Consultants outline business retention newsletter, website and outreach as part of Kennedale EDC work

CP2 consulting presented an update to the Kennedale Economic Development Corporation on Sept. 23 outlining work on a business retention and expansion (BRE) program, a proposed monthly business newsletter, outreach to roughly 40 local businesses, and a concise EDC website that is not yet live. The consultant said the team has focused recently on planning for Hometown Christmas, coordinating vendors and sponsors, and continuing business visits. The consultant displayed a sample BRE newsletter and said, “This would ideally be a monthly email newsletter.” She said the list compiled so far covers about 40 different Kennedale businesses and that the list is not yet comprehensive. The consultant described the envisioned BRE program as built on three structural pieces: a concise website as a “home base” for business information, a proactive newsletter for regular outreach, and ongoing in-person business visits. She highlighted sample newsletter elements such as a business spotlight, hyperlocal data and trends, business resources (including SCORE mentoring and workshops), and local networking events. She also said the newsletter could link to Southeast Connector Project updates about detours and lane closures to keep businesses informed about construction impacts. The consultant told the board she had planned to show a functioning website but did not because she was not satisfied with the design; she said the content is complete and expected the site to be ready later, but did not provide a launch date to the board during the public session. Board members asked no substantive follow-up questions on the BRE presentation in the transcript provided.