By Alan Johnson, EDC Board member
Jim Atkinson, Lakeland city manager, Wil Ashworth, Lakeland Chamber of Commerce president and Brittney Buchanan, Chamber executive director met with the EDC to discuss 31 marketing initiatives that were included in the Lakeland Marketing Plan and/or discussed during the prior meeting.
Each party, The City of Lakeland, the Economic Development Commission, and the Lakeland Chamber will play a collaborative role in the ongoing promotion of the City. The major objectives of the plan are as follows:
- Vividly establish Lakeland as a preferred, upscale, growing suburb for residents, businesses, and visitors; consistently represent Lakeland via recognizable branding
- Proactively encourage and attract both residential and commercial growth
- Inspire pride in Lakeland’s culture, assets, resources, diversity, and potential
- Inform and attract elements that establish Lakeland as a destination city
- Improve the quality and value experienced by Lakeland residents and businesses
The team reviewed each of the initiatives, adding any needed details and establishing a priority level and “champion” for each item.
Highest importance was given to the update and redesign of the lakelandtn.gov website and chamber website, both of which have already been started.
The new lakelandtn.gov website will include many new helpful features, including an interactive calendar with appointment capabilities, an opt in platform for “push” communication and updates, a more refined layout, and updated branding.
The Chamber website will include a more refined layout and a significant amount of new information, including an interactive map showing available locations for commercial development and Lakeland demographic data.
High priority was also given to ongoing PR/media outreach and an increased presence at appropriate conferences, business meetings, tradeshows, etc… Additional print materials, signage, and support materials will be developed to augment these efforts.
Commendations should be given to Mrs. Buchanan for securing an impressive $60,000 matching grant to finance these promotional efforts, and for her leadership representing Lakeland in the Shelby County Chamber Alliance.
… Photo by Jim Willis, Lakeland Currents
