Norwich — The city will soon embark on a five-point marketing plan for $25,000 through in-person and social media efforts to try to take advantage of the expansion at Electric Boat, the recent boom in the real estate market and the growing “food/brewery culture.”

Maria Miranda, owner of Miranda Creative, presented her branding and marketing plan to the City Council Monday,  starting with the city’s sponsorship participation in the upcoming “Leading the Way” program at Mystic Marriott, with hundreds of potential vendors interested in opportunities available with the expansion of Electric Boat.

Mayor Peter Nystrom, who by charter is the city's economic development leader, told the council he interviewed three Norwich-based marketing firms, and selected Miranda Creative to create the marketing plan. 

Miranda said Norwich is currently the only municipality signed up to be a sponsoring partner of the May 29 conference, sponsored by CT Procurement Technical Assistance Center, Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC) of New England, the Southeastern CT Enterprise Region, and the state epartment of Economic & Community Development and other community partners.

For its $2,500 sponsorship, the city will receive “a high-profile” booth space, a program program book ad and a mention on event materials. In addition, as an event attendee, the City will have access to a directory of the 400 individuals and 300 organizations participating in the event. Miranda budgeted total participation in the event at $3,000 including the sponsorship and materials.

Miranda said the city’s message to potential EB business vendors will be: “It’s a lot easier to do business with Electric Boat if you’re only 15 miles away.”

With a budget of $5,000, Miranda proposed efforts to “maintain the momentum” of the city’s growing food and brewing industry. The city has joined the Connecticut Restaurant Association for $400 to receive access to the association’s mailings, database of members and social media marketing. Norwich will host an event with the association to showcase the community, including location opportunities for new restaurants, including areas where large new apartment complexes are being built.

She budgeted $5,000 for the restaurant marketing and the upcoming event.

She said it’s also important for the city to retain businesses and help them to grow, with a budget of $2,000 for “education, outreach and development.”

A $5,000 effort to encourage home buyers to consider Norwich will focus on the affordability the city offers, with social media advertising on Facebook featuring unique properties for sale in Norwich.

“Get more land, more bedrooms, more options, more of what you really want in a house in the reimagined community of Norwich,” one proposed ad would read. “Moments from Electric Boat and home to creativity and cuisine, this unique town is being rediscovered by generations who want more. AND less – less debt and less commutes. Norwich, where quality of life is real, and the real estate comes to life. See you soon.”

Another $5,000 effort will create four micro-video ads — 10 to 30 seconds — to be placed on social media that will feature Norwich restaurants, businesses, resident profiles and non-food entrepreneurs.

Miranda’s fee for the marketing plan is $5,000, bringing the total budget to $25,000.

Nystrom said he has placed $25,000 in the proposed 2019-20 budget for marketing as well, and he would welcome suggestions by aldermen on future marketing ideas.

c.bessette@theday.com