TITLE
The Mayor and City Council shall discuss and possibly take action to re-authorize an annual holiday signage program that assists in promoting local business awareness and economic growth from November 15, 2012 to January 6, 2013. Discussion and Action.
AGENDA ITEM DESCRIPTION
This program is intended to allow businesses to display additional signage, absent of a permit, during the holiday season; providing greater visibility of local businesses and a festive shopping atmosphere.
Has this been done before, and to what success?
This program, with similar guidelines, was implemented each year from 2007 to 2011 by the City Council in response to business requests for assistance in encouraging residents to shop local.
How is staff working to make it even more successful this year?
Staff is seeking Council approval to integrate this event in conjunction with the Holiday Homes & Businesses on Parade competition for a second consecutive year. Staff is proposing that, like last year, award-winning businesses are granted a banner permit fee waiver for a period of 6 months (January - June of 2013). This would give businesses another reason to participate in the program and would serve to further boost visibility for local businesses and enhance the local holiday shopping atmosphere.
In addition to proposing the above fee waiver for businesses with award-winning decorations, staff is working to ensure that the holiday signage and Holiday Homes & Businesses on Parade programs are adequately promoted. As this is the sixth year of the holiday signage program, many local businesses are familiar with the guidelines. However, staff needs to ensure that businesses are aware of the Holiday Homes & Businesses on Parade program and its benefits. Eight businesses participated last year and staff hopes to at least double that number. If Council should approve this program, staff is prepared to market it as follows:
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