06-25-18 Regular Meeting of the La Porte Development Corporation Board

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A webpage or section within the City’s website that provides details about the Master Plan and the catalyst projects contained within A brochure and PowerPoint presentation that summarizes the Master Plan Once marketing materials are completed, start a phone call campaign designed to scheduleone-to-one with developer contacts to inform them of opportunities in La Porte. As these relationships develop, host a Real Estate Day in which Greater Houston area developers tour La Porte to learn firsthand about opportunities and catalyst project locations. This half-day event could include a brief presentation about the community, a brief tour of sites and community assets, and a golf tournament. Provide guests with printed materials about the Master Plan, a map of the region, and a community profile. Approach them as experts brought in to help the City refine versus sales targets. Tactic 2.1.6: Market La Porte to retail developers. The survey conducted for this project revealed that increasing retail shopping options is a top priority. Per capital taxable retail sales in La Porte were $1,844 in 2007, which is significantly lower than neighboring cities Deer Park ($4,220), Texas City ($4,561), and Baytown ($7,024), and Harris County as a whole ($5,938). La Porte needs to capture a higher level of spending by residents, but first it must attract retailers to start up or expand into the city. Although most retail developers have sophisticated approaches to site selection, and are primarily driven by population demographics, it is beneficial to build relationships with these businesses. In addition, as discussed in Goal 1, La Porte must prepare adequate sites and development policies to meet the needs of retailers. The International Conference of Shopping Centers (ICSC) is the shopping center industry’s global trade association. It has 65,000 members, which include shopping center developers, owners, managers, investors, lenders, retailers, and marketing specialists. ICSC’s Texas Conference and Deal Making event occurs every fall in San Antonio. The conference attracts major companies such as Applebee’s, Chipotle, FedEx, Hastings, JC Penney, Staples, Starbucks, and The Container Store. Almost every major commercial developer is also present. Once prepared for retail, the City should attend and exhibit at ICSC. The current cost to register is $250 for members and $460 for non-members. Exhibit space ranges in cost from $350 to $2100. As with developers, La Porte should invest in marketing materials to address its retail audiences.Dedicating a webpage within the City’s website to retail opportunities, sites, and sales points is an important step, as is having appropriate printed collateral for use in sales meetings and at conferences. 31 Forward La Porte Economic Development Strategic Plan I 2009-2013