1. Customer and General Public Communications Mary Tyrie External Communications Manager

2. ABOUT AVISTA

3. Spokane, Washington

4. Avista was founded on hydropower with the construction of the Monroe Street Hydroelectric Development in 1889. Avista owns and operates eight hydroelectric developments on the Spokane and Clark Fork rivers. Hydro is Important

5. HOW WE COMMUNICATE

6. Many of our communications address several audiences Including – tribes, conservation associations, property owners, non-governmental organizations, local, state and federal agencies as well as the general public. Our messages cover various subjects including – Aquatic Weeds, Cultural Resources, Habitat Restoration, Erosion, Fisheries, Hydro Maintenance, Land Use, Public Safety, Recreation, River Flows, Water Quality, and Wetlands. Audience and Message

7. Channels The communication channels we generally use are: Earned Media Email Blasts Newsletters Print Radio TV Promotions Social – Facebook, Twitter

8. Example – Whistle Promo TV: ABC affiliate morning news promotion with whistle giveaway. Email blast: Sent to customers which generated requests for the whistles as well as a call from the NBC affiliate requesting a morning show appearance.

9. Example – River Newsletter

10. Social Media Strategies: Message is consistent, social media reinforces the message and extends reach Be an influencer in the social space Humanize Avista Engage where our customers are Stay true to our brand We utilize social media to supplement our traditional communications

11. Why is Social Media Important http://newhope360.com/blog/what-does-ignoring-social-media-cost-your-store

12. Strategy with social media Partner Strategy Identify and engage with various community partners Influencers – Community Leaders, Media Personalities Advocates – Community Partners, Boards, Non-Profits Interaction can extend the reach of the message. Like, Follow, Re-tweet, Share Content Strategy Use a consistent voice and tone over all channels. Be relatable, relevant, transparent and concise.

13. Example – engaging with a media outlet

14. Questions