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Webster Groves subcommittee expands 'Make Your Mark' idea, weighs marketing contracts and shared calendar options
Summary
The Webster Groves Business District Collaborative's collaboration subcommittee discussed a new artist-stamp passport, university outreach and constraints on marketing contracts that hinge on the city's fiscal-year timing.
Members of the Webster Groves Business District Collaborative's collaboration subcommittee discussed details of upcoming events, a proposed "Make Your Mark" artist-stamp passport initiative, outreach to nearby universities and the timing of city marketing contracts tied to the fiscal year.
The group reported that Webster and Bloom, scheduled for the weekend, will include about 34 participating businesses and that organizers want to pilot an artist-stamp passport distributed at the June art fair. Madeline ("Maddie") is developing a call for artist submissions for the program, which would pair simple artist-made stamps with participating businesses; attendees could collect stamps in a small booklet distributed at the June art fair.
The subcommittee also discussed outreach to university students and staff at Washington University in St. Louis and Saint Louis University. A panel at WashU, organized through Scandalaris entrepreneurship programming, was proposed for Tuesday, June 24, roughly 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., and the group asked for a BDC representative to serve on the panel to promote Webster Groves to students.
Staff raised timing and budget constraints for marketing contracts. Tammy, a city staff member who works on marketing and partnerships, told the group, "The fiscal year 26 budget will not go into effect until July 1. So whatever money is available to me, we won't be able to use until July 1." Tammy said city marketing contracts are planned annually and that staff must align contract start dates with the fiscal year whenever possible; she asked event planners to firm up dates by the June meeting so staff could include those events in contract negotiations.
The subcommittee also discussed communications tools. Members noted that the city website offers an iCalendar subscription for the BDC Collaboration Subcommittee and that a calendar subscription or an added Constant Contact calendar feature could let members and residents add events directly to their phone calendars. Staff said Constant Contact's calendar-add feature exists but is an add-on not currently in their contract; cost was described as “not a lot,” but no exact figure was provided.
The group reviewed the concept of four signature Webster events spaced through the year (seasonal coverage) to aid long-term marketing and contract planning. Members said quarterly planning will help staff negotiate better rates with radio and print partners and allow businesses to plan promotions in advance.
Separately, the group heard that Opera Theatre Saint Louis has been exploring property in Clayton. Members asked that, if Opera Theatre's relocation becomes a formal discussion, area businesses be notified and, where appropriate, asked to encourage the company to remain in Webster Groves.
The subcommittee concluded with procedural notes: the city staff liaison, Tiara Thomas, introduced herself as the new public affairs and engagement manager and staff liaison to the BDC; the subcommittee's next meeting was set for June 5. A motion to adjourn passed unanimously.
