Aldermen discussed a marketing contract at Monday’s Macomb City Council committee of the whole meeting on Monday. City Administrator Scott Coker said Spark Marketing Agency and its LEAP Group were chosen from a list of seven applicants.
Coker said Macomb has pledged $25,000 per year for a community promotion effort, and the Macomb Park District has pledged $20,000. Other partners in the marketing campaign include Western Illinois University, the Macomb Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Macomb Area Economic Development Corporation, the McDonough County Quality of Life Committee, and the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce. “All of our partners are very excited about this,” the city administrator told aldermen.
Spark has proposed a three-year marketing campaign at a cost of $45,000 to $50,000 each year. The marketing plan would emphasize Macomb as a destination for visitors, potential new residents, students, and property investors.”Much of the campaign will be through social media,” Coker said.
Alderman John Vigezzi expressed enthusiasm at the marketing idea.
“This is a real opportunity to promote Macomb,” he said.
In other business, council members discussed two special use permit ordinances to be voted on next week.
One would allow rooftop solar panels to be installed over the Clean Getaway Car Wash at 1631 East Jackson Street.
Coker said the roof parapet would diminish public view of the panels.
The other special use ordinance would allow front yard parking at 605 Memorial Drive.
Community Development Director Miranda Lambert said the current driveway would be extended into the front yard to allow off-street parking.
She said the Macomb Planning Commission has recommended the change. “We believe this change will enhance the neighborhood,” Lambert said.
