Contract With Economic Development Group Gets Committee OK

If anyone in Elmhurst is wondering what Findzall Community Marketing is doing to promote economic development in the city, Mayor Pete DiCianni has a story for them.

When DiCianni heard that was closing a service center in Elmhurst, he made a call to a company official and was told that someone from Elmhurst named Cathy Maloney had already been in contact with State Farm.

Cathy and Mark Maloney of Findzall Community Marketing act as the city's economic development staff following the elimination of that department two years ago. The Development, Planning and Zoning Committee reviewed the city's contract with Findzall Monday night and concluded that Elmhurst was benefitting from its work with the company.

One of Findzall's tasks is to promote city businesses. The Explore Elmhurst page on the city's website encourages visitors to shop, dine and visit Elmhurst attractions. Findzall was also involved in the new Got it in Elmhurst shop local campaign that is funded by the city and administered by the .

The Maloneys told the committee that the rest of their contracted 10 hours per week is spent following up on new business leads and prospects. Findzall provides city staff with a list of leads each month.

"We try to manage leads in a quantifiable way," Mark Maloney said. 

Realizing that independent business owners don't have as many resources devoted to looking for new locations, Findzall has created an online map of available Elmhurst properties, an event calendar, and other links that they know small business owners look for.

Mark Maloney told the committee that the online map has received more than 1,800 hits in the past year.

In addition, Findzall analyzes the city's retail mix to find out what kinds of businesses are missing and pursues new prospects in those areas.

Assistant City Manager Mike Kopp told the committee that Findzall "did everything they said they were going to do" last year. The new contract would pay Findzall $85 per hour for up to 500 hours of work for the city. DiCianni reminded the committee that contracting out economic development work means the city is not paying health or retirement benefits.

DiCianni cited Findzall's focus on attracting new businesses and their proven ability to follow up on leads as reasons to renew the company's contract.

"I'm always out with a fishing pole and I know they are, too," he told the committee.

The contract now goes to the full City Council for approval.