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Forest Park Chamber outlines digital push, billboard plan and prior ESPN proposal
Summary
The Forest Park Chamber of Commerce presented a marketing plan emphasizing social media, new dining and retail videos, a proposed I‑290 billboard campaign and reconsideration of a previous ESPN promotion that would have cost $23,500; the chamber said direct ROI tracking to in‑store sales remains limited.
At the Sept. 22 Village of Forest Park council meeting the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce presented its marketing report and a preliminary plan for Sept. 1, 2025–Feb. 1, 2026, emphasizing digital outreach and partnerships to expand reach.
The chamber director described a shift toward social media and video content, saying social media “consistently ranks as [a] high priority due to its ability to provide extensive opportunities to increase visibility, drive brand awareness and traffic.” The director said a new dining video is complete and staff will create combined retail and entertainment videos plus individual promotional clips for local businesses.
The presentation noted work to secure no‑cost use of an I‑290 billboard for a “Next Stop Forest Park” promotion and a move toward digital welcome materials for roughly 3,000 new residents reached annually in Forest Park and neighboring communities.
On past partnerships, the director reviewed a prior ESPN promotion that would have cost $23,500 and produced 261 commercials; four businesses originally joined but a fifth partner was not secured and at least one partner later questioned the spend. The director said the chamber could revisit such paid partnerships if the village chose to increase marketing investment.
Commissioner Vogt asked how the chamber measures return on investment, noting the value of direct feedback from businesses: “have you sort of gathered any feedback from businesses, or do you have, are you starting to see any data on, like, the return on investment in, like, actual visits and dollars spent?” The director answered that engagement metrics are available but it is “a little tough” to know whether online engagement translated into in‑store visits; some coupons returned to businesses (Crystal Car Wash received roughly 10 responses) but several tactics do not allow straightforward tracking.
The director said the chamber welcomes council feedback on marketing priorities, and council members thanked the director for the presentation.
