PERRYSBURG – City council has entered into a three-year agreement with the Perrysburg Area Chamber of Commerce to provide marketing services for the Downtown Revitalization Project.
The chamber has the specific knowledge and expertise needed to provide the marketing services, according to paperwork provided at the Sept. 3 council meeting.
The chamber will be paid $54,200.
The EDGE Group has been hired to create the design for improving the downtown streetscape, which includes the 100, 200 and 300 blocks of Louisiana Avenue.
Work on the 300 block will take place next year while the other two blocks will be improved in 2026.
The work will include upgrades to roads, sidewalks, and lighting to create a more pedestrian-friendly environment; the creation of public spaces for community gatherings and events such as the Farmers Market, Homecoming Festival, and Winterfest; and the installation of landscaping and public art.
The objectives of the marketing plan include consistently explaining the “why” of the project and how it is being funded, informing local business owners of construction phases, and informing residents of the progress of the project.
The chamber also will use a consistent theme that reflects the spirit of the project, create special construction promotions to bring shoppers and diners downtown, and address potentially controversial plans including tree removal.
Core messages will include the reason why the work is being done while preserving the historic feel of downtown.
The plan includes a dedicated website featuring project updates and sharing information on social media; the hosting of town hall meetings to update the community and gather feedback; and organizing a launch event in March or April 2025.
Council member Kerry Wellstein explained that the city will use a one-time strategic community investment grant of $200,000 to pay for the plan.
As she is a downtown business owner, Wellstein abstained from the vote on the ordinance, which was approved.
