The purpose of this request for proposal (this “RFP”) is to identify a fully integrated marketing, advertising, and communications firm that will work with the Alabama Department of Commerce (DCOM) and all of its operating units (Business Development, Global Business, Small Business, and Alabama Entertainment Office) to: Support the “Made in Alabama” and “RurAL” branding to DCOM’s Business Development target audience at the international, national, state and local levels. Support the “GlobAL” branding strategy for DCOM’s Office of Global Business. Develop a brand-focused strategy for collateral marketing material, print ad units, and digital ad elements and provide creative production of these elements. Provide ongoing development, design, and programming of DCOM websites, (madeinalabama.com, madeinruralalabama.com, and exportalabama.com) to provide an ideal space to distribute information, current news from earned media, relevant statistics for conducting business in Alabama, a regular interface with local economic development organizations and regular technical support and content updates. Such development, design, and programming shall also include redesign of the current alabamafilm.org website. Provide and support a strategic external communications strategy to include media relations and coverage, earned media content, brand journalism, social media channel communications and media support for all DCOM operating units. Maximize efficiency by collaborating with the Office of the Governor and the Alabama Industrial Development Training Institute (AIDT) when applicable. Facilitate and obtain direct media placement on behalf of DCOM. Perform any other related or similar duties as identified by the Secretary of Commerce. The selected marketing, advertising, and communications firm must demonstrate that it possesses experience in the economic development sector along with the appropriate staffing and ability to work in all communications channels - traditional media and digital, paid and nonpaid, promotions and events - in addition to providing an effective long-term strategic platform and flawless marketplace execution, all at a competitive cost to DCOM.
