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Item # 8. <br />1t1_ . _ MEMORANDUM <br />ver <br />TO: Economic Development Authority <br />FROM: Clay Wilfahrt, Assistant Director of Economic Development <br />DATE: May 14, 2012 <br />SUBJECT: Marketing Update <br />BRANDING <br />Numerous initiatives are in motion to support the community brand, including: <br />• Working with local businesses to film and promote video testimonials; several have <br />been completed to date and are available on poweredbynature.blog.com and the <br />economic development Facebook page <br />• Recently met with Prime Advertising to redesign The Current to better reflect the <br />brand. <br />• Presented information about the brand to the Volunteer Bridge and Two Rivers <br />Referrals. <br />• Working with the Star News on a potential partnership for a photo contest. <br />• The Brand Champions are working on developing the .website <br />wu~w.~oweredbynature.com as a resource for those seeking to utilize or gain <br />information about the brand. <br />• The Star News recently publicized the progress of the brand in the attached article <br />published on April 26. <br />WEBSITE <br />Staff has elected to work with Civic Plus to develop a new city and economic development <br />website. We considered a website update following the recommendation by the brand plan <br />for an extensive upgrade to the existing site. The new site will add functionality and provide <br />a clearer hierarchy of information. Development is expected to begin in late May. <br />BUSINESS RETENTION AND EXPANSION VISITS <br />Contour Mold, Pomeroy Tool and TESCOM met with staff in April and May as part of the <br />ongoing business retention and expansion efforts. We received positive comments from the <br />businesses and we clarified concerns regarding property values, pothole repairs and sprinkler <br />permit requirements. <br />P ®M E~ E I ® r <br />~AfiUR~ <br />