SOMERS POINT — “We would love to be up and running tomorrow,” Charlie Haberkorn said of having a marketing firm promoting the city.
The vice chairman of Somers Point’s Economic Development Advisory Commission was excited to talk about the body’s newest venture after City Council approved soliciting bids for promotional services Feb. 9.
“When you look at the EDAC charter, it says we are supposed to advise City Council on future and current economic conditions in the city of Somers Point. It’s primary purpose is to market our economic strength,” Haberkorn said. “Through meetings over the last six or seven months, we concluded we need a third party to assist us in that fashion.”
He said they were able to create a request for proposals with help from City Administrator Jason Frost and the finance committee.
Haberkorn said the goal would be to “help stabilize business in town, help new businesses transition into the city and look for potential business where we might be missing a type in town and try to get them.”
The 10-member EDAC meets at 5:30 p.m. the fourth Monday of each month in the lobby of Gateway Playhouse on Bay Avenue.
“We’d like to be up and going by June,” Haberkorn said. “We realize it’s going to take time to get bids.”
He said commission members would be looking for an active presentation for potential firms, as well as performance measures to gauge the program’s success.
“We need a return on investment because it’s taxpayer dollars,” he said.
City Council President Janice Johnston said the EDAC would interview potential marketing firms and make a recommendation for approval.
“I appreciate what they are trying to do and will be supporting that effort,” Councilman Howard Dill said.
By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff
