TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Rosemaria DiBenedetto, Media Engagement & Communications Director
SUBJECT:
title
Award of Contract to exclusive+PR for Social Media Contract Services in the Amount of $63,250.00.
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BACKGROUND:
The Communications Department has been utilizing contract services since October to satisfy the need for social media support during the absence of the full-time Multimedia Communications Specialist due to her leave of absence which ended in early January. This approach provided the most flexible method of meeting the City's communication requirements.
This contract is for an 11-month agreement, with a 6-month option to opt out with 30-day notice.
CONCLUSION:
Since the fall of 2024, there has been a growing demand for social media services in several departments. The goal is to expand the City's social media presence on current and prospective platforms citywide. Management recommends continued use of outside services for this purpose.
exclusive+PR is a Women Business Certified agency by the State of Illinois and is a minority owned business with expertise in digital marketing and social media services including bi-lingual services. Engaging exclusive+PR for contract services offers the most flexible way to scale up the City's social media outreach and maintain current demands for resources. Since engaging the firm, exclusive+PR has increased our social media numbers on several platforms and increased our outreach to residents due to their familiarity with the City's operations and demographics. A monthly retainer rate was negotiated for a reduced amount to continue providing services for the remainder of the 2025 calendar year.
Section 2-438 of the City of Joliet Code of Ordinances states that purchases over $25,000 may be awarded without written specifications or bidding under certain circumstances. Two (2) of these circumstances apply:
(f) Purchases when authorized by a concurring vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the Mayor ...
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