The group will focus on multiple marketing techniques and hopes to bring in new businesses
At its March meeting, the Economic Development Council outlined potential plans to provide information on businesses to the community and visitors, market existing businesses, and highlight the town’s already popular Main Street to future vendors.
“We really are a group that is emerging,” EDC Chair Michele Vallone said.
The group is working to create a public-accessible (ever) growing directory of local businesses.
Using this example, “They can search for businesses in Mullica Hill that generate $20,000 or more a month,” Vallone said. The list will provide valuable information to people, and has the potential to spike interest in the area.
The list, containing more than 400 vendors, will be available in approximately 60 days at the Mullica Hill Branch Library through a system called Reference USA, a public information data provider that will be free to access. The group plans to place the information on the Harrison Township website as well.
To promote both new and old businesses in Harrison Township — including Main Street in Mullica HIll — Mallone said, “we can increase foot traffic by having something like a Fourth Friday, like what Pitman does.”
On the fourth Friday of designated months, the main street of “Uptown” Pitman is bustling with live music, carriage rides and local shops and restaurants offering specials.
Other ways the group plans to assist in the marketing of local business is by developing a larger social media presence and creating a community-accessible calendar that will include ribbon-cutting events for new businesses.
“We want to increase foot traffic,” she said.
Turning more toward the “diversity in the businesses and services of Harrison Township” aspect of the EDC mission statement, the group discussed possibly scheduling property tours of available business locations for potential vendors.
“That’s our focus, bring in new and diverse businesses,” Vallone said.
Vallone mentioned that not only would potential owners get a tour of many locations, an organized, multi-stop shop tour of Main Street’s existing vendors could be orchestrated. She added any shop that wants to participate can be utilized and highlighted.
“People know us for antiques … but we have so many [shops] that aren’t highlighted,” she said.
While the EDC collectively feels there are many great shops in town, it is its duty to identify needs in the community, stating once the above-mentioned list is further along “we are going to see what businesses we are lacking and maybe help them come to town.”
The group is also considering presenting the idea of “Mullica Hill money” to local businesses.
“You will shop in Mullica Hill, and as a resident, you will get tax credit and a discount for shopping at the stores that are part of the Mullica Hill money program,” she said.
This idea is in the preliminary stages.
Vallone said towns such as Voorhees and Collingswood have similar programs.
“I think we are re-energized after goal-setting. I would say we are going to hit the ground running,” she said. “I would like to see more foot traffic in Harrison Township and see it thrive. Because I am a resident and being the chair of EDC, I’ve been involved in every aspect of community events. It’s part of pulling the business and community together to make us a great town.”
Future ribbon cutting events:
March 24
- Foot and Ankle Specialists of South Jersey, 10 a.m.
- Strive Physical Therapy, 11 a.m.
- Conscious Glass Creations, 12 p.m.
