Tourism Development Commission (Meets on the first Tuesday at 1PM)
Regular MeetingSuperior, WI · November 5, 2021
Minutes
Phone: (715) 395-7200 1316 North 14th Street, Ste 200
Fax: (715) 395-7590 Superior, WI 54880
E-mail: cityclerk@ci.superior.wi.us Website: www.ci.superior.wi.us
Minutes Proceedings
TOURISM DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
FRIDAY, November 5, 2021
12:00 P.M. – 1:00 Government Center 204
“The Superior Tourism Commission will develop, market, and promote Superior as a
destination for visitors to stay and enjoy our natural landscape, culture, arts, parks, and
businesses.”
Members: JoAnn Jardine, Lindsey Graskey (Council Representative), Keith Kern (Council
Representative), Bruce Barron, Emerson Sloane, and Pattie Soliday
1. Roll Call
Present: Joanne Jardine, Lindsey Graskey, Bruce Barron, Emerson Sloane, Keith
Kern, Pattie Soliday
Absent: all present
Also Present: Mayor Paine, members of the public
2. Determine budget to spend on marketing
Commissioner Soliday advocated for not using the entire TDC budget amount on
marketing. Discussed % vs set dollar amount. Mayor Paine reminded group contracts are
amendable and more money can be added through the length of the contract if more
comes in or if significant results are being seen. Mayor recommended $250,000.
Commissioner Sloane motioned for $175,000 to start, not seconded. Commissioner
Barron said $250,000 was a number he’d come to by working backwards from other
projects he’d like to see done. Motioned for a marketing budget not to exceed $250,000.
Commissioner Jardine seconded. During discussion Commissioner Soliday asked for the
‘not to exceed $250,000’ to be struck, so there’s room to add more if funding is robust.
Commissioner Barron amended his motion, striking the $250,000 limitation. Chair
Graskey called a vote—motion carried as amended 5-1 for the commission to spend
$250,000 per year for marketing.
Tourism Development Commission, 11/05/2021 Meeting Page 1 of 3
3. RFP scope review & timeline
Mayor Paine—most marketing campaigns are multi-year, as it makes the contracts more
attractive to firms. Commissioner Soliday asked for clarification on opt-out clauses,
ensuring if not a good fit, the contract can be voided. Commissioner Barron motioned for
a 3 year term. Councilor Kern seconded. Discussion: Commissioner Sloane added 1-2
years could be an attractive contract and could make bidders be especially hungry and
focused in order to receive the longer contract. Councilor Kern thought the length of term
was the more attractive piece of the contract--$250,000 vs $750,000. Commissioner
Soliday noted that services could be added on over time. Mayor Paine said that extension
language could be added in a short-term contract, but it might require different kinds of
approval—not sure if the Council would need to approve for extending the contracts.
Chair Graskey called for a vote on a 3 year term on RFP—motioned carried.
Timeline of dates—page 4 of the RFP. Chair Graskey said the dates listed are no longer
relevant. Commissioner Soliday noted the end of the year (as originally written) is too
soon with approaching holidays. Commissioner Barron asked if the original 90 day
schedule was still viable. Chair Graskey motioned for a January 31st, 2022 due date for
RFPs. Commissioner Sloane seconded. Discussion—Councilor Kern asked about the
2021 contract with Travel Superior for providing promotion into 2022 through the first
quarter or if the 2021 final pay out (early 2022) would be considered for services
rendered in 2021. Mayor said they can ask Travel Superior what they plan to do Jan-
March, but they are officially out of contract. Commissioner Barron reminded that in the
first meeting of the commission Travel Superior staff brought up that same question. His
understanding—they would handle the money they were given in ways that met the letter
of the statute through the end of the first quarter, 2022. Mayor added that Travel Superior
handled everything—and there may be a marketing hole from January-March, but he
understood that the visitor center would continue to run through the quarter. Chair
Graskey called for a vote. Motion carried—RFPs due January 31st, 2022.
Commissioner Sloane moved to release the RFP with the updated changes as soon as
possible. Commissioner Barron seconded.
