Superior Trade Zone in Michigan Seeks Marketing Partner

Purpose

The Superior Trade Zone in Michigan is working with the Defense Manufacturing Assistance Program of the University of Michigan’s Economic Growth Institute and seeks to develop a business and investment attraction marketing strategy. The ultimate goal is to promote the infrastructure, workforce, and services, which make the Superior Trade Zone an ideal location for business development and growth. The marketing strategy should integrate existing research, analysis and any previous local feasibility studies with input from stakeholders and community members to develop a comprehensive strategic plan and brand that is tailored to meet the needs of the region. To that end, the plan should maximize participation of county, municipal, and private sector stakeholders in a shared approach to business attraction. The consultant will work directly with the Superior Trade Zone Members and Marketing Subcommittee, listed below:  Bark River Township, Ford River Township, Marquette County, Chocolay Township, Forsyth Township, Nahma Township, City of Escanaba Garden Township, Negaunee Township, City of Gladstone, Humboldt Township, Richmond Township, City of Marquette, Ishpeming Township, Wells Township, Delta County, Maple Ridge Township, Ely Township, Masonville Township

Scope of Work

The tasks and deliverables to be completed under this project:

• Maintain regular contact with community to include but not limited to:
  • Kick-off meetings and regular ongoing engagement with local and regional stakeholders
  • Monthly progress reports
  • Final in-person presentation to Superior Trade Zone Members and Marketing Subcommittee

• Conduct research to include but not limited to:
  • Analysis of Delta and Marquette Counties regional profile including assets, strengths, weaknesses, capabilities and primary/secondary industries including, but not limited to, manufacturing, advanced manufacturing, technology commercialization, workforce development and educational opportunities, as they impact potential economic and business development. Analysis to also include tax incentives.
  • Work with the community to hone in on target industries that are a mix of current companies in addition to the markets it seeks to diversify into.
  • Brand positioning statement based on marketing research
  • Research and analysis on other Next Michigan Development Corporations
  • Present analysis for potential future development

• Develop a marketing plan that the region can implement in collaboration with municipalities, including outreach activities
• Develop a strong brand related to business attraction and economic development
• Development of collateral materials to be used for regional and national marketing

Deliverables:

• A comprehensive business attraction marketing plan document for the whole Superior Trade Zone, and municipalities within the region, in digital and a print format (25 copies), leveraging and complementing existing assets for business attraction and economic development to include, but not limited to:
  • A summary of research
  • A tailored business attraction marketing strategy
  • A brand strategy
  • A detailed marketing budget
  • Identify real value proposition for Superior Trade Zone for in-state and out-of-state companies
  • Timeframe for marketing plan
  • Methods for ongoing evaluation of marketing strategy
  • Clearly defined next steps for the Superior Trade Zone and its municipalities

Due Date

July 24 to:

Carmen Wells Quigg
Defense Manufacturing Assistance Program 506 East Liberty, 3rd Floor
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Email: carmenw@umich.edu Phone: 734-998-7016

PR firms in Michigan include Finn Partners and Fleishman Hillard.