Customer and General Public CommunicationsMary Tyrie

External Communications Manager

ABOUT AVISTA

Spokane, Washington

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

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• Email Blasts• Newsletters• Print• Radio• TV Promotions• Social – Facebook, Twitter

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.

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

http://newhope360.com/blog/what-does-ignoring-social-media-cost-your-store

Strategy with social media

Partner StrategyIdentify 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