Public Relations and Marketing Services

The vendor is required to provide a comprehensive marketing, branding, public relations (PR), and strategic consulting services to support the city of garland’s convention and visitor’s bureau and economic development departments.
- Business development and investment 
• Existing businesses, entrepreneurs, site selectors, investors, real estate professionals, and targeted industries, including destination retail, advanced manufacturing, and data centers.
redevelopment 
• Real estate professionals, existing and future property owners, investors, residents, and community leaders.
- Public relations
• Develop and execute PR strategies to promote garland as a hub for business growth, economic development, and a great place to live and work.
• Pitch and secure earned media coverage in local, regional, national, and trade outlets.
• Draft press releases, story pitches, talking points, and op-eds.
• Pitch redevelopment stories to top-tier and industry publications.
• Focus on storytelling to position garland as a top-tier destination for developers, industry leaders, and young professionals.
- Branding and messaging (economic development)
• Conduct a brand audit for the economic development department and assess alignment with audience expectations and market trends. 
• Develop messaging platforms that clarify value propositions for key audiences (e.g., developers, brokers, investors, business owners, and new residents).
• Recommend updates to brand visuals, tone, and positioning where appropriate.
- LinkedIn (economic development)
• Develop LinkedIn content strategy, ensuring it aligns with brand messaging and supports economic development goals.
• Write compelling posts and increase meaningful engagement.
- Relationship development (economic development)
• Identify key targets and partners, including brokers, developers, investors, and corporate site selectors.
• Provide strategic guidance concerning trade shows, development firms, and associations the city should engage with to build long-term partnerships.
• Recommend sponsorship and award submission opportunities to build brand awareness and project
recognition.
• Help position garland as a desirable partner through tailored outreach and engagement materials.
- Advertising strategy and execution (economic development)
• Develop a unified advertising strategy for economic development objectives.
• Recommend media placements across print, digital, out-of-home, and trade publications.
• Oversee creative development, media buying, campaign execution, and performance tracking.
- Our primary objectives for engaging a PR firm include:
1. Increase brand awareness
• Elevate garland’s profile as a premier travel destination through sustained media coverage and compelling storytelling.
• Strengthen brand positioning in regional and national tourism markets.
2. Expand media reach and earned coverage
• Secure high-impact media placements in top-tier travel, lifestyle, and hospitality publications.
• Generate earned media placements in key target markets.
• Increase garland's visibility and favorable coverage through targeted media outreach and press visits.
3. Enhance digital PR and influencer engagement
• Collaborate with vetted travel influencers, bloggers, and journalists to create engaging, high-quality content.
• Assess and recommend travel writers and influencers whose content aligns with garland’s brand and tourism goals.
• Increase digital PR engagement through social mentions, influencer partnerships, and user-generated content.
4. Storytelling and messaging
• Develop a compelling narrative that communicates garland's unique identity and visitor appeal.
• Strengthen messaging around key cultural, culinary, and outdoor tourism offerings.
5. Support event promotion and visitor engagement
• Drive awareness and attendance for major garland events, attractions, and seasonal campaigns.
• Encourage extended stays and repeat visits through targeted storytelling and campaign initiatives.
6. Drive economic impact
• Support increased visitor spending by promoting attractions, dining, and local businesses.
• Position garland as a regional tourism hub, attracting visitors from neighboring states.
- The marketing and public relations services budget is up to $150,000.
- Questions/Inquires Deadline: July 18, 2025