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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRESPONSE - RFP - P870North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization Rural Transportation Authority Implementation Plan Interview Presentation Proposal P-870 Prepared By InterMountain Corporate Affairs January 2003 1 IN"IIs MOUNTAIN �.()1<11 i(�1i-ar,uis I. PROJECT TEAM AND QUALIFICATIONS..................................................... 3 II. RELEVANT EXPERIENCE..................................................................... 7 III. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT STAFF EXPERIENCE ................................. 9 IV. DESCRIPTION OF STATE, FEDERAL AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT EXPERIENCE...... 12 V. UNDERSTANDING OF THE PROJECT......................................................... 13 VI. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN.............................................................. 15 VII. PROJECT SCHEDULE AND CALENDAR .................................................... 17 VIII. COST ESTIMATES........................................................................... 18 IX. REFERENCES.................................................................................. 19 TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION, JOE JEHN NORTHWEST PARKWAY AUTHORITY, STEVE HOGAN CASTLE ROCK ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, MEME DUNKEL-MARTIN CITY OF FORT COLLINS, MARK JACKSON UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD, DICK HARTMAN X. APPENDICES.................................................................................... 20 NFRTA — Proposal Number P870 2 iNTERMOL N I AIN InterMountain Corporate Affairs has assembled a multi -disciplinary team specifically tailored to the project needs anticipated by the North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization and the City of Fort Collins for the North Front Range Rural Transportation Authority project (NFRRTA). Not only does this team have extensive relevant experience in all areas of the proposed scope of work; we also have the proven commitment, responsiveness and local knowledge necessary to provide an end product that can be successfully implemented. Our team provides an extensive background in public outreach for transportation projects, including the launch of the highly successful Northwest Parkway Public Highway Authority in Broomfield County. We are preferred public outreach and technical consultants for the Colorado Department of Transportation, where we have managed more than 15 complex projects, including the award -winning South I-25/U.S. 85 Environmental Impact Study. And we have conducted issues management and positioning for controversial transportation projects in Northern Colorado. Additionally, our team includes Colorado's premiere political campaign talent, including the campaign manager for Governor Owens' highly successful re-election and a specialist in qualitative and quantitative research with a strong record of winning local initiative campaigns throughout the state. Working with our staff of former local elected officials and journalists, they provide the strong organizational, facilitation, public speaking and writing skills this project requires. The Project Manager. InterMountain Corporate Affairs is a 10-year-old, Denver -based public affairs firm specializing in government relations, strategic communications and economic development. Using a consensus building approach, we work with local, regional and national clients to creatively manage and resolve complex issues. Recently, InterMountain ranked as the ninth largest Denver public relations firm, according to the Denver Business Journal. The finn's principals each brings more than 20 years of experience in their fields as elected officials, executives, lobbyists and journalists. They will have extensive, hands-on involvement in this project. We specialize in the areas of transportation, government, business, finance, economic development, real estate and other professional disciplines. InterMountain represents its clients with local, state and federal elected officials, manages interaction with the media and assists communities and corporations in positioning themselves for economic growth. Services offered by InterMountain include community relations and public outreach; media relations; event planning and facilitation; media training; public service campaigns; collateral development and production; economic impact analysis; business NFRTA — Proposal Number P870 3 IN"LI'RM )I VI VS strategies; regulatory affairs; advocacy and monitoring on the local, state and federal levels; and economic incentives negotiations. Fred Niehaus, president, will serve as project manager. He brings more than 25 years of public and private sector experience in project management, with a strong emphasis on transportation. Niehaus, former director of Colorado's economic development programs, most recently managed the public affairs and outreach programs for the launch of the Northwest Parkway Public Highway Authority, currently under construction in Broomfield County. Additionally, he has assisted the Union Pacific Railroad's Colorado public affairs activities and played a key role in developing the reconfiguration of U.S. 36 to accommodate the construction of the F1atIron Crossing shopping mall. Widely recognized for his skills in building consensus among diverse groups of public officials and citizen groups, Niehaus played a critical role in developing the Great Outdoors Colorado Board's program as a four -term, founding board member (1992- 2001). He also facilitated the planning processes for the Castle Rock Economic Development Action Plan (2002) and the Arvada Economic Development Action Plan (1992), both of which are currently in use. A graduate of the University of Iowa, Niehaus previously served as a deputy director of the Illinois economic development program, as well as a public affairs director and lobbyist for the Illinois Railroad Association. Niehaus will commit up to 20 percent of his time for the duration of the project, and is available immediately. Assisting Niehaus on this project will be two other InterMountain principals, Mary T. Brown and Thomas R. Schilling. Brown, a former Steamboat Springs city council president and Colorado Municipal League president, coordinates our governmental relations and local community outreach efforts. Schilling, formerly a journalist with the Rocky Mountain News and Chicago Tribune, oversees strategic communications. Additionally, Richard C. Coolidge, who most recently directed the Owens campaign field efforts in suburban Metro Denver, will play a key role on the InterMountain team. Brian J. Rantala, who has worked on two Northern Colorado transportation studies, will coordinate media relations. Their backgrounds are detailed more fully below. Strategic Planning: Phase Line Strategies. Coming off his successful management of Governor Owens' re-election campaign, Sean Tonner of Phase Line Strategies will be a key member of the project team. His insight and experience will play a critical role in developing the next -step strategies for gaining public approval of the NFRRTA. Phase Line Strategies is a full -service, multi -disciplined public affairs and political consulting firm. Drawing on a broad range of experience and political expertise, Phase Line Strategies aims for the realization of opportunities and the disciplined execution of strategic programs. Phase Line Strategies services include grassroots advocacy, NFRTA — Proposal Number P870 4 community relations, government