Evanston residents engaging with local businesses as part of the Enjoy Evanston initiative.
Evanston launches the ‘Enjoy Evanston’ initiative to support local businesses affected by the pandemic, featuring a website and community engagement efforts. The initiative is part of a broader economic strategy, ‘Evanston Thrives’, aimed at enhancing local commerce and fostering community connections through marketing and financial support.
Have you heard the latest buzz about Evanston? The city is rolling out an exciting new initiative called Enjoy Evanston, aimed at revitalizing its local business scene that took a hit during the pandemic. This effort is all part of a broader economic strategy called Evanston Thrives, adopted by city officials last year to support local businesses as they navigate recovery.
On June 26, during a meeting of the Economic Development Committee, designer Rachael Aziz from All Together Studio presented some encouraging updates on the initiative. Her urban planning and marketing firms focus on enhancing Evanston’s ten vibrant business districts. This isn’t just about boosting sales; it’s also about fostering a sense of community. Aziz highlighted that communication is key to keeping Evanstonians informed about what’s happening in their neighborhoods.
At the heart of the Enjoy Evanston initiative is a user-friendly website that serves as a one-stop shop for all things local. Residents can find details about numerous businesses, special events, and unique offerings spanning all of Evanston’s districts. Even better, businesses and organizations can submit their events directly to the website, ensuring that they’re visible to local community members and potential customers. It’s a fantastic way to enhance community engagement while supporting local enterprises!
To make sure as many people as possible know about the Enjoy Evanston website, the city is putting its marketing efforts into high gear. You might see ads popping up in public spaces, as well as on social media and various online platforms. An exciting element of this outreach has been the bi-weekly email newsletter which kicked off in March. As of now, it boasts impressive stats with 6,533 subscribers and a fantastic 47% open rate. This newsletter showcases upcoming events and highlights from local businesses, making it a must-subscribe for anyone looking to explore Evanston.
Have you noticed new maps and decals around the city? The marketing team has installed these throughout Evanston to promote the Enjoy Evanston initiative. You might even spot QR codes at popular locations, such as the skate park, allowing residents to easily access more information about the initiative right from their smartphones.
There’s been a marked increase in social media engagement and traffic to the Enjoy Evanston website since these promotional efforts began. The Instagram account alone jumped from 36 to an impressive 640 followers in just six months! It’s clear that people are eager to connect and stay updated about local offerings.
The numbers tell the story. Since the launch of Enjoy Evanston in January, the website has recorded approximately 8,400 total visitors, with 7,000 unique visitors checking in regularly. It’s an encouraging sign that people are interested in supporting their community and discovering what Evanston has to offer.
In addition to the digital efforts, the City Council has made significant financial commitments as well. They allocated a healthy $3 million from the federal American Rescue Plan Act funds, supporting the over $40 million received in 2021. This funding aims to bolster Evanston businesses as they recover and thrive in a post-pandemic era.
Looking ahead, All Together is also developing personalized gateway signs for each business district. These signs will not only enhance the city’s aesthetic but also ensure consistent branding across Evanston. Furthermore, the team is mapping out locations to replace and install new banners throughout all wards, guaranteeing that local businesses receive the visibility they deserve.
The Enjoy Evanston initiative is a lovely reminder of the community’s resilience and commitment to its local businesses. As everyone begins to embrace a sense of normalcy post-pandemic, initiatives like this can really make a difference. It’s a wonderful time to explore what our local business districts have to offer and to show support for our neighbors who keep our community vibrant.
So, let’s all get involved and take a step into the heart of Evanston! With a little curiosity and support for local businesses, we can all play a role in the ongoing recovery and revitalization of our beloved city.
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