Berlin Economic Development Planning & Implementation

Client:

City of Berlin

Location:

Berlin, Wisconsin

Download:

Project Description

Challenge

Vierbicher worked with the City of Berlin during 2012 and 2013 to help establish a revised economic development program. As a result of the 2007 recession, changing market conditions required an update to many of the City’s previous plans. Vierbicher conducted an updated market analysis study to update retail and commercial market demand gap information and identify near and mid-term business recruitment and development potential.

Approach

Following the market update, Vierbicher continued to provide economic development implementation services including business retention, developer outreach and strategic planning. Based on an identified need among small businesses, Vierbicher staff also hosted a number of small business training sessions covering in demand topics such as market research, small business marketing and social media. Several development planning initiatives were also started or advanced during this period, which, when completed will result in the expansion of two existing businesses, recruitment of two national retailers and introduction of market supported residential units downtown. The City also received an award from the WEDC for the Building Up Berlin initiative, which was expanded and rebranded during this period.

Outcome

Following the one-year implementation period, Vierbicher worked with the City to develop a position description and advertise for a full time Community Development Director for the City, and developed a strategic work plan to help staff monitor and track work planning and economic benchmarks within the community. An associated marketing plan will help the City communicate these results to a broader audience, further leveraging local success.

Project Description

Challenge

Vierbicher worked with the City of Berlin during 2012 and 2013 to help establish a revised economic development program. As a result of the 2007 recession, changing market conditions required an update to many of the City’s previous plans. Vierbicher conducted an updated market analysis study to update retail and commercial market demand gap information and identify near and mid-term business recruitment and development potential.

Approach

Following the market update, Vierbicher continued to provide economic development implementation services including business retention, developer outreach and strategic planning. Based on an identified need among small businesses, Vierbicher staff also hosted a number of small business training sessions covering in demand topics such as market research, small business marketing and social media. Several development planning initiatives were also started or advanced during this period, which, when completed will result in the expansion of two existing businesses, recruitment of two national retailers and introduction of market supported residential units downtown. The City also received an award from the WEDC for the Building Up Berlin initiative, which was expanded and rebranded during this period.

Outcome

Following the one-year implementation period, Vierbicher worked with the City to develop a position description and advertise for a full time Community Development Director for the City, and developed a strategic work plan to help staff monitor and track work planning and economic benchmarks within the community. An associated marketing plan will help the City communicate these results to a broader audience, further leveraging local success.