affairs, public relations, political consulting, and campaign management. In addition to the Owens 2002 campaign, Tonner also directed the nationally acclaimed "Get Out The Vote" strategy for the Colorado Republican Party, which resulted in the election of a broad range of state and federal Republican officials. Prior to 2002 Tonner was the deputy chief of staff to Governor Owens, coordinating the day-to-day operations within the Governor's Office. Tonner has served on numerous political campaigns and was named a national rising star by Campaigns and Elections magazine in 2002. Most recently, he served as Colorado director for the "Bush for President" campaign in 2000. He has also served as organizational director for the "Bill Owens for Governor" campaign in 1998. Qualitative/Quantitative Research: Public Opinion Strategies. The nation's leading political and public affairs research firm, Public Opinion Strategies specializes in qualitative and quantitative research supporting successful campaigns for initiatives as well as local, state and national political candidates. Lori Weigel, the partner in charge of the Rocky Mountain office, will oversee polling and focus groups to determine appropriate positioning, messaging, target audiences and communication vehicles for the project. Public Opinion Strategies "easily turned in the best performance of the major political consulting firms during Election 2002" according to National Journal, a success rate they called "notable because the firm had taken on some of the biggest, toughest races in the country." With offices in Washington, Los Angeles, New York and Denver, the firm's clients include 11 U.S. Senators, 12 governors, and 51 Members of Congress. In addition, the firm polled for numerous successful initiatives around the country. In Colorado, these included a successful open space initiative in Eagle County, two of the largest school district bond measures passed in the state and the come -from -behind victory for a conference center/parking facility in the Town of Vail which went from support in the low 30's to win on Election Day. This success is not without precedent. In 2000, the firm polled for sixteen initiatives, winning fifteen - a 94% success rate. Lori Weigel has 12 years experience in survey research and strategic consulting for hundreds of political and public affairs campaigns throughout the country. She most recently assisted with research for Governor -elect Mitt Romney of Massachusetts, Governor Jeb Bush of Florida, and the presidential campaign of Senator John McCain. In 1998, Lori was named a "Rising Star" in American politics by Campaigns & Elections magazine. She has primarily focused on initiative campaigns in recent years, having polled for successful transportation -related measures (Summit Stage 2001, Springs Community Improvement Program in Colorado Springs in 1999), two successful stadium initiatives (Arizona Cardinals 2000, Denver Broncos 1998), education initiatives (Littleton & St. NFRTA — Proposal Number P870 5 INTERMOUNTAIN Vrain 2002, Summit County 2001) and various local and statewide measures. Her experience in local and regional transportation issues also extends to research conducted on behalf of local governments refining transportations plans, such as Loveland, Colo., in 2002, and regional authorities such as Sacramento, Calif., in 1999. She has also conducted extensive research on behalf of private companies interacting with local governments on transportation needs, such as Breckenridge Ski Resort which resulted in a new gondola and parking facility plan, Durango Mountain Resort for a traffic mitigation and parking component to their 20 year master plan agreement with La Plata county, and various zoning and traffic mitigation issues in new developments or on public lands. Transportation Issues: PBS&J. PBS&J, a national engineering and transportation planning firm with nearly 2,900 employees, has provided transportation consulting services since 1960. The firm's major services include highway and transit planning and design, traffic engineering, transportation planning, along with a full range of related services. One of PBS&J's unique areas of expertise is serving as the Program Manager for various tolling and transportation authorities. This national expertise is complimented by PBS&J's Denver office of over 70 professionals. Key personnel from the Denver office have been providing transportation services to the City of Fort Collins and CDOT Region 4 for the past four years and provide a clear understanding of the transportation issues in the region. Specific to this project, R.A. Plummer, P.E., AICP, will serve in a technical advisory role by providing insight into the transportation planning and engineering related issues. Plummer also has extensive experience in the region and with the various communities and agencies. These relationships will be utilized to assist in the facilitation for the proj ect. Plummer is a Program Manager and Senior Project Manager for Transportation Planning at PBS&J. A graduate of Colorado State University, he has more than 10 years of experience in transportation planning and engineering. His experience is unique with a combination of site design, roadway design, transportation planning and public involvement. Specific areas of expertise include highway and transit corridor planning; conceptual, preliminary and final roadway design; site development and design; environmental studies; traffic engineering; and public participation. Recent local experience includes: ■ City of Fort Collins Transportation Master Plan, City of Fort Collins ■ Northern Colorado Truck Mobility/SH 14 Relocation Study, City of Fort Collins ■ Small Town Traffic Engineering Studies (various locations), CDOT Region 4 ■ Bench/Valley Regional Transportation Program, Ada County Highway District • South I-25 Corridor and US 85 Corridor MIS/EIS NFRTA — Proposal Number P870 6 INTBRMOCN! Public Outreach/Community Relations ■ Northern Colorado Truck Mobilitv/SH 14 Relocation Study, 2001, for City of Fort Collins. InterMountain and PBS&J. ■ City of Fort Collins City Plan/Transportation Master Plan Update Project, 2002- present, for City of Fort Collins. InterMountain and PBS&J. ■ Northwest Parkway Highwgy Authority launch and ongoing operations, 1997- present. InterMountain. ■ Berthoud Pass Mountain Access Project, 2001-2002, for CDOT Region 1. InterMountain, PBS&J. ■ South I-25/U.S. 85 Corridor Environmental Impact Study, 1998-2001, for CDOT Region 1. InterMountain, PBS&J. ■ F1atIron Crossing shopping mall launch and U.S. 36 configuration, Broomfield, 1997-1999, for Westcor Partners. InterMountain. ■ Interlocken business park, Broomfield, 1992-2001, for J.G. Boswell Companies. InterMountain. ■ Lookout Mountain TV Antenna Project, 2001-present, for Lake Cedar Group (partnership of Denver TV stations). InterMountain. ■ Brown Com. Redfield Project, 1998-present. InterMountain. ■ VoiceStream Wireless launch and network development, 1997-98. InterMountain. ■ I-70 Mountain Corridor Environmental Impact Study, 1998-present, for CDOT Region 1. InterMountain. • Elk Valley Public Improvement Colporation, Golden, ongoing. InterMountain. ■ Stora eg Tek, 1998-present. InterMountain. ■ University of Northern Colorado, 1995. InterMountain. Strategic Plans/Research Transportation Feasibility Study, 2002, for City of Loveland. Public Opinion Strategies. Castle Rock Economic Development Action Plan, 2001-2002. InterMountain North Front Range Labor Market Strategic Analysis, 1997-98, for Fort Collins Economic Development Corp., Economic Development Association of Longmont, Loveland Economic Development