Wildwood committee approves expanding 'Proud Wildwood' decal program to home-based businesses

The City of Wildwood Economic Development Committee voted Monday to expand a promotional window-decal program so qualifying home‑based businesses can receive up to three free “Proud Wildwood Business” stickers.

The action, made at the committee’s Jan. 27 meeting, grew from a pilot of 200 double-sided clings the city purchased for $420. Committee members approved an amendment limiting distribution to a maximum of three stickers per qualifying business before passing the amended motion.

Committee members and staff said the decals are intended as a free promotional tool for local merchants and for the city to connect with business owners. City staff described the rollout: an initial batch of 200 clings, distribution from city hall, and a follow‑up social media marketing push once about 50–100 clings are in circulation.

Gina Tartt, communications and economic development manager, and an Economic Development staff member presented the program and said the stickers are versatile — usable in storefront windows, on vehicle rear windows, or mounted on temporary boards at pop‑ups and farmers markets. Staff recommended expanding the program to home‑based businesses that hold a valid Wildwood business license and leaving distribution discretion to the Economic Development Department.

Council Member Preston moved to expand the program to home‑based businesses. The motion was seconded and later amended to cap distribution at three stickers per qualifying business; the amendment was seconded and approved by voice vote. The committee then approved the amended motion by voice vote; no recorded roll call of yes/no votes was given in the transcript.

Officials said the decals cost roughly $2 apiece in production and that expansion aims to include farmers‑market vendors and other non‑storefront operators who hold a city business license. A few attendees at the meeting, including a vendor who identified herself as Nancy Aid of Heavenly Harvest, urged inclusivity for farmers‑market participants.

Staff noted that the city could later add a modest digital marketing campaign to promote the decals and place a prominent link on the city website to assist new businesses seeking information on starting in Wildwood.

The committee did not adopt any fee for additional stickers; discussion included possibilities such as a small charge in the future but no change was approved. The committee directed staff to proceed under the amended motion.