Discussion: Changes/clarifications to RFP:
3.7 instead of ‘finance director’ have ‘Tourism Commission’
3.10 Add “Tourism Commission” to staff
5.1 Strike the finance details in the background/history portion
Tourism Development Commission, 11/05/2021 Meeting Page 2 of 3
6 Add in Council’s final approval on $25,000 and above
Chair Graskey called for a vote with amendments. Motion carried, RFP officially
released once updates are made by contract specialist (most likely early in the week of
11/8/21).
4. Future Agenda Items
*visitor center—Chair Graskey asked commission to be ready at the next meeting for
what they’d like to see in a visitor center. Commissioner Sloan asked if Travel Superior could be
brought in to discuss current practice. Mayor Paine recommended against. If the commission is
putting together an RFP for a visitor center, it may not be appropriate to have an anticipated
bidder come in ahead of time and have influence on what a contract might look like. Mayor
advised the team to decide what they wanted to see, make the RFP and then ask the groups who
apply to come and explain their vision and plan.
*goals as TDC Commissioner
Chair Graskey noted marketing, visitor center, next spending goals, and meeting plans as
main focuses of the commission in the next few weeks. Councilor Kern wants the budget to
remain a point of discussion in future meetings. Commissioner Soliday asked about the paper
visitor guide. Councilor Kern recommended TDF as holding funds that could be accessed
relatively quickly for purposes like the Visitor Guide. Commissioner Soliday motioned for the
Tourism Development Commission to take action for the visitor guide. Commissioner Barron
asked if there was a reason to assume the TDF and TDC would be at odds to complete the task
without formal action. Chair Graskey delayed action on the motion until the next meeting.
5. Confirm Next Meeting
November 12th at 12:00 in Govt Center 204.
6. Adjournment
1:15 PM
Respectfully Submitted: Deputy Stephanie Becken
c: City Clerk’s Office : Public Access – via e-mail
Tourism Development Commission, 11/05/2021 Meeting Page 3 of 3
Agenda
Phone: (715) 395-7200 1316 North 14th Street, Ste 200
Fax: (715) 395-7590 Superior, WI 54880
E-mail: cityclerk@ci.superior.wi.us Website: www.ci.superior.wi.us
AGENDA
TOURISM DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
FRIDAY, November 5, 2021
12:00 P.M. – 1:00 Government Center 204
“The Superior Tourism Commission will develop, market, and promote Superior as a
destination for visitors to stay and enjoy our natural landscape, culture, arts, parks, and
businesses.”
Members: JoAnn Jardine, Lindsey Graskey (Council Representative), Keith Kern (Council
Representative), Bruce Barron, Emerson Sloane, and Pattie Soliday
1. Roll Call
2. Determine budget to spend on marketing
3. RFP scope review & timeline
4. Future Agenda Items
*visitor center
*goals as TDC Commissioner
4. Confirm Next Meeting
6. Adjournment
Notice is hereby given that a majority of the members of the Common Council may be present
at the meeting, and although this may constitute a quorum of the Common Council, the
Council will not take any action at this meeting.
*********************************************************************************************************************
Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, if you are in need of an accommodation to participate
in the public meeting process, please contact Nick Raverty at (715) 395-7212 by 4:30 p.m. on the day prior to the
scheduled meeting date (OR dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Service). The City will attempt to
accommodate any request depending on the amount of notice received.
*********************************************************************************************************************
In compliance with Wisconsin Open Meetings Law, this agenda was posted on 11/04/2021 at the following locations: Superior Government
Center, Douglas County Courthouse, and online at https://www.ci.superior.wi.us/agendacenter. It was also faxed to the Superior Public Library.
Tourism Development Commission, 11/05/2021 Meeting Page 1 of 1
Phone: (715) 395-7200 1316 North 14th Street, Ste 200
Fax: (715) 395-7590 Superior, WI 54880
E-mail: cityclerk@ci.superior.wi.us Website: www.ci.superior.wi.us
Minutes Proceedings
TOURISM DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2021
12:00 P.M. – 1:00 Government Center 204
Members: JoAnn Jardine, Lindsey Graskey (Council Representative), Keith Kern (Council
Representative), Bruce Barron, and Emerson Sloane
1.Roll Call
Present: JoAnn Jardine, Lindsey Graskey, Bruce Barron, Emerson Sloane, Keith
Kern
Absent:
Also Present: Finance Director Puetz, Contract Analyst Jane Darwin, Chief of Staff,
Nick Raverty, public.