Council, Greeley/Weld County EDAP Inc., Workforce Boulder County, Larimer County Employment and Training Services and Weld County Department of Human Services. InterMountain. ■ Arvada Economic Development Action Plan, 1992. InterMountain. Political Campaigns/Initiatives • Owens 2002 gubernatorial campaign, 2002. InterMountain, Phase Line Strategies. NFRTA —Proposal Number P870 7 I\II RMOI \I VN ■ Colorado Republican Party "Get Out The Vote," 2002, InterMountain, Phase Line Strategies. ■ La Plata County master plan agreement approval, 2002 (successful). Public Opinion Strategies. ■ Town of Vail Conference Center, 2002 (successful). Public Opinion Strategies. ■ Eagle County Open Space, 2002 (successful). Public Opinion Strategies. ■ Summit Stage, 2001 (successful). Public Opinion Strategies. ■ Colorado Springs Community Improvement program, 1999 (successful). Public Opinion Strategies. ■ Denver Broncos Stadium, 1998 (successful). Public Opinion Strategies. ■ 96`h Street Interchange Bonds (Broomfield), (successful) 1993. InterMountain. NFRTA — Proposal Number P870 8 I NI LRNI(WNTAIN The InterMountain team has extensive depth at the staff level. Along with Fred Niehaus, Sean Tonner, R.A. Plummer and Lori Weigel, whose experience was detailed in the first section, the team will include: Thomas R. Schilling (InterMountain): A former journalist for the Rocky Mountain News and Chicago Tribune, Schilling also directed statewide and regional communications for the Colorado Office of Economic Development. He also is much sought-after for his public outreach and involvement skills in transportation projects, as well as his strong media relations, media training, strategic planning and messaging skills. His project experience includes: ■ South I-25/U.S. 85 Corridor EIS ■ I-70 Mountain Corridor EIS ■ Northern Front Range Labor Market Strategic Analysis ■ Berthoud Pass Mountain Access Project. ■ Northern Colorado Truck Mobility/SH 14 Relocation Study ■ City of Fort Collins City Plan/Transportation Master Plan Update ■ StorageTek ■ Elk Valley Public Improvement Corporation ■ 96`h Street Interchange bonds campaign, 1992, Broomfield (passed) Mary T. Brown (InterMountain): Having served as president of the Steamboat Springs City Council, as well as the president of the Colorado Municipal League, Brown brings an exceptional background to her role in leading InterMountain's local government advocacy/community outreach group. Brown has a real -world perspective on working with state and local elected officials and in encouraging public participation. She formerly served as manager of intergovernmental relations for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Her project experience includes: ■ Brown Company Redfield project ■ Mount Werner Water District ■ Snowmass Retail District ■ Colorado Water Congress Brian J. Rantala (InterMountain): Rantala provides clients with media relations services, in addition to public involvement. He specializes in transportation, technology and financial services media relations activities. As account executive, he is responsible for delivering targeted results for InterMountain clients in the areas of written message - based communication and the development and implementation of public relations and media relations plans. Rantala's talents include exceptional media relations skills and the ability to develop relationships with local media. He is also a talented writer with a trained eye for detail in media materials development. His project experience includes: NFRTA — Proposal Number P870 9 INTERMOUNTAIN ■ I-70 Mountain Corridor PEIS ■ South I-25 Corridor/U.S. 85 EIS project ■ South I-25 construction project ■ Northern Colorado Truck Mobility/SH 14 Relocation Study ■ City of Fort Collins City Plan -Transportation Master Plan Update project ■ Berthoud Pass East expansion ■ Northwest Parkway Public Highway Authority Richard C. Coolidge (InterMountain): Coolidge brings diverse knowledge to his strategic planning role. He has worked on developing broad, strategic concepts, as well as implementing critical tactical projects on the campaign trail. Prior to joining InterMountain Coolidge served as an intern with Senator John McCain's legislative office in Phoenix, Arizona, and continued as a volunteer on Senator McCain's Colorado Campus Connection Web site promoting the senator's bid for the Presidential nomination. His project experience includes: ■ Owens 2002, field director for Adams, Arapahoe and Denver counties ■ Colorado Republican Party GOTV, field director for Adams, Arapahoe and Denver counties ■ Castle Rock Strategic Economic Development Action Plan ■ StorageTek NFRTA — Proposal Number P870 10 INTGRN10k V� MPO Fred Niehaus Project Manager Sean Tonner Fred Niehaus Strategic Planning Local Gov't Involvement Lori Weigel Mary Brown Research Local Gov't Involvement Rich Coolidge R.A. Plummer Support Facilitation R.A. Plummer Transportation/ Tech Support Tom Schilling Strategic Communications Brian Rantala Media Relations Rich Coolidge Events NFRTA — Proposal Number P870 11 iv-i r:aMnn N1 UN ABOUT INTERMOUNTAIN AND ITS AFFILIATES ■ Leading Colorado public affairs firm for more than a decade ■ Established, ongoing relationships with media, business and government decision makers and opinion leaders ■ Expertise • Community relations • Government relations • Strategic communications • Economic development ■ Colorado's most successful initiatives team ■ Representative projects include Northwest Parkway Public Highway Authority Governor Bill Owens' 1998 and 2002 campaigns "YES on C" 1998 state-wide initiative "NO on 1" 1997 state-wide initiative 2 N I ERMOUNT_1 N Over the past 10 years, InterMountain worked directly with many governmental entities and for many of these entities. As witnessed above, employees of InterMountain were recruited directly from governmental positions and have established credible, long-term, working relationships with many elected and appointed officials. InterMountain has long been established for its relationships with local governments throughout the state. Representing clients such as the City and County of Broomfield, the City and County of Denver and others, InterMountain continues to maintain strong relationships with these elected officials. Currently, InterMountain represents the City of Aurora and the Town of Vail on water related issues, so it is experienced when it comes to negotiating the paths of governments. When dealing with transportation issues on a local level, planning groups such as the North Front Range MPO and the Upper Front Range RPC play an integral part with other interest like DRCOG. The team has successfully worked with all three of these organizations. Finally, during the four terms Niehaus served on the Great Outdoors Colorado Board, he came in daily contact with many local, state and federal officials on issues relating to open space and preservation. Working with the Governor's office, state agencies and the state legislature, InterMountain has represented numerous clients on a statewide level. InterMountain has also represented statewide agencies such as the Office of Economic Development and the Department of Local Affairs. Again, because of InterMountain's 10-year existence, it has established relationships both inside the state and beyond its borders. Because of InterMountain's ability to reach across the aisle, clients are allowed access to all of Colorado's delegation. In addition, InterMountain has represented both public and private clients in front of federal agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency, the Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Department of Energy and the Department