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Clifford Byrd
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AGENDA ITEM M3 DATE: June 7, 2016 TO: Matt Jordan, General Manager FROM: Michelle Stom, Chief Communications Officer SUBJECT: Public Affairs Activity Report April and May 2016 SUMMARY: The Public

1 AGENDA ITEM M3 DATE: June 7, 2016 TO: Matt Jordan, General Manager FROM: Michelle Stom, Chief Communications Officer SUBJECT: Public Affairs Activity Report April and May 2016 SUMMARY: The Public Affairs activity report summarizes the key activities for communications, planning and outreach, and government affairs for April and May RECOMMENDATION: Receive and File The Public Affairs division develops and executes strategic initiatives to advocate for the agency and its members; builds and maintains the agency reputation; provides education, information and outreach on agency projects, programs and policies to stakeholders; and develops and implements critical water supply plans. Division responsibilities include public communications, outreach and education, and grant funding and government affairs. For the months of April and May 2016, Public Affairs: Began initial conversations with the Glazer Children s Museum and the Southwest Florida Water Management District to create and sponsor a water education exhibit. Coordinated, supported and promoted the first agency Supplier Fair to be held on June 9. This effort supports the purchasing department s efforts to reach it goals and objectives in the Strategic Plan. Followed and reviewed water legislation of interest to Tampa Bay Water and its member governments; participated in periodic calls with agency legislative team throughout session. Continued to coordinate with Source Water Protection Mini Grant recipients to disperse grant money and provide outreach opportunities on grant projects and source water protection. Continued to monitor water quality issues in Flint, Michigan and around the United States; lead agency response to local water quality questions; reviewed and edited key messages, web copy, blog copy, and news alert copy.

2 Matt Jordan June 7, 2016 Page 2 Continued comprehensive, proactive outreach for the agency to include media and speakers training, speaker s bureau, social media outreach, and targeted events to educate and inform the public about the agency s programs and projects. Public Communications The Public Communications Department develops and executes strategic communications programs that support and promote agency projects, policies and initiatives, and builds and maintains relationships with agency stakeholders. Activities completed in April and May, 2016 include: Coordination Managed audio/visual production for regular and emergency board meeting. Coordinated printing of agency business cards and letterhead. Outreach & Education Coordinated and scheduled 11 tours for approximately 159 guests of the Tampa Bay Seawater Desalination Plant, Regional Surface Water Treatment Plant, Regional Reservoir, Operations Facilities and Regional Wellfields. Developed Tampa Bay Community Water Wise Awards marketing and promotional materials. Promoted the Tampa Bay Community Water-Wise Awards regionally through, direct mail, marketing, news release, events, social media, broadcast media. Supported County Extension staff with promotional materials for the Tampa Bay Community Water-Wise Awards including educational flyers and social media content. Exhibited at the Meadowlawn Middle School Science Fair with interactive learning activities about water. Sponsored and exhibited at community events including the Florida Water Festival and EcoFest 2016 Hosted Leadership Pinellas class at Tampa Bay Water s Clearwater location for Environment and Infrastructure Day. Coordinated, supported and promoted the first agency Supplier Fair to be held on June 9. This effort supports the purchasing department s efforts to reach it goals and objectives in the Strategic Plan. Tampa Bay Water staff speaking events included: o Water Quality Career Round-table at the Tampa Bay Seawater Desalination Plant o Leadership Pinellas class onsite at Tampa Bay Water s Clearwater location o Plato Academy o Hydrogeologist event o American Water Works Association Water Source Preservation event

3 Matt Jordan June 7, 2016 Page 3 Public Communication & Information Informed news media and responded to news media requests regarding seawater desalination, climate change and sea level rise, Tampa Bay Community Water-Wise Awards and Lake Park wells. Completed public information for monthly reservoir emergency siren tests. Monitored news media and distributed news clips. Maintained and updated the agency website and intranet. Continued online communications through the agency s social media channels including three water awareness campaigns: o Public Service Recognition Week: May 1-7. Tampa Bay Water recognized and promoted our employees passion and dedication for the work they do with an I m proud to serve because campaign. o Drinking Water Week sponsored by the American Water Works Association: May 1-7. Drinking Water Week recognizes the vital role water plays in our daily lives. o American Wetlands Month: May We posted a three-part blog series and social media campaign about regional wetlands and how they relate to water supply, the work we do to measure wetland recovery from reduced groundwater pumping, and how we and others can preserve wetlands. Responded to public requests for information regarding Tampa Bay Water and its projects. Drafted and distributed Water News, agency newsletter. Began developing a redesigned Water Quality Report. Employee Communications Drafted and distributed The Source, employee newsletter. Implemented employee recognition and appreciation activities through the Employee Appreciation Team. Grant Funding and Government Affairs Program The Grant Funding and Government Affairs Department is responsible for the Agency s legislative, grant funding and regulatory policy initiatives. The department develops and implements strategic positions and priorities; is responsible for relationship building and inter-agency coordination; and advocates for agency positions with federal and state legislators, regulatory and policy agencies, and government officials and their staff. Activities in April and May 2016, included: Worked with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection on the grant agreement process for the state-funded Hillsborough County Alafia River Project (Pump Stations 1, 2 and 3). Completed grant agreement review and prepared for board approval (Item A2a).

4 Matt Jordan June 7, 2016 Page 4 Participated in periodic conference calls with legislative team to discuss legislation of interest to Tampa Bay Water; with General Counsel, coordinated staff review of legislation when needed. Reviewed Federal topics and legislation with the Tampa Bay Water federal consultant, mcapital. Attachment

5 Public Service Recognition Week and Drinking Water Week May 1-7, 2016

AGENDA ITEM A1. Tampa Bay Water Regular Meeting August 17, 2015 Minutes

AGENDA ITEM A1. Tampa Bay Water Regular Meeting August 17, 2015 Minutes DRAFT AGENDA ITEM A1 Tampa Bay Water Regular Meeting August 17, 2015 Minutes The Board of Directors of Tampa Bay Water met in their offices, 2575 Enterprise Road, Clearwater, Florida 33763. BOARD MEMBERS