2.Public Comment
Pattie Soliday—Introduced herself as a future member of the commission
(recommendation goes to council 11/2/21).
3.Approve October 22, 2021 TDC meeting proceedings
Moved by Commissioner Barron, seconded by Councilor Kern and carried.
4.Approval of TDC statement
Reviewed by commission. Would like it added to all future agenda documents.
Chair Graskey added it can be modified throughout the life of commission. Chair
Graskey moved to accept TDC statement. Seconded by Commissioner Sloan and
carried.
“The Superior Tourism Commission will develop, market, and promote Superior as
a destination for visitors to stay and enjoy our natural landscape, culture, arts,
parks, and businesses.”
5.Discussion on TDC marketing RFP (attached)
Tourism Development Commission, 10/29/2021 Meeting Page 1 of 5
Jane Darwin and Ashley Puetz available from city staff for questions. Councilor
Kern asked what the anticipated budget was for the 2022 season. Commissioner
Baron said the estimate was in the $600,000 range. Finance Director Puetz
confirmed and reminded commission that it has fluctuated in the past and could
again. Councilor Kern asked the budget structure, expressing concern about
committing to a plan without knowing how much or what percentages of the overall
total will be used in what ways. Commissioner Barron echoed this thought with
concern about what amount would be put in the RFP and what possible contractors
might expect vs what is going to be spent. Commissioner Sloane reminded the group
the RFP could be put out and quotes would then come in—giving the group a feel
for what the going rate of services are without committing to any of them. Councilor
Kern asked Jane Darwin (Contract Analyst) about the RFP.
Jane Darwin said the RFP, as written, is unique and offers an ala carte sort of
situation which allows bidders to include overall totals as well as area-by-area costs
that allow for line by line accept/reject.
Commissioner Barron brought up what percentage of the funds should go toward
the RFP projects and how much should be kept for pursuing other marketing (ie
event support, coupons, transportation). The ala carte option for the RFP sounded
like a good option.
Councilor Graskey asked the group what kind of money split they would like to
see—percentage wise—for what can go to the marketing arena and what might be
used for other ways. Commissioner Barron asked about what partners exist within
this budget who will be expecting money from the overall total. Councilor Kern
reported that historically the Bong Center and the Visitor Center are two venues in
addition to Travel Superior that historically received this money. There is not a
standing contract or expectation that any of this will continue—there’s not
constraints on how the money is used outside of the statutes and what the
commission decides.
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Nick Raverty asked the commission to look at the RFP scope and language and
asked them to ask questions and make changes with Jane Darwin in attendance.
Commissioner Barron asked that at the next meeting, the topic of budget and break
down is included. Chairperson Graskey agreed, and expressed concern that the
scope of the RFP may be wider than the budget could cover. Commissioner Jardine
said not to assume the services would be too expensive, and instead focus on putting
out a clear RFP and then make decisions based on what comes through.
Chair Graskey read the different points in the Scope area:
Commissioner Barron was concerned about 2.1—no mention of hotel stays being the
goal. Chair Graskey asked for clarification and for Jane to adjust the RFP to reflect
the goal of overnight stays to be included clearly in language.
2.3—Commissioner Sloane asked for adjustment in online marketing to look at
‘Modern’ vs ‘Current’. Chair Graskey brought up ‘traditional’ and how much they
wanted to see of that. Councilor Kern asked for a % breakdown to be added for the
RFP—Jane will add.
2.4—Website concerned Commissioner Sloane, as it is a big ticket item and can be
very specialized. This, like the other parts, is an ala cart sort of thing. Jane
confirmed that subcontractor language exists, so this can be subcontracted by the
bidder or even not approached if they don’t want to. Commissioner Barron asked
who owns ‘Travel Superior’ and current website. Chair Graskey—most likely the
Chamber.
2.6—Public Relations/Earned Media—Nick Raverty explained examples of this
from the past, including Travel Wisconsin visiting to do promotion on the Ice event.
Commissioner Jardine asked about ‘top places’ list and if this would be something
of an expectation. Nick Raverty confirmed.