of the Interior. Finally, the InterMountain team has a long history of assisting with transportation projects and Environmental Impact Studies. Working on roadways such as Interstate 70, Interstate 25, US Highway 85 and the Northwest Parkway, the team has established working relationships with many state and federal transportation entities. Knowing the people from agencies such as the Colorado Department of Transportation, the US Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration, Regional Transportation District and the Federal Transit Administration and knowing how they work is key to helping our clients succeed. NFRTA —Proposal Number P870 12 Itill'.RDIOk VI Vy The concept of a Rural Transportation Authority in the North Front Range represents a major step forward in the development of a region that continues to post significant growth and development and shows little sign of feeling the economic downturn in Metro Denver and other areas of the state. As the competition for transportation funding intensifies on the state and federal levels, it will be critical for communities in this region to develop on the local level significant, reliable transportation resources. Moreover, the region must tap its own resources to "jump start" solutions to regionally critical issues, such as improving mobility on significant local corridors that connect communities throughout the region. Over time, the region must engage in long-term planning and forecasting so that it can identify emerging and future travel patterns, allowing the proactive development of critical projects. Most importantly, the region must forge a partnership for funding a competitive regional transportation infrastructure, tapping public sources on the local, state and federal levels, as well as bringing the private sector into the mix in a meaningfully way. Building upon a series of significant planning efforts, the Metropolitan Planning Organization has identified as the best solution the formation of a rural transportation authority, recently authorized by the Colorado General Assembly. Such an authority would mobilize regional planning efforts and would serve as a strong advocacy group for regionally significant projects. Significantly, the authority would generate significant funding for transportation projects, making them more competitive for state and federal resources. That said, much groundwork must be done before 2004, when an initiative authorizing the formation of an authority would likely appear on the ballots in Larimer and Weld counties. While the planning processes and recent surveys show there is significant sentiment that "something must be done," there is no strong agreement on what mix of transportation modes an authority would undertake. Also, the polling shows roughly equal support for different transportation modes. InterMountain's initial research among opinion leaders in the region found that many communities have concerns about joining forces — and financial resources. They fear that their own preferences or agendas would be overridden by those of their partners. Would, for example, taxes raised in Windsor pay for bike trails in Fort Collins instead of interchange improvements at the I-251U.S. Hwy. 34 interchange? There is a strong divide among the stakeholders on the issue of whether the primary agenda of the authority should be exclusively expanding highway capacity or also developing non -highway alternative modes. Clearly, the public outreach process must NFRTA — Proposal Number P870 13 INTERMOUNTAIN respect all concerns and help the parties identify a program they can all support moving forward, a task the InterMountain team has performed often. But deciding what the authority will do is just one of the tasks ahead. Defining how the authority will be governed - and how the interests of different stakeholders will be honored - will play a critical role in developing an initiative that can be passed. Since the authority also would have taxing authority, it will be critical for communities to understand how spending will be prioritized and how the authority will be held accountable. Over the next year, it will be critical for the region to engage in a structured conversation that identifies common priorities, and results in an agreement on structure, governance and accountability. In preparation for the upcoming initiative, it's also critical to establish the correct positioning and branding for the authority, as well as the development of key messaging designed to generate a positive outcome. From this process, the InterMountain team will deliver a roadmap for the execution strategy of a successful initiative. NFRTA - Proposal Number P870 14 IN7 LRMOUN'I':\IN The mission of the public participation plan is to build broad, deep support for the NFRRTA proposal by meaningfully engaging the public in the process of shaping the proposed structure, governance, funding and agenda of the resulting entity. InterMountain proposes a plan that is proactive and inclusive, giving opportunities to the public throughout the proposed NFRRTA service area. Elements would include: ■ Small Group Meetings. During the initial stages of the project, InterMountain would initiate numerous meetings -- some one-on-one, others as large as two or three participants — with opinion leaders in the civic, political and business communities. Additionally, we propose reaching out to user groups in the workplace and in other non-traditional venues. ■ Focus Groups. During the initial stages, InterMountain and Public Opinion Strategies would facilitate two, gender -specific focus groups of opinion leaders recruited from throughout the region. Participants would focus on what components should be included, what to call the resulting entity, which sources of information are most credible on this topic, and what level of detail is required. • Polling. Using a 15-minute questionnaire based on the findings of the focus groups, Public Opinion Strategies will conduct a poll of 500 likely voters throughout the potential service area. ■ Citizens Advisory Board. Based upon input from the small group meetings, focus groups and polling, InterMountain will develop recommendations for membership on a Citizens Advisory Board, which would shape the final recommendations. Recommendations would come from a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including employers, neighborhood organizations, civic groups, interest groups, political and civic leaders, as well as others identified during the research. We will pay particular attention to groups and individuals that command significant credibility on transportation, governance and taxing issues. Members of this board should have the potential of becoming primary leaders of any initiative campaign committee/organization. InterMountain and Phase Line Strategies would work in conjunction with the NFRRTA Policy and Oversight Committee to recruit members of the board. ■ Development Process. The InterMountain team would work with both the NFRRTA Policy and Oversight Committee and the Citizens Advisory Board to identify common ground on key substantive issues including structure, governance, finance and components of the program. Initial recommendations would be first presented to the oversight committee for input, then to the CAB for further screening and discussion. Both committees would be involved in finalizing the proposed initiative, although the oversight committee would make the final decision. ■ Public Events. While all meetings of the CAB would be open to the public, outreach would consist of two sets of open houses. The first, immediately after NFRTA — Proposal Number P870 