Weatherization Assistance Program Communications Projects Update

1. Weatherization Assistance ProgramCommunications Projects Update February 2010 Tawanna Holloway US Department of Energy Susan Gardner Zartman Simonson Management Services (SMS) February 24-26, 2010 2010 NASCSP Mid-Winter Training Conference

2. Recovery Act (ARRA) Close Up Project • Communications effort lead by DOE Headquarters and maintained by SMS • Purpose of Close Ups is to: • Highlight the positive impacts the state or territory has experienced as a result of the Recovery Act (ARRA) • Showcase new initiatives or projects as a result of the Recovery Act (ARRA)

3. Recovery Act (ARRA) Close Up Project • A Close Up will be developed for each Weatherization Grantee. • To date, 8 Close Ups are complete: • West Virginia • Ohio • Colorado • Idaho • New Mexico • Montana • Washington • Puerto Rico • All Grantees have been contacted, except for the US Territories and Tribal organizations.

5. Recovery Act (ARRA) Close Up Project • Each Close Up will focus on: • How is the Recovery Act Stimulating the Grantee’s Economy? • Local Job Creation • What’s Next? • Key Measurements: • # of jobs created or retained • # of homes weatherized • # of people trained • Consistent layout but allows for customizable facts, figures, storylines, imagery

6. Close Up Project – Next Steps • Will continue to develop Close Ups as information is submitted by each Grantee. • These Close Ups will be maintained through the end of the Recovery Act – March 2012. • Final Close Ups will be provided back to the Grantee to use in their local public information campaign efforts, as well as: • Posted on WAPTAC site • DOE will use Close Ups within internal and external communications activities

7. Close Up Project – Next Steps • As successes are achieved and goals are met, the Close Ups will be updated to keep them “fresh”. Goal is to update at least twice a year. • Close Up information should be submitted to Susan Gardner Zartman; sgzartman@sms-results.com or 718-499-0490.

8. Media & Communications Tools • Tremendous amount of media focus on the Weatherization Program. • Need to have consistent messaging about the Weatherization Assistance Program across national, state, and local entities. • A lot of misconceptions about what Weatherization is versus “do-it-yourself weatherization” your home. • Winterize vs. Weatherize • Weatherstripping & Caulking vs. Weatherization • Realized Energy & Monetary Savings from “do-it-yourself” activities vs. professionally installed Weatherization measures

9. Media & Communications Tools • Updating and creating new materials to assist Grantees and local agencies to work with local media and other entities • Need “ready to go” materials you can provide to media, etc. • Current focus is to update and provide: • Weatherization Assistance Program Facts & Figures • Weatherization Assistance Program Talking Points • Weatherization Assistance Program Talking Points Grid • Weatherization Assistance Program FAQs • Weatherization Media Kit • Weatherization Myths & Facts

10. Media & Communications Tools • What other materials and resources do you need to help communicate your Weatherization message? • Video Clips • Images • Press Releases • Technology Fact Sheets • Others?

11. Questions? • Contact: Tawanna Holloway US Department of Energy tawanna.holloway@ee.doe.gov Susan Gardner Zartman SMS sgzartman@sms-results.com