2.7 Social Media—Chair Graskey and Commissioner Jardine agree a cohesive
funnel of information is needed. Commissioner Sloane asked about platforms and
expectations. Councilor Kern used the language ‘current and emerging’ for
platforms—Jane to adjust.
2.8 Arts & Fundraising—Commissioner Barron asked if this fits the statute, while
reminding the commission the city has 30% of the tax that could be used to support
museums and other venues. Councilor Kern asked for clarity on the fundraising
portion. Nick Raverty said that while he didn’t know all the details, it was
Tourism Development Commission, 10/29/2021 Meeting Page 3 of 5
something the mayor had included, wanting to make sure that arts and unique
features of the city were included on things like the website and in other marketing.
Commission asked for this part to be removed from the RFP entirely—that it may
be a better fit in another commission.
2.9 Events—Jane noted these are existing events to be marketed. Discussion from
Commissioners Jardine, Barron, and Graskey about current and upcoming events
ie, Ice Sculptures, weddings, Frisbee golf—all growing and unique to Superior.
Commissioner Barron noted that these events may be ones that having a % of the
funding available for grants and assistance are things to remember. No change to
the RFP in this area.
2.10 Data Presentation—Commissioner Jardine noted it was clear and helpful.
Commissioner Barron asked for what results looked like and how they were
measured. Councilor Kern answered about previous feedback looking like and the
performance portion of the RFP (2.14) being another place for accountability.
Commissioner Barron asked about what happened if there was unhappiness with
the contracted company. Jane Darwin affirmed there is an out clause, usually with
90 days’ notice, built in to all city contracts.
Key Areas of Focus: Chair Graskey read through the Key areas. Commissioner
Barron shared positive thoughts overall. Councilor Kern appreciated ‘exploiting
other venues’—makes sense to use what’s around to Superior advantage. Chair
Graskey agreed it was positive and didn’t need change.
Expectations and Reports: Commissioner Barron asked about requesting
qualifications and finances from bidders—ensuring they are in good standing. Jane
Darwin said yes, something that can be asked (often is in building contracts, and can
be added to service contracts).
Finance Director Puetz added that the city is checking into the best way to handle
the commission finances, but that they have direction to approve their own financial
decisions up to $25,000. This is not a state direction, but one by the Superior City
Council, as noted by Chair Graskey and Councilor Kern. Commissioner Barron
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brought up bringing in more City Council oversite if there are big-ticket items or
ones that have questions around them in the commission.
Commissioner Sloan asked about subcontractors—Jane Darwin clarified that
subcontractors must be approved by the city before being updated/changed under
contracts.
Chair Graskey made the request for edits as discussed be available for the next
meeting Nov 5th. Jane Darwin agreed she could do that and would send over as soon
as finished, to be added before the meeting if possible.
6.Hand out by Chair—Top 3 goals of commission
Chair Graskey felt they’d hit the three over the discussion period.
7.Confirm next meeting time.
November 5, Govt Center #204 at noon. Main discussion areas to include Budget
Breakdown and revised RFP review.
Commissioner Jardine shared she went to an even in Hayward that focused on
travel, community building, and tourism. She learned about place-making, arts, and
other current marketing things. She handed out ‘13 Ways to Kill a Community’
article.
8. Adjournment
1:30 PM
--
Minutes respectfully submitted by Deputy Stephanie Becken. c: City Clerk’s Office Public
Access – via e-mail
Tourism Development Commission, 10/29/2021 Meeting Page 5 of 5
Request for Proposal - 2021
Tourism Marketing Services
CITY OF SUPERIOR, WISCONSIN
Ashley Puetz
Finance Director
RFQ #21-26-FIN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Advertisement for Proposals ................................................................................................ 3
2. Schedule of Activities ................................................................................................................ 4
3. Information for Prospective Service Consultant ........................................................ 5
4. Statement of Qualifications Requirements .................................................................... 7
5. Scope of Services .......................................................................................................................... 8
5.1 Background .................................................................................................................................... 8
5.2 Scope .................................................................................................................................................. 9
5.3 Key Areas of Focus .................................................................................................................... 11
6. Evaluation ..................................................................................................................................... 12
7. Subcontractors Listing ............................................................................................................ 13
Tourism Marketing Services 2
1. Advertisement for Proposals
Request for Statement of Proposal (RFP)
City of Superior, Wisconsin
for
Tourism Marketing Services
Proposals will be received by the City of Superior, at 1316 North 14th Street, 2nd floor,
ATTN: Contract Analyst, Superior, WI 54880. Proposals will be evaluated by City staff.