15 IN'l FRVVi the CAB is announced, would be very general in nature, using interactive stations to engage participants in discussion with the principals. Input would be incorporated into the process. Prior to finalizing the proposed initiative, the CAB would host a second set of open houses providing an overview of the proposed specifics, with opportunities for one-on-one discussions between the public and the principals. Open houses — decentralized forums, where the substance is presented via displays and input is gathered through one -one -one discussions with principals — would be held in at least three different locations and times during both rounds, giving the public convenient access to the process. Launch Events. At the conclusion of the process, the substance of the proposed initiative will be introduced to the public at a launch event staged at three locations in the service area, hosted by the local members of the Citizens Advisory Board. At the event, CAB members would make presentations on the initiative and why they support its approval. The events would be high-energy, campaign -style events designed to generate enthusiasm and momentum into the initiative process. Media Relations. InterMountain will work with key print and electronic media throughout the process. During the initial stages, the focus will be on the process itself and the public's opportunity to shape the outcome. For the second open house, the focus will be on the recommendations. For the launch event, the messaging will set the stage for the transition to "campaign mode." InterMountain not only will develop media kits and news releases; the team also will develop relationships with reporters, prepare spokespersons for interviews, and stage editorial board briefings at critical points. During the Northern Colorado Truck Mobility/SH 14 Relocation Study, InterMountain not only secured significant, positive coverage for a very controversial study; we also helped generate strong editorial endorsements for the resulting recommendations. NFRTA — Proposal Number P870 16 RNIMNI UN The ultimate goal is to provide the MPO with the research, positioning and support of a strong leadership cadre to advocate for the proposed initiative on the 2004 ballot. This means acquiring feedback from opinion leaders, stakeholders and the electorate, then putting together an initiative that is appropriately and strategically positioned to develop broad based support for establishing the NFRRTA. In addition, proposing an attractive initiative that will provide revenue for the authority through fees agreed upon through a rationale process. Our team is comprised of some of the most well respected people in their fields, capable of providing the necessary legwork to successfully position the MPO's initiatives for the second phase of 2004. The initial steps of this approach will be research intensive. The team will collect and review the various intergovernmental agreements and comprehensive master plans of the targeted municipalities and counties within the proposed boundaries of the authority. This is critical in establishing a common direction that fits within the shared visions of the targeted communities. Polling and focus groups will be initiated to gauge public support and identify avenues that will draw strong, bipartisan support for the potential initiative. The next step will involve identifying targeted stakeholders and key decision -makers, in conjunction with the MPO, and confirm they are correctly aligned relative to this proposal. Inviting these groups to various meetings will allow us to identify those issues that can be successfully modified based upon the research and community outreach. Again, focusing on a common vision. We will then target key objectives, strategies, strengths and weaknesses. Here, the research will be provided, including the polling and focus group results. This will be followed by brainstorming sessions, inclusive of the MPO, identified stakeholders and elected officials representing the various constituencies. The target of these meetings will attempt to develop a consensus among the decision - makers that can allow the initiative to move forward with overall community support. While this is being undertaken, we will simultaneously be looking at the legal and technical steps necessary to queue up the initiative for the 2004 election and position it with the voters. Also, we will identify supporters to assist with the campaign and develop a strong message to counteract those claims by the opposition. We have developed a detailed timeline for the major tasks involved in this project. NFRTA — Proposal Number P870 17 1.NTURMO NTAIN InterMountain Corporate Affairs Total $65,000 Project Management Facilitation Strategic Planning/Consultation Local Government Outreach Community Outreach Analysis Presentation Strategic Messaging Event Planning Media Relations Public Opinion Strategies Total $30,000 Quantitative Poll — 500 sample, 15-minute questionnaire Qualitative — 2 Focus Group (1 group male, 1 group female) Analysis Presentation Identify credible sources of information Recommendations on naming Recommendations on configuration (what components/how specific) Phase Line Strategies Total $20,000 180 hours of strategic planning/consultation Analysis Presentation Recommendations of procedure Recommendations on organization Community outreach PBS&J Total $20,000 Technical and feasibility consultation Facilitation Presentation Analysis Recommendation on design Contingency Budget $89000 Displays, collateral materials, visual aids, education materials, meeting venues, maps, graphics TOTAL ESTIMATED COST $1439000 NFRTA — Proposal Number P870 18 INTBRMOtiN'I \I\ Transportation Commission of Colorado Joe Jelin, Chair Jelin and Associates, Inc. (303)403-2424 Northwest Parkway Public Highway Authority Steve Hogan, Executive Director (303)466-0567 *Refer to attached letter Castle Rock Economic Development Council Meme Dunckel-Martin, Executive Director (303)688-7488 *Refer to attached letter City of Fort Collins Mark Jackson, Transportation Planner (970) 416-2029 *Refer to attached letter Union Pacific Railroad Dick Hartman, Special Representative to the President (307) 778-3359 NFRTA — Proposal Number P870 19 INNII 1010I SI UV REFERENCE LETTER.................................................................. APPENDIX A NORTHWEST PARKWAY PUBLIC HIGHWAY AUTHORITY STEVE HOGANq EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REFERENCE LETTER.................................................................. APPENDIX B CASTLE ROCK ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL MEME DUNCKEL-MARTIN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REFERENCE LETTER.................................................................. APPENDIX C CITY OF FORT COLLINS MARK JACKSON9 TRANSPORTATION PLANNER CASE STUDY#1........................................................................ APPENDIX D NORTHWEST PARKWAY PUBLIC HIGHWAY AUTHORITY CASE STUDY#2........................................................................ APPENDIX E NORTHERN COLORADO TRUCK MOBILITY/SH 14 RELOCATION STUDY CASE STUDY#3........................................................................ APPENDIX F DURANGO MOUNTAIN RESORT NFRTA — Proposal Number P870 20 1\"I PRMOt WM N Project: Fort Collins Timeline 12-02 Task Progress Date: Fri 12/20/02 1 Split I ...... Milestone Summary ^ External Tasks ♦ Project Summary VMMMMMOEV External Milestone Deadline 1�1 Page 1 ABOUT US (CONY.) ■ Local knowledge and familiarity in Northern Colorado Transportation contacts and experience specific to the region ■ Government contacts ■ Business contacts and relationships ■ Economic development experience ■ Community contacts ■ Media Contacts ■ Transportation Experience includes ■ Fort Collins Transportation Master Plan Update ■ State Hwy 14 Relocation Study ■ CDOT Region 4 engineering studies • Transportation research on behalf of Loveland ■ South Interstate 25 ■ 1-70 Mountain Corridor ■ Leading Colorado public affairs firm for more than a decade that recognizes goals and benchmarks and is transaction oriented ■ Key relationships at the local, state and federal levels 3 IORYll ll\'I'I?.%[:F IRS Fort Collins Activities Timeline ID Task Name LDec_.`02_jJan'03 I Feb'031! Mar' 3 Apr'03 T-4 -2 J an Feb M Apr _J May -0�]Jun'03 !Jul'03 Aug'03 !Sep'03 lOct'03 ]Nov'03 May I Jun Dec'03 �_Ja_n '04 Feb'04 Mar'04 32 Discussion -Dec _J Jul ug Feb Mar Dec Intermountain 33 Fifth Meeting- 34 Q Identify CAB members ers Intermountain 35 Brainstorming Intermountain 36 23 Target opportunities -----------IntermountainJonner 37 Criteria for strategy analysis lnterMountain,Tonner 38 strategy develope-wa nalyzed intermountain,Tonner 39 Plan for first open house Intermountain 40 Q _41— Preliminary findings of polling Weigel Deliverables 42 E3 —43 Bound research summary Weigel Bound field analysis Tonner 44 Community----relations/communicafions-plan Intermountain 45 1150-210 bays Mill 46 Sixth meeting i 47 1 M3 Announce CAB members Intermountain 48 M3 Target opportunities InterMountainJonner 49 8Present and prepare for strategic action man F777fl Intermountain 50 Present- strategic analysis Discuss Intermountain 52 Identify Interilliountain,PBSU strategies/targets Intermountain 53 Develop strategic action- plan Intermountain 54Strategies Intermountain 55 153 Intermountain -Responsibility _0 I—- intermountain 57 - nority/timeline O Tonner. 58 Budget -A Tonner 59 Seventh meeting 60 Host first public open house Intermountain Conduct-_ media relations activities re: open house Intermountain 62 Finalize Intermountain Project: Fort Collins Timeline 12-02 Task Progress 0 Summary ^ External Tasks Deadline Date: Fri 12/20/02 Split Milestone Project Summary ^ Extemal Milestone Page 2 ID Task Name _63 I --Progress -report Issues review 65 Deliverables 66 Bound implementation plan 67 White paper Identifiying key strategies and targets 68 216-270 days 69 Host second public open house Conduct media relations activities re: open house 71 Write final report 72 123 -Next steps 7_3�1 _Phase 2 74 1 M3 implementation plan - ------ 75 -Present to MPO 76 27M60 days 77 -Manage launch events 78 11 M3 Conduct media relations activities re: launch - e .. vents 79 Deliverables VO Bound final report, inc. phase 2 implementation strategy 81 I ib next steps Fort Collins Activities Timeline De_c'02._.,Jan'03 F eb'03 Mar'03 !Apr'03 !May'03 �;Jun'03 Jul'03 Aug'03 Sep'03 Oct'03 Nov'03 !Dec'03 JJan r May I n Jul 1 Aug I Se Dec Jan Feb Oct- , Nov _Dec p ov J_ J InterMountain IntermountainJormer intermountain,Tonner InterMountainJonner Project: Fort Collins Timeline 12-02 Task Progress Summary 1W IV I External Tasks Deadline Date: Fri 12/20/02 Split Milestone Project Summary ^ External Milestone Page 3 7eb'04 Mar'04 Feb Mar i InterMountain InterMountain InterMountainJonner Tonner TM Northwest Parkway Project A Public Highway Authority 555 Eldorado Boulevard, Suite 130 Broomfield, Colorado 80021 Phone: 303-466-0567 • Fax: 303-404-3049 Email: nwp@northwestparkway.org www.northwestparkway.org December 19, 2002 Mr. Fred Niehaus President InterMountain Corporate Affairs 216 16`h St., Suite 770 Denver, Colorado 80202 Dear Fred: InterMountain Corporate Affairs has played a critical role in establishing the Northwest Parkway Public Highway Authority and building public acceptance for its expedited development. By creating effective government, community and media relations strategies with clear messaging, InterMountain helped us gain strong public acceptance for the construction and operation of Metro Denver's newest transportation corridor. I have been particularly impressed with InterMountain's understanding of transportation issues and its ability to communicate across a board range of complex audiences. Whether it's working with local elected officials, developing strong ties with leaders in the corporate community, or building strong support in the media, InterMountain has excelled. Most important to me, Fred, has been having your strategic counsel at key moments. Your effective and well -considered advice has been absolutely essential. We look forward to continuing our relationship, and I am pleased to recommend InterMountain to any agency undertaking a major transportation development project from the ground -up. Sincerely, Steve Hogan Executive Director Castle Rock Economic Development Council 513 Wilcox St., Suite 230 • Castle Rock, CO 80104 Voice (303) 688-7488 / Fax (303) 688-5338 E-Mail: info@credco.org December 17, 2002 Mr. Fred Niehaus President InterMountain Corporate Affairs 216 16'" St., Suite 770 Denver, Colorado 80202 Dear Fred: Economic development in a primarily residential town is challenging, and it can be equally difficult to attract businesses from outside the surrounding metropolitan areas. InterMountain Corporate Affairs was highly instrumental in implementing a successful process and providing the tools to attract businesses, while maintaining Castle Rock's shared vision. Your ability to facilitate the process and bring the local officials together was invaluable in achieving a common goal. Your team's ability to include all of the stakeholders from the town council, to the Castle Rock Economic Development Council, and the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce, was incredibly important for all interests to be shared and represented. InterMountain facilitated an extensive, collaborative process designed to encourage participation, foster discussion and arrive at a shared mission, goals and objectives. This open process was undoubtedly the reason for the successful adoption of the economic development plan. I would highly recommend InterMountain to any community that needed to organize numerous special interests in order to arrive at a common goal. Sincerely, Meme Dunckel Martin Executive Director Transportation Services Transportation Planning City of Fort Collins Mark A. Jackson, AICP Chief Transportation Planner City of Fort Collins PO BOX 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580 (970) 416-2029 September 12, 2002 To Whom It May Concern: Please accept this letter of recommendation for Intermountain Corporate Affairs. Intermountain played a critical role as a member of the consultant team for the Northern Colorado Truck Mobility/SH-14 Relocation Project. This was a very controversial, emotionally -charged project that pitted city v. county residents' interests. I am convinced that the work of Tom Schilling and Brian Rantala of Intermountain played a pivotal role in the success of the project's outcome. They helped us navigate media relations, develop key messages and deal with numerous special interests in the public arena They are one of the most professional, conscientious, and thorough consulting firms I have worked with. I was so impressed and pleased with their work that I have asked that they be added to the project team of other Fort Collins transportation planning projects. From the project's onset Tom and Brian exhibited the highest standards and attention to detail. They are responsible, timely and attentive to the project's very demanding needs. They maintain constant communication and work together with me in a very collaborative, productive manner. Their attention to detail and willingness to go the extra mile with public