The Workforce Board and H-GAC are in the second year of a four-year cycle for the regional workforce system’s communications and public outreach contracts.   Contractors provide strategic counsel, community outreach, media relations and graphic and digital/web design for Workforce Solutions and the Gulf Coast Workforce Board.

In 2017 contractors supported H-GAC and the workforce system by:

• Helping develop the region’s annual workforce plan
• Updating all workforce customer collateral and placing it in a new digital print-on demand system
• Increasing Workforce Solutions’ presence in regular media and social media
• Planning and organizing large events such as the Hiring Red White and You veterans job fair, Turn Around Houston job event, Hire Houston Youth summer job events, and others

Staff recommends renewing contracts for both contractors – Outreach Strategists and Savage Brands – for a third year.  For 2018, in addition to keeping collateral for customers available and up-to-date, organizing system hiring events, and continuing to increase public visibility for the system, these contractors will:

• Roll-out an online application for customers seeking financial assistance from Workforce Solutions
• Refresh Workforce Solutions’ website
• Implement ways to provide timely and useful labor market information to community leaders and employers, positioning Workforce Solutions as a thought leader in workforce
• Expand Workforce Solutions presence and connection with communities throughout the region

We are also recommending an increase in resources for both contractors to accomplish this work.

Texas Workforce Commission

Yes

Authorize staff to negotiate 2018 contracts with Outreach Strategists in the amount of $170,000 and Savage Brands in amount of $530,000. (Staff Contact: Mike Temple)