Proposals Due:
Proposal Due Date: Tuesday, September 21, 2021 at 2:00 PM
Description:
The City of Superior, Wisconsin is seeking a tourism marketing and development
organization to direct and carry out a destination marketing program for the City
specifically to increase overnight stays in the City of Superior. The successful consultant
must demonstrate extensive knowledge and understanding of how to create and implement
a comprehensive marketing program strategy to fulfill the objectives of the City. The
selected organization will manage and direct the expenditure of a part of the tax revenues
generated through the City’s tourism tax as per Wisconsin State Statute 66.0615.
All proposals must be prepared on the form provided and submitted in accordance to the
Instructions to Consultant/Firm. The RFP may be obtained through the Internet at
DemandStar.com via the City of Superior’s web page. RFP may be viewed at the City of
Superior, Government Center, 2nd Floor, 1316 North 14th Street, Superior, Wisconsin
(darwinj@ci.superior.wi.us).
The City of Superior encourages the participation of minority, women-owned and disadvantaged
business enterprises.
The City of Superior reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, to waive irregularities, or to
accept such proposals, as in the opinion of the City, will be in its best interests.
Ashley Puetz
Finance Director
Daily Telegram: Friday, August 20, 2021, Friday, August 27, 2021
Tourism Marketing Services 3
2. Schedule of Activities
Subject: Tourism Marketing Services
RFP#: 21-26-FIN Due Date: September 21, 2021 Time Due: 2:00 PM
DATE EVENT
August 20, 2021 RFP Released
August 20 and 27, 2021 Publication Dates
Tuesday, September 7, 2021 Pre-Proposal meeting – virtual
Friday, September 10, 2021 Deadline for Questions – 11:00 AM
Tuesday, September 14, 2021 Final Addendum Issued
Tuesday, September 21, Sealed Proposals Due: 2:00 PM
2021
Weeks of September 27 and Potential Interview(s) for selected finalists
October 4, October 11
December 7, 2021 Recommendation to council for award
Tourism Marketing Services 4
3. Information for Prospective Service Consultant
3.1 Proposals will be accepted until 2:00 PM on Tuesday, September 21, 2021. Any
proposals received after this time may not be considered. The proposal packet
shall be placed in an envelope and shall be sealed. On the envelope shall be
plainly written: the date of the opening, the title of the project and the name of the
proposer and delivered or shipped to the address indicated in this RFP.
Respondent shall submit one (1) unbound original and one PDF digital version on
a thumb drive of qualifications.
3.2 This is a qualifications based selection. The Proposal, Statement of
Qualifications, Qualifications Reference Form, Qualification Evaluation
Checklist, reference checks, and interviews (at the option of the City) will be used
to identify the most competitive firm(s). The City reserves the right to identify
competitive firm(s), as in its opinion, will be in its best interests. Firms may
submit for individual scope item services.
3.3 The City of Superior and its designees will review the proposals and select the
most highly qualified firm(s) to contact for further screening as it deems
appropriate.
3.4 The consultant shall submit a list of their subcontractors as a part of their
proposal, which list shall not be added to nor altered without the written consent
of the City of Superior, and as specified in 66.0901 Wisconsin Statutes.
3.5 The RFP details scope, terms, and conditions. The City reserves the right to
amend the RFP and will provide a written amendment to all known parties
receiving the request. Respondents shall acknowledge all addenda received.
3.6 Firms not returning the completed RFP within the specified time frame may be
disqualified. Irregularities in the completed RFP documents may be considered
sufficient cause for disqualification.
3.7 Subsequent to the RFP deadline, the Finance Director will prepare a
recommendation as to which proposal to award, if any. The recommendation of
the Finance Director will be subject to the approval of the Superior Common
Council.
3.8 RFP information is prepared and submitted at the sole cost and expense of the
respondent, and shall become the property of the City of Superior; proposal
documents will not be returned.
