Customer and General Public Communications Mary Tyrie External Communications Manager

ABOUT AVISTA

Spokane, Washington

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

HOW WE COMMUNICATE

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

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

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

Example – River Newsletter

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

Why is Social Media Important

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.

Example – engaging with a media outlet

Questions