2013 Annual EDA Business Expo

Annually, the Ramsey EDA sponsors a Business Expo.  The purpose of this event is to promote Ramsey's businesses (typically retail and service industries) to the community.  Normally, this event draws 300-500 participants and 45-50 business exhibitors.  Planning for this event has begun.

Purpose of Case: update EDA on coordination efforts and to take EDA direction on how to market this event.

Below is a status update on a number of items related to this event:

• Venue: Fountains of Ramsey, Secured ($350)
• Event Flyer: Created, see attached
• Marketing:
  • Mailers, 9,000qty (2-3 weeks before event)
    • Color, Full Page ($2,750)
    • Color, Half Page ($2,300)
    • Black/White, Half Page ($1,900)
  • Mobile Sign Boards, Five ($750)
  • Ramsey Elementary, Color Full Page, 1,800qty, ($350)
  • PACT Charter, Color Full Page, 1,800qty, ($350)
  • Ramsey Resident, Facebook, Dynamic Display (free)
• Exhibitor Registration Form: Created, see attached
  • Staff will be contacting past participating exhibitors
  • Staff will be personally contacting new businesses

Budget for this event is $3,500.  Considering items above (half page color mailers), expenditures will be $4,100.  Staff estimates revenues will be $1,350.  The difference between estimated costs and revenues would be $2,750 ($3,500 budgeted).  Therefore, the EDA would have an estimated $750 of budget remaining.

ALTERNATIVES:
Besides marketing options (below), this case is an update item.  Therefore, Staff is only looking for general input/direction from the EDA.  No specific direction is needed (besides below).

Marketing Options: Mailer, Qty 9,000

1. Card Stock, Black/White, Half Page Mailer, $1,900
   + Cheapest option, best on budget
   - Least effective
    
2. Card Stock, Color, Half Page Mailer, $2,300
   + Cost effective route, fair on budget while delivering a high quality product
   - more expensive than option 1
    
3. Glossy Paper, Color, Full Page Mailer, $2,750
   + Potentially the most effective marketing route
   -most expensive, value created from upgrading from a half page is minimal
   (the amount of information needed to convey to attendees does not require a full page)
   
   
    

EDA Miscellaneous Operating Expenses, 9230.6249, $3,500 balance

A.  Provide Staff with general input regarding the 2013 Business Expo planning efforts. 
B.  Provide Staff with direction on what marketing mailer option to utilize.  Staff recommends option #2, half page, color, card stock.  This is a cost effective option that will accomplish our goals and deliver a high quality product.

A. Provide Staff with general input regarding the 2013 Business Expo planning efforts.
B. Provide Staff with direction on what marketing mailer option to utilize.