Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Small Business Support topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
EDC outlines business network, ad pilot to help Dickinson restaurants facing steep sales drop
Summary
The Dickinson Economic Development Corporation discussed a multipronged plan — in-person outreach, a Dickinson Business Network, targeted social media and a billboard pilot — after staff reported sharp revenue declines at several restaurants.
The Dickinson Economic Development Corporation discussed a set of outreach and advertising measures aimed at reversing steep sales declines reported by several downtown and freeway‑adjacent restaurants.
Staff member David summarized interviews with local proprietors, saying one owner reported, "their business is down 60%." The board spent the bulk of the discussion considering low‑cost promotion, direct business visits and a coordinated advertising pilot to drive highway traffic into downtown dining corridors.
Why it matters: small restaurants and other retail generate sales tax revenue that funds EDC programs and city services. Board members said the city lacks a Chamber of Commerce and that the EDC has become the primary retention contact for small businesses.
The EDC's proposals included: a Dickinson Business Network (a no‑cost packet and sticker program to help owners set marketing goals); in‑person outreach to collect owner feedback; social‑media amplification of offers and weekend specials through city channels; a three‑month targeted billboard or portable/mobile billboard pilot on northbound I‑45 to advertise restaurants near the Dickinson exit; a short customer survey (with potential business‑sponsored incentives) to test barriers to dining locally; and a coordinated “Restaurants Week” style promotion.
Board members and staff described several implementation options: deploying the EDC’s social media for promotion immediately; assembling a volunteer team of board members to visit businesses; and testing an advertising pilot that coordinates multiple restaurants on a temporary campaign. The board asked staff to return with a basic marketing plan and budget before approving any paid advertising.
What staff reported: David said personal visits to businesses produced detailed, anecdotal feedback — owners said construction (I‑45 work and median changes), rising costs and reduced consumer spending contributed to declines. He also noted some traffic‑pattern effects near the 517/646 corridor that may reduce drive‑by visibility.
Board direction: Members agreed to start coordinated outreach and promoted the idea of the billboard pilot as an experimental, time‑limited test. They asked for measurable goals (lift in visits or dollars) and a follow‑up evaluation after the pilot.
Ending: Staff will draft a short plan and budget for the network and advertising pilot and return to the board with specifics and a proposed timeline for a test campaign.
