The creating Chelsea as a Destination plan is still accumulating information but appears to be ready for the next step.
A structure will be crafted that incorporates all areas needed as defined by the focus group participants (and other input gathered by other means). The structure will incorporate what is best for Chelsea first with individual businesses and groups needs coming second.. New ideas will always be accepted and are an expected part of the process.
Results of the focus group will be made accessible to interested parties very soon. We have a very good opportunity to unite as a community and make something great happen.
A Marketing Board (that covers Chelsea geographically and other important segments) will be created to manage the defined areas of marketing.
It is hoped that the Marketing board will hire a Marketing director after creating a job description. Other communities have similar positions that we can use as a guide . The city of Zeeland was recently mentioned as a city that has gone through a similar process. Zeeland created a slogan " Feel the Zeel", a new webpage and several social networking sites with facebook ,twitter blogs and more.
Funding is a huge issue. All funding ideas are currently on the table. The city and DDA have a committed $50,00 to the effort. Once a strategic plan is written more funding options will be explored. A long term sustainable funding plan is the goal.
Applying for grants is one option currently being examined.
Bill Harmen , director of the Chelsea Library and city manager John Hanifan are meeting to discuss using theircollective resources in assisting the marketing and funding efforts. Their collaboration will include but not be limited to grant writing for strategic planning efforts for Chelsea. Grant applications will be submitted to the Chelsea and Ann Arbor Foundations. Other foundations, including the new Wellness Foundation will be examined .
There is an obvious need to create a"parking lot" for the plethora of marketing ideas that are being suggested. For the time being this blog represents an opportunity for all ideas to be expressed. They will be forwarded to the Marketing board for further discussion.
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With regret, I was unable to participate in any of the recent focus group meetings. However, I'd like to humbly offer some viewpoints of mine, without knowing if perhaps some of these ideas have been already presented or discussed. I am very pleased to read the diversity of ideas that are reported on this blog, so it's not necessary to repeat any of those.
ReplyDeleteI feel quite strongly that Chelsea, like many other communities, doesn't recognize the power and worth of developing a more attractive image with its teens and young adults, through its business and marketing resources. I think too many folks easily assume that young persons are only attracted to shopping at malls or online, and they fail to make efforts to appeal specifically to youth.
Despite these current harsh economic times, some young persons do indeed have money to spend. Chelsea can compete for their dollars just as well as competing for older local shoppers and out of town visitors money.
Take a surevy through SRSLY and other community youth groups (ex: Scouts, church groups, library teen peatrons, etc.) to gather data on what kids want to buy, if they knew they could find it in Chelsea, and that it is "Cool" to shop here!
Another example is to encourage and support a music store in Chelsea----selling new/used instruments,repairs, supplies, sheet music, etc. We have a large and serious music/arts community here, including many students. Plus we are located close enough to other cities whose families and youth would drive here to find good values.
My husband and I have personally developed a deep attachment in our now 19 year old son for patronizing Chelsea businesses, shops and resources. He enjoys the wide range of available shopping and vast options in recreation and entertainment in Chelsea. He doesn't automatically think of A2 as the first preferred place to shop or be entertained. Mike has lifelong loyalty because of his experiences and understanding of what Chelsea has to offer for all ages.
So, please consider all creative and practical strategies that aim towards improvement in valuing our young Chelsea consumers. Some good examples do exist, but we need and can do much more. Good luck and don't overlook this special target group!!
Truly, Jennifer Kundak Community volunteer