3.9 Trade secrets and confidential information contained in a RFP are not open to
public inspection. Proposers who include information in a RFP that is legally
protected as a trade secret or confidential information must clearly indicate the
specific protected information by marking that information “Trade Secret” or
“Confidential” at the appropriate place. The City will not be responsible for any
public disclosure of the trade secret or confidential information if it is not marked
as provided above. A response to RFP in its entirety is not confidential. If a request
is made under the Wisconsin Public Records Law Wis Stat. §§ 19.31-19.39 to
inspect information designated as trade secret or confidential in a Proposal, the
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Proposer shall, upon request, immediately furnish sufficient written reasoning as to
why the information should be protected from disclosure in order for the City
Attorney to present the matter to the Attorney General of Wisconsin for final
determination.
3.10 During this RFP process, Proposer shall not contact any City Staff except those
designated in the text of this RFP or subsequent addendums or correspondence.
Questions should be addressed in writing to the Contract Analyst, via mail, e-
mail: darwinj@ci.superior.wi.us prior to Friday, September 10, 2021. Please
reference RFP #21-26-FIN and line number being referenced. Non-compliance
with this provision may result in rejection of the Proposal.
3.11 Proposals may be amended and/or withdrawn prior to the proposal opening time.
Proposals may not be withdrawn for a period of ninety (90) days after the
submission deadline.
3.12 Respondents will indemnify the City of Superior from any and all debts, claims,
and liabilities arising out of the proposal or the performance of the project as a
result of the consultant’s error, omissions, neglect, etc.
3.13 The City reserves the right to negotiate with respondents on the scope of the
project, fees, timelines, and all other components of the project, whether or not
the proposal was deemed the lowest cost to the City.
3.14 Firms may not subcontract any work without prior written authorization by the
City of Superior Finance Department.
3.15 This shall in no way bind or prevent the Finance Department from performing,
requesting quotes or proposals, bidding, or contracting any services separately.
3.16 The Consultant will be required to sign a standard City Service Agreement and
provide proof of insurance for errors and omissions, property damage, public
liability and workman’s compensation.
Tourism Marketing Services 6
4. Statement of Qualifications Requirements
Respondent shall submit one (1) unbound original and one (1) PDF digital version on a
thumb drive of qualifications documents.
4.1 State the name, address, and a company profile, including size and company
technical capabilities which are applicable to these services.
4.2 Provide a consultant project organizational chart with specific names for key
positions. Provide resumes or bios for key positions, including any
subcontractors. Include owners’ bios, locations, years in operation, areas of core
competency, and additional information you deem relevant to the selection
process. .
4.3 Describe your experience and include relevant examples of work completed that
demonstrates the ability to perform the services listed in this RFP. If you do not
have experience in all disciplines, please include information regarding all of
those that apply.
4.4 Provide a statement regarding why your company is best positioned to provide
tourism marketing services to the City. Describe what differentiates your
company.
4.5 List of tourism-related clients in the past 1 – 5 years.
4.6 Client references.
4.7 Firms must demonstrate ability to be creative, strategically plan, integrate,
manage and execute an assortment of marketing projects directly related to
destination marketing through relevant experience and examples.
4.8 Proposals should include strategies and tactics that reach target markets necessary
to attract visitors for overnight stays to Superior including leisure and business
travelers.
4.9 Proposals should address all destination marketing disciplines including:
advertising, public relations, group/travel trade sales, corporate partnerships and
promotions, direct marketing and fulfillment, and tourism development.
4.10 Proposals submitted will include experience examples, as well as strategies and
tactics for Superior. Both qualitative and quantitative research must be presented
to support strategies and tactics of proposed plans and document success
marketing. Submissions will also include a list of measurement criteria that
respondent will use to judge the success of the campaign. Submissions will also
address strategies and tactics to develop and promote new programs, new
marketing segments, and the extension and expansion of the tourist season.
4.11 There is no specified limit to the amount of material submitted in response to 4.1
through 4.10, however portions of submittals not clearly referencing the
respective section may not be considered in the evaluation of the firm.
Tourism Marketing Services 7
5. Scope of Services
5.1 Background
The City of Superior is located in Northwestern Wisconsin in Douglas County. Superior
is located on one of the most popular tourist routes in the Midwest and embraces the
westernmost tip of Lake Superior. Approximately 27,257 people currently call Superior
home. Superior offers residents a combination of rugged natural beauty, quality
education, and business opportunities.
