REDEFINE THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF THE CITY. The City of Manchester depends on the business climate’s energy to maintain its role as a regional employment center and generate a stable tax base. This Plan represents a singular opportunity to reimagine how economic development functions work. The following suggestions present preliminary recommendations and a conceptual structure of a new Economic Development Partnership for Manchester. Initial steps should include the following: Convene a task force for Economic Development. This task force should unite the various groups advocating for a more robust business climate in Manchester. Many organizations are working to advance the cause of economic vitality and placemaking in the City, but there is no central “guiding mission” for all economic development initiatives.
downtown is contingent on an office that can serve to partner, coordinate, and in some cases act as an umbrella for economic development functions.
EXPLORE THE CREATION OF A DESTINATION MARKETING ORGANIZATION AS PART OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. The City would benefit from a destination marketing organization (a.k.a. convention & visitor bureaus). A destination marketing organization would help promote and market the City’s local attractions and transportation options, retail stores, restaurants, events & more. The primary long-term objective is to attract Manchester visitors and develop a strong economy due to increased tourism to the City.
Create a consistent economic development and community identity for Manchester. The City’s image is inconsistent among groups. Economic development data is scattered among sites, and each group has separate and uncoordinated identities as they relate to their roles in promoting a healthy economic climate for Manchester. Reinvigorate a City of Manchester Economic Development Office. The City’s role in executing publicprivate partnerships, retaining a strong presence with economic development groups, and maintaining a vibrant
The Vision
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