BurlCo Developing Rt.130 Marketing Plan

Burlington County Freeholders today advanced plans to develop a comprehensive marketing strategy for the Route 130/Delaware River Corridor with the award of a $27,620 marketing contract to a Mount Laurel public relations firm.

Effective February 1 st , Thomas-Boyd Communications will begin working with a 12-member marketing committee comprised of business and local representatives from the 12 towns involved in the Route 130 Revitalization Program.

One of the firm's primary assignments, according to Freeholder James K. Wujcik, will be to develop a “brand,” or image for the corridor which will foster economic growth and development, and tourism. That mission will entail the development of a highly visible logo and/or slogan.

“Revitalization efforts have already yielded millions of dollars in new businesses and hundreds of new job opportunities,” said Wujcik. “With the advent of light rail, and with business continuing to grow, the time is ripe to develop a plan which will sustain economic activity for decades to come.”

In fact, a study prepared late last year by Mark Remsa, County Director of Economic Development & Regional Planning, identified more than $480 million in new construction in the Route 130 Corridor over the next two years. The projects, Remsa reported, are expected to generate as many as 5,000 jobs.

“The fact that the County and municipalities have been able to attract this much activity without a marketing plan speaks volumes,” said Remsa. “A marketing plan built upon the input of business people and local representatives will only enhance our ability to generate continued revitalization and growth.”

Thomas-Boyd's tasks may also include the creation of brochures or other printed materials, and/or an advertising plan that highlight the Route 130 Corridor's assets, and enhancement of existing websites to provide more information about the Corridor to potential businesses, residents and visitors.

Remsa said the firm may also be engaged to work with the marketing committee, and other entities, such as New Jersey Transit, to bring more attention to the new light rail as both a transportation and economic development asset.

“We want residents to be aware of the proximity of light rail to new and existing businesses and workplaces, to downtown areas and shopping, to medical facilities, historical sites, and other places of interest,” Freeholder Wujcik said.

Thomas-Boyd was recommended to freeholders following a “request for proposal” process. An independent committee judged applications from three firms based on professional qualifications, interpersonal skills, and narrative statements that offered an overview of marketing proposals.

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Author: Press Release - Burlington County, New Jersey.