Our economy is balanced by technology companies, petroleum and heavy industry,
higher education, retail, and tourism. In addition to prime existing space, we have
available land ready for development along high-traffic corridors.
The Superior Municipal Forest, located within Superior city limits, is the third largest
municipal forest in the nation. The forest is 4,400 acres and includes summer and winter
recreational activities and trails.
Education is a key component to Superior’s community. The University of Wisconsin –
Superior (UWS) and the Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College – Superior (WITC)
have approximately 8,000 students. UWS is ranked in the U.S. News and World
Report’s “Top Public Schools – Regional Colleges Midwest” list. Forty-six countries are
represented in the UWS student body. WITC is accredited by and a member of the
Higher Learning Commission. Ninety-three percent of WITC students are employed
within six months of graduating.
Some of the largest employers in Superior include: University of Wisconsin-Superior,
School District of Superior, Essentia Health St. Mary’s, BNSF Railroad, Halvor Lines,
Walmart Supercenter, Douglas County, and AMSOIL, Inc.
The City of Superior is also an international transportation hub served by interstate
highways, railroads, oceangoing ships, and an international airport. Superior’s
transportation network is the lifeblood of its economy. Movement of products through
the region is essential to the manufacturing, mining, forest products, and service
industries.
Superior produces many large products and an elaborate network of highways, the ports,
and four Class 1 railways work to make sure these items are shipped efficiently.
Superior is proactive about developing its trail system and maintaining access to local
water sources. Downtown development provides opportunities for residents and visitors
to enjoy all that Superior has to offer.
The City of Superior invests public funds into tourism promotion and marketing, as
required by legislation for the collection and distribution of tourism taxes. The
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current room tax is 7.5% of gross receipts from retail furnishing of rooms or lodging
for hotels and motels. Per legislation, Wisconsin State Statute 66.0615, the City may
retain no more than 30% of these total taxes and must forward the remaining 70%
balance to a tourism entity or to a Tourism Commission which will engage in
tourism promotion and development Currently, of the 70% forwarded to the
tourism entity, 66.8% is retained by the tourism entity; 23.7% is then sent to the
Bong P-38 Fund, Inc.; and 9.5% is sent to the Tourism Development Fund.
Recent year summary of the 70% forwarded to the tourism entity:
2017 $467,831.58
2018 $586,791.56
2019 $605,154.02
2020 $464,473.43
2021 Q1 –Q2 $290,099.34 Please note that Q1 and Q2 2021 are tracking greater
than Q1 and Q2 of 2019.
The City has worked with one tourism entity, Superior-Douglas County Visitor
Bureau, Inc. This current agreement is expiring December 31, 2021.
The marketing contract as a result of this RFP process has a three year term
beginning January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2025, with options to renew the
contract. This is the first year that the City is choosing a public RFP for the allocation
and investment of this portion of public funds.
5.2 Scope
Please include in your response, your experience, relevant examples of your work
and your strategies and tactics for Superior in each of the following marketing
disciplines:
5.2.1 Comprehensive Marketing Planning
Develop comprehensive annual marketing, advertising, and
communications plans, specifically to increase overnight stays in
Superior, complete with recommended key performance indicators
and other metrics that track the engagement of target audiences and
accurately measures the return on the City’s financial investment in
all marketing-related activities.
5.2.2 Target Audience Mapping
Develop expanded target audience profiles including demographics,
psychographics, personas, and media habits. Recommend new target
audiences for the City to consider.
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5.2.3 Creative Campaign Development
Develop modern and alluring creative campaign assets to increase
target audience engagement across traditional, digital, and social
media channels. Please include information that details the
recommended percentages of effort or budget dedicated to
traditional, digital, and social media channels.
5.2.4 Website Development
Assist with design, development, and maintenance of a tourism
website for the City. Provide samples of content that includes the
promotion of local events, businesses, resources and other useful
information for visitors.
5.2.5 Video and Photography
Assist with the development of visually compelling video and photo
assets featuring Superior’s diversity in population, neighborhoods,
and attractions. Assets created will be used on the City’s tourism
website and across all tourism marketing campaign channels and
platforms.
