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Presentation
Strategic Marketing For Economic Development: A Comparative Study
The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges: Undergraduate Research Symposium (2011)
  • Megan Polak, Ashland University
  • Oscar T McKnight, Ashland University
  • Ronald Paugh, Ashland University
Abstract

This study surveyed economic development directors from 118 cities from within the continental United States. The research concern was their strategic economic development plan. Electronic surveys asked participants to identify strategic components of their economic development plan; first, by intent of focus and second by rank-order. Designated areas of economic development included: Retail, Commercial, Residential or Industrial. In addition, the survey inquired as to their planned marketing communication channel and expected reach (i.e. footprint). Findings suggested that most cities were seeking to promote "all areas equally" - industrial development surfaced as the area of economic development listed with the highest priority. Marketing reach for industrial development was international, using web-based technology and services. Overall, findings suggested that there were significant relationships among types of economic development, marketing channels and expected reach; however, city size was not a relevant factor.

Keywords
  • Economic Development,
  • Strategic Marketing,
  • City,
  • Retail,
  • Commercial,
  • Residential,
  • Industrial
Publication Date
Winter February 16, 2011
Citation Information
Megan Polak, Oscar T McKnight and Ronald Paugh. "Strategic Marketing For Economic Development: A Comparative Study" The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges: Undergraduate Research Symposium (2011)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/oscar_mcknight/37/