Basics
Businesses can take basic actions to not only survive, but thrive, during road construction:
- Plan ahead as much as possible; get involved early. A year is not too far ahead to begin organizing and planning.
- Form an alliance with other businesses in your area. Pool resources to purchase group advertising.
- Attend WisDOT's public information meetings to increase your knowledge about the project and to express any questions or concerns.
- Hold regular, frequent meetings with other businesses to share strategies and support. Write down your concerns and questions for discussion.
- Hold a pre-construction meeting with the WisDOT project manager and contractor to find out how long the project will take, what to expect, i.e. dirt, mud, ground shaking, etc.
- Meet the on-site project manager. Keep his/her telephone number in a handy place.
- Establish a line of communication with the project manager - this is the person who coordinates directly with the contractor.