5.2.6 Earned media/Public Relations
Describe media outlets in target communities and develop a strategy
for promoting Superior through free/earned local, regional, and
national media appearances.
5.2.7 Social Media
Plan social media content development, posting, community
management, campaign metrics, and reporting for current and
immerging platforms.
5.2.8 Events
Develop a comprehensive marketing strategy to increase the visibility
of events and City event venues.
5.2.9 Data, Analytics, and Reporting
Assist with capturing data from multiple sources, including
advertising platforms, public relations efforts, social media, events,
and other resources, as well as detailed overnight stays information.
Identify key data points, monitor success in real-time, and prepare
performance reports monthly or as requested.
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5.3 Key Areas of Focus
Please include in your response, your experience, relevant examples of your work
and your strategies and tactics for Superior that you would implement in each of the
following areas of focus.
5.3.1 Expand Superior’s place in the Lake Superior area tourism
industry:
The City’s goal is to become a preferred travel location for current
visitors and gain measurable market share by attracting new
audiences.
5.3.2 Blend social and natural asset:
Market events, activities, and businesses alongside Superior’s
incredible natural assets to create both a place for people to come
together in the city and to get out and experience nature.
5.3.3 Highlight Native art, culture, and history:
The city has a rich cultural history that should be fully told and
celebrated. Work with local native nations to ensure accurate
representation. Work with private business and local government to
feature native art, symbols, and language in ways that capture
attention and create community identity.
5.3.4 Exploit proximity to Duluth:
Duluth, MN is a larger city with a well-developed tourism industry and
reputation. The City of Superior hopes to attract Duluth’s residents
and visitors for both quick visits and future stays. Strategize methods
of partnering with and participating in large events in Duluth that
draw significant visitors to the Twin Ports.
5.3.5 Showcase free or low-cost entertainment and experiences:
Family-friendly, free and low-cost opportunities should be promoted
alongside more traditional experiences so Superior is not perceived as
an expensive destination for only limited purposes.
5.3.6 KPI:
Develop comprehensive key performance indicators that measure
quality of experiences of any duration, including day trips, not just
quantity of visitors or revenue generated, in a timely manner, of the
successes and failures of the marketing program and corrective action
measures to address failures or intensify successes.
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5.3.7 Marketing Plan:
Develop a strategic consumer marketing plan in coordination with
other economic development efforts that includes identification of
target markets; specific strategies with measurable objectives for each
target market; and tactics to achieve those objectives.
5.3.8 Marketing Mediums:
Analyze and recommend specific marketing mediums to include, but
not limited to, print design, website content, billboards, videos,
photos, etc. Monitor placement to ensure accuracy and completion of
all media schedules.
5.3.9 Maximize Funds:
Develop strategies that maximize funds to establish an on-going
marketing program. Program should identify potential marketing and
advertising partners to develop tactics for utilizing free advertising,
sponsorships, media partnerships and generating new funding
opportunities and leverage for the City funds to extend a
comprehensive marketing program.
5.3.10 Account Management & Reporting Post Award:
Meet with City of Superior as needed for the purposes of carrying out
initiatives and attend all monthly assigned meetings to present status
reports. Prepare cost schedules and project sheets for advertising
expenditures and other related costs. Proved monthly status reports.
6. Evaluation
Proposals shall be evaluated by the City of Superior and any others deemed appropriate by the
City. The criteria to evaluate a firm’s proposal will include:
1. Background information
2. Personnel and staffing
3. Professional marketing experience related to the scope items
4. Relevant tourism marketing experience
5. Actual or potential conflicts of interest
6. Marketing plan for the City of Superior as outlined that can be implemented with the
stated budget.
City reserves the right to include any other items that is deemed appropriate at the time of
evaluation.
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7. Subcontractors Listing (Must be submitted with qualifications.)
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The undersigned agrees to employ the following listed subcontractors for the following
enumerated classes of work and not to alter or add to such list without the written consent
of the City of Superior, WI. Use separate sheet as necessary.
SUBCONTRACTOR CLASS OF WORK
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Submitted by: COMPANY
ADDRESS
COMPANY REPRESENTATIVE
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