The Vendor is required to provide for professional services in the areas of strategic marketing, business attraction and retention, and identification and development of capital improvement projects.
- The goal of these services is to stimulate primary job creation, increase the City’s sales tax base, and enhance the overall economic vitality of the community.
- Provide business industry is anchored in its historic steel production and manufacturing roots, which have diversified into a regional hub for renewable energy, healthcare, and agriculture. Its culture is defined by a proud, working-class, multi-ethnic heritage, known for its resilience and vibrant community life centered on local traditions.
- Consultant Services:
• Conducting market research and analysis to identify economic trends and opportunities.
• Developing and implementing economic development strategies and plans.
• Assisting in the attraction and retention of businesses and industries.
• Facilitating public-private partnerships and collaborations.
• Providing technical assistance and support to local businesses.
• Identifying and securing funding sources for economic development projects.
• Preparing reports, presentations, and other documentation related to economic development activities.
• Engaging with community stakeholders to gather input and build consensus.
• Additional economic development consulting requests as determined necessary by the City.
- Strategic Marketing and Advertising:
• Examine the city’s current economic identity, identify strengths and weakness, and provide suggestions for modification or refinement to meet the city’s economic strategic goals.
• Refine and promote the city’s economic identity to attract target industries and talent that align with city existing assets and workforce capacity.
• Develop high-quality, data-driven marketing materials, including digital content, brochures, and presentations, to showcase the city’s assets.
• Plan and execute strategic and integrated public relations, digital marketing, and advertising campaigns with regional and national outreach components to brand city as a desirable place to work and live.
• Design and implement a targeted engagement plan for leading national and international site selection consultants, including arranging and executing professional recruitment trips and trade show presence to promote city business advantage.
- Business Recruitment and Prospect Facilitation:
• Actively generate, qualify, and manage a pipeline of business prospects interested in relocating to, expanding, or retaining operations in city.
• Conduct heavy sales -focused activity to fill the project lead funnel through proactive relationship-building through the region, state, and nation.
• Identify and recruit target industries that align with the city’s economic goals and strategic plans.
• Conduct detailed financial, operational, and job-creation analysis of interested prospects to ensure alignment with the city’s mandate for primary job creating capital improvement projects, sales tax generation, and community goals.
• Provide expertise on developing and implementing effective incentive packages to attract new jobs.
• Provide insight for the planning, design, and implementation phases of selected primary job capital improvement projects.
• Serve as a liaison with the mayor’s office and other city departments and related entities to streamline processes and navigate local requirements from initial inquiry through project completion.
- Contract Period/Term: 1 year
- Questions/Inquires Deadline: January 22, 2026