information and outreach have made my job that much easier. I would not hesitate to use this firm on future projects. Given their success on the Northern Colorado Truck Mobility/SH-14 Relocation Project, I can't imagine going into a controversial project without their help. Intermountain Corporate Affairs has my strongest recommendation. Please feel free to contact me if you have questions or wish to discuss Tom and Brian's work further. Sincerely, Mark A. JacksoY AICP Project Manager Northern Colorado Truck Mobility/SH-14 Relocation Project 215 North Mason - First Floor - P.O. Box 580 - Fort Collins, CO 80522,0580 - (970) 224-6058 • FAX (970) 221-6239 Northwest Parkway Public Highway Authority Situation: In keeping with the idea of creating a transportation loop around the Denver metropolitan area, the Northwest Parkway's goal was to create a link from the intersection of Interstate 25 and E-470 toll way to State Highway 36. This is an important connection between the Interlocken business area and Broomfield to the completed E-470 and Denver International Airport. InterMountain was directed to assist in the negotiations to establish the Northwest Parkway Public Highway Authority and secure the route and design of the parkway. The Northwest Parkway implementation needed multi jurisdictional cooperation, public - private partnerships and a variety of private financing strategies. Strategy: First, InterMountain recommended that the parkway establish a Public Highway Authority to assist in financing options for the route to relieve the burden on taxpayers. The key was to establish an alignment of boundaries and the identification of at least one municipality or county to join with the City of Broomfield in the creation of the Public Highway Authority. Second, InterMountain developed a strategy to insure ongoing and productive interaction with the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG). The team needed to convey Broomfield's intent to establish a Public Highway Authority. In addition, the mayor of Broomfield needed to redefine to DRCOG the Northwest Parkway as it related to any proposed feasibility study funding discussions at DRCOG Transportation Committee meetings. Due to the overwhelming opposition witnessed in the City of Golden and Jefferson County, the parkway needed to be targeted solely on connecting Broomfield and Interlocken with Interstate 25 and E-470. The proposed Northwest Parkway provided the most feasible option to attain successful completion of a transit route that could relieve congestion utilizing multi -modal applications on one of the state's heaviest traveled corridors. Finally, during the construction of the parkway, InterMountain crafted a multi -faceted strategy addressing legal issues, multi jurisdictional communications and public perception. The company was successful because of its alliances with key contacts with state and local government authorities, the media and the environmental and business communities. Results: The Northwest Parkway Public Highway Authority was able to secure the City of Lafayette and Weld County, in addition to the City of Broomfield, to establish the authority through intergovernmental agreements. By bringing DRCOG and other NFRTA — Proposal Number P870 IN witx[OL'NT %IN interested parties into discussions, compromises were reached to appease all parties with regard to the design and route of the toll way. Currently, the parkway is expected to be completed by December 2003 and the construction is on time and under budget. Some of the opposition to the parkway shared concern that the new toll road would encourage sprawl in the region. Development, however, is only planned at both ends of the parkway and at the interchanges, and the authority intends to spend $25 million to pay for open space areas along the parkway. NFRTA — Proposal Number P870 IN78R\IOUN'I \IN Northern Colorado/SH 14 Truck Route Relocation Study Situation: Fort Collins voters in November 1999 charged the city to study how to redirect "through" truck traffic out of the heart of the city and into upper Larimer County. "Through" truck traffic is defined as trucks with at least two axels that travel through the city without making a designated business stop. These trucks essentially "cut' through downtown Fort Collins to save time and reduce route distances, rather than travel the current Interstate system. InterMountain was tasked by the City of Fort Collins and PBS&J, the planning project lead, to design a media relations plan surrounding this controversial city ballot initiative - based project. The project team was designated to conduct a study for the city that included alternatives that map out new truck routes, as well as "non -route" strategies that encourage use of the current 1-25/1-80 Interstate system. The truck route relocation study has been a point of debate and discussion in the community for several decades, and fair reporting from the perspective of the project team was paramount for a successful team effort. Strategy: InterMountain developed pro -active and rapid -response media strategies to enhance the credibility of the process as well as its findings and conclusions. InterMountain developed key messages for target audiences, based on project goals and objectives with the project team. InterMountain analyzed the positions of local government agencies and stakeholders on the project. Based on the plans, InterMountain and the project team targeted placement of key articles and editorials in the Fort Collins Coloradoan and North Forty News, the two influential area newspapers. Throughout the project, InterMountain and the project team communicated at strategic points to the newspapers through news releases and editorial board briefings. InterMountain and the project team surveyed the local political climate continually to determine if alterations to the public relations plan would be necessary. Results: The project team provided the city with recommendations for both route and non -route alternatives, as charged. In conclusion, the team found route -based strategies would be time-consuming, not cost-effective and would require further federal study. Non -route strategies, such as marketing initiatives, restriction of area truck use and law enforcement strategies, among others, were recommended that encourage use the current Interstate system. NFRTA — Proposal Number P870 Through dedicated media outreach with the Fort Collins Coloradoan and North Forty News, InterMountain successfully gained fair comment in both outlets and garnered several favorable opinion -editorial columns from the influential Coloradoan. A summary of media placements gained during the project process is as follows: Date Publication Circulation Headline Type 3/11/01 Fort Collins Coloradoan 31,525 "Truck study headed Op -Ed in right direction" 3/11/01 Fort Collins Coloradoan 31,525 "Trucks just passing Article through" 10/01 North Forty News 17,000 "Brakes applied to Article downtown Wellington truck options" 10/01 North Forty News 17,000 "Would truckers use Article a northern truck route?" 8/31/01 Fort Collins Coloradoan 31,525 "Truck route options Article abound" 11/11/01 Fort Collins Coloradoan 31,525 "Get info on bypass Op -Ed study" 11/12/01 Fort Collins Coloradoan 31,525 "Truck routes study Article done" 11/14/01 Fort Collins Coloradoan 31,525 "County residents Article and skeptical of truck map route change" 11/15/01 North Forty News 17,000 "Truck route project Article could face detour" 12/01 Fort Collins Coloradoan 31,525 "Is city at impasse on Article bypass?" 12/18/01 Fort Collins Coloradoan 31,525 "Council should Op -Ed accept bypass study realities" NFRTA — Proposal Number P870 VFERNIOUNTd IN Durango Mountain Resort Situation: In the summer of 2002, Public Opinion Strategies polled for Colorado's Durango Mountain Resort (DMR), which ran an initiative to follow through on a development expansion near the ski resort. Development initiatives are tough to pass, much less in county where growth and development was named the most important problem, even after disastrous fires in the area. Strategy: Public Opinion Strategies' surveys included extensive message testing, which helped focus DMR on what messages they should be communicating and what areas of the county (rural) and types of voters (Republican) it should be focusing on for the get -out - the -vote effort and communication in the final days of the campaign. Through its research, Public Opinion Strategies identified people in rural areas and registered Republicans tended to be more supportive of the initiative. In turn, DMR focused its get- out -the -vote effort on these particular voters. Results: The initiative secured 57% of the vote, one point lower than Public Opinion Strategies' prediction of 58% based on its last survey two weeks out. NFRTA -Proposal Number P870 INI HI NIOUNLUN TEAM MEMBERS Phase Line Strategies ■ Strategic Planning ■ Grassroots efforts ■ Positioning Public Opinion Strategies ■ Qualitative Research ■ Quantitative Research ■ Messaging ■ Consulting ■ Engineering support ■ Transportation expertise 4 IN FE-PUVIOUNTAIN I uIMIIt kI'F err.%naS ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE Sean Tonner Strategic Planning Lori Weigel Research Rich Coolidge Support Cinamon Watson Strategic Planning North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization Fred Niehaus Project Manager Fred Niehaus Local Gov't Involvement Mary Brown Local Gov't Involvement R.A. Plummer Facilitation R.A. Plummer Transportation/ Tech Support Tom Schilling Strategic Communications Brian Rantala I Media Relations Rich Coolidge Events 5 INTLRMOU\T_1IN cnHPI) lA I1, 1[.IAINS DELIVERABLES ■ Provide roadmap to implementing the Rural Transportation Initiative ■ Develop research based communications strategies ■ Provide assessment and analysis of community opinions, focus groups and polling results ■ Identify key, credible spokespersons ■ Provide recommendations for community partnerships ■ Incorporate input from Northern Colorado business community ■ Position initiative for business community support ■ Initiate community involvement and grassroots meeting strategies ■ Provide implementation and execution strategies to deliver a successful Rural Transportation Authority initiative ■ Deliver a credible, on -budget, on -time project 6 INTERMOUNI AIN CORPOR VI)z %[ i %IRR BUDGET InterMountain Corporate Affairs Project Management Facilitation Strategic Planning/Consultation Local Government Outreach Community Outreach Presentation Strategic Messaging Event Planning Media Relations Analysis Total $65,000 Public Opinion Strategies Total $30,000 Quantitative Poll — 500 sample, 15-minute questionnaire Qualitative — 2 gender specific focus groups Analysis Presentation Identify credible sources of information Recommendations on naming Recommendations on configuration (what components/how specific) Phase Line Strategies Total $20,000 180 hours of strategic planning/consultation Analysis Presentation Recommendations of procedure Recommendations on organization Community outreach PBS&J Total $20,000 Technical and feasibility consultation Facilitation Presentation Analysis Recommendation on design Contingency Budget $89000 Displays, collateral materials, visual aids, education materials, meeting venues, maps, graphics TOTAL ESTIMATED COST $1439000 7 1NTEWNIOUNTAIN CORP' IR ATP. AH %IRS INTERMOUNTAIN CORPORATE AFFAIRS December 20, 2002 Margie Joy Project Manager North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization 215 North Mason St. Fort Collins, Colorado 80521 RE: Proposal and Work Plan Public Participation Managers Research/Feasibility/Design of a Rural Transportation Authority in the North Front Range RFP Number P870 Dear Ms. Joy and Selection Committee Members: InterMountain Corporate Affairs is pleased to submit its response to RFP Number P870 on behalf of our outstanding team of colleagues. We are excited about the prospect of working with you in studying the feasibility and design of a potential Rural Transportation Authority in the North Front Range. Unmatched expertise. Fred Niehaus led the public outreach/public affairs coordinator for the Northwest Parkway Public Highway Authority. As project manager, he gives you the benefit of his hands-on experience in structuring and building public acceptance for a public transportation authority in Colorado. He also brings to the team an extensive background in facilitating successful regional strategic planning efforts, combined with an in-depth knowledge of transportation, government and finance. At InterMountain, Niehaus is supported by a cadre of seasoned experts who understand the nuts -and -bolts of local and regional government, public outreach and involvement and getting media support. That's why we're the vendor of choice for public affairs at the Colorado Department of Transportation, which turns to InterMountain to build consensus and support in its complex, controversial projects. Colorado's most successful campaign team. To meet the challenge of researching and designing an authority that would pass muster with the voters, InterMountain has assembled a team with the best track record for building successful campaigns in Colorado: ❖ Sean Tonner of Phase Line Strategies Inc. is the strategic planning genius behind the successful re-election campaign for Gov. Bill Owens and the out -of -the -box, round-the-clock voter turnout effort for the Colorado Republican Party that has 21616th Street, Suite 110 Denver, Colorado 80202 Phone:303.534.5409 Fax:303.534.3322 www.InterMountainCA.com received national attention and is largely attributed with the party's surprise statewide sweep at the polls in November. Rich Coolidge of the InterMountain staff coordinated the voter outreach for Metro Denver for the Owens team headed by Sean. ❖ Lori Weigel of Public Opinion Strategies, the nation's leading political and public affairs research firm, has an overwhelming record of "wins" in the dozens of Colorado local initiatives for which she has conducted focus groups and polling. A specialist in positioning and structuring content for successful local initiatives, Lori also has extensive transportation experience, including transportation feasibility study for the City of Loveland. Local knowledge. Our team has a strong record of accomplishment in Northern Colorado, having successfully completed broad, diverse range of projects in transportation planning/feasibility studies, economic development research, media relations and strategic planning. And, of course, our colleagues have campaigned successfully in virtually all of the region's communities. Our depth of local experience gives us a "jump start" in what will be a very challenging project. InterMountain is very excited by the challenges of this project. I am personally excited at the prospect of working with and leading such an incredibly talented team of transportation, strategic planning, local government and campaign experts in providing you with a timely, well -researched project that sets the stage for a successful initiative in the Northern Front Range. I look forward to working with you, and I am available for any questions you may have. We want your business, and we are committed to a 110 percent effort to give you the excellence you need. Sincer y, Fre Niehaus President