Contact: Renee’ Ihlenfeldt
231-723-4325

For Immediate Release

 REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL ISSUED
TO DEVELOP BRAND IDENTITY TO MARKET MANISTEE COUNTY

  Manistee, Michigan – What are the unique attributes and features of Manistee County? What sets the County apart from others? How can the County’s features be captured in a brand image that will help bring new companies and jobs, tourists and families to the community? How can everyone in Manistee County have a role in effectively marketing the County’s brand to others?

These and other questions will be answered under the goals of a Request for Proposals (RFP) just issued by the Manistee-based Alliance for Economic Success (AES). The RFP is seeking assistance with a federally-funded project to develop, market and test a brand identity for Manistee County. The purpose of the project is to create a brand identify that will help market and bring new jobs, tourists, families and others to the County.

The AES will manage the project on behalf of the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce that sought and received a $50,000 grant from the U. S. Department of Agriculture to support the project.

“The results of the branding project will help us package our great resources to encourage people to come to Manistee County to run a business, work, live and play,” said Beth McCarthy, chair of the AES Board and member of the Manistee Chamber Board. “And the project will not be carried out in a vacuum. One of the first steps will be to form a team from all corners of the County to help steer the effort and join in implementing the brand and marketing strategy.”

Under the RFP, the consultant will work with the AES to:

- Create a county-wide “Branding Learning Community” to support the project with diverse interests and expertise from within the County.
- Develop and test various brand identities and positions.
- Complete a Manistee County brand communications and outreach plan.
- Test the branding strategy through a marketing program aimed at bring new jobs to the County.
- Mentoring communities and organizations throughout the County on how to participate in marketing the brand identity.

Proposals must be received by the AES by 5 p.m. on August 8, 2008. A copy of the RFP is attached to this news release and is available online by going to www.allianceforeconomicsuccess.com.

“This is a great opportunity for all interests in Manistee County to unify around a brand and marketing focus,” said Cyndy Fuller, Mayor of Manistee. “The Strategic Plan for the City of Manistee reflects the significance of branding in an effective marketing strategy to be a destination of choice along the Lake Michigan shoreline. We look forward to being a partner in the project and encourage other communities and organizations to do the same.” 

Click Here to View the Request For Proposals