home Show 3. 2010 Proposed budget for community events 4. Website Preview 5. Next Steps Summary of Discussion •
Cynthia Downing called to order at 9:12 a.m.
•
Courtney Kalashian led the discussion about the VIEW participation in the Visalia Spring Fest Home and Patio event. The 2nd Unit MEU will arrive Friday for set up and have two staff working full days. Partnership volunteers are needed to staff the peak hours and Courtney said she would send out a volunteer signup sheet via email. Paulo Morias said he would follow up with Ronnie Paoletto on whether the Gas Company would have volunteers to staff the booth. Courtney reported that the VIEW brochures printed last fall don’t have gas company logo, Paulo said that it would be okay to use up what we have so not to incur additional costs on an already limited budget. Jesse Langley suggested trying to reprint after this event.
San Joaquin Valley Energy Leader Partnership (VIEW) •
Cynthia presented three budget scenarios for Marketing Events in 2010: the first consisted of all possible events, the second was for key event coverage, and the third had a minimal Partnership presence at community events. The budgets included exhibit fees and printing costs, not staffing charges. A discussion followed on what the group felt would be worthwhile events to participate in. From that a discussion about what we are actually marketing developed. John King explained that each Local Government Partnership works on a scale, as the municipality effort grows the community sees that effort and comes along—you want to keep that scale in equilibrium. The local government setting the example is driving the community involvement—driving the entire community to do the right thing. John said we have to look more holistically at our local governments to meet the goals nationally. Gail Henry noted that this then comes back to the point that without our marketing dollars where are we? The conversation returned to community events, it was suggested that participating in Farmers Markets once a quarter could be a good idea. Paulo suggested that the group consider reaching out to religious organizations as a good avenue. He explained that there has been great success down south linking with religious groups because the information comes from a trusted source. John said that connection could be a phenomenal opportunity. Some concern was expressed as to how to make the playing field level for all jurisdictions to have representation at community events. It was suggested that predicted attendance level be the determining factor. Gail asked how the Partnership could reach the small areas in the county, how do we reach the underserved communities? Jesse explained that we can only do so much, and that outreach to them may not be event driven.
•
The meeting adjourned at 10:00 a.m.
Action Items 1. Courtney will collect more information on expected attendance levels at events, and add those numbers as well as staffing costs into the next budget. 2. SCE and SCG will continue on website approval. “The VIEW Partnership makes me aware of how I can save energy!”