DATE: January 03, 2023, RESPOND BY: 5:00 p.m. on January 27, 2023
BACKGROUND
Arlington Economic Development’s (AED) Business Investment Group (BIG) works to recruit and retain companies to generate tax revenue for Arlington County, Virginia. Sustaining and growing the community’s revenue allows Arlington County (the County) to provide world‐class services and a high quality of life for its residents.
The pandemic has changed the narrative on how companies make real estate decisions and has heightened the competition for high‐growth office tenants, leading to record vacancies in commercial buildings. Recognizing this challenge, AED wants to ensure that Arlington is recognized nationally as the premier office location by site selectors, company decision‐makers, real estate brokers and other BIG target audiences. Specifically, BIG’s target industries include IT and emerging technologies (e.g., cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, internet of things), corporate headquarters, aerospace and defense, and government contracting. Additionally, BIG wants to increase attention to the achievements of the County’s companies and executives
(e.g., awards, fast‐growth, venture capital raises). BIG also seeks to promote Arlington as home to top tier, high‐growth companies (e.g., as evidenced by the 25 Arlington companies appearing on the Inc. 5000 companies in 2022).
OBJECTIVE
Arlington Economic Development’s Business Investment Group is seeking a strategic public relations (PR) firm to provide ongoing services to actively promote the County as an ideal business location for its target audiences to national media outlets and highlight the County’s many noteworthy existing companies to regional media outlets. Activities may include news releases, pitching (themes, accolades, events, etc.), media deskside appointments, inquiry responses, earned‐media reporting, and cultivation of journalist relationships.
The ideal partner will have the ability to provide strategic counsel and direction, actively share and promote our message, and position the County as one of the most desirable destinations nationally to locate business operations.
SCOPE OF WORK
- The work under this contract includes, but is not limited to, the following tasks:
- Pitch the story of Arlington as a business operations location to media in targeted markets with a focus on national media outlets (e.g., NY Times, Wired, Forbes),
- Identify industry trends to help shape our messaging through relationships with influential national media at key outlets
- Provide written materials as needed for press distribution and offer strategy and logistical planning for proactive media deskside visits in key markets,
- Assist and coordinate with regional and state partners on PR activities during major projects and other large partnerships,
- Identify speaking engagements and nontraditional media opportunities for AED/BIG staff as well as key (County) companies as appropriate,
- Identify events and tradeshows for AED/BIG staff to attend,
- Seek opportunities for recognition and celebration of Arlington‐based businesses in key industries in collaboration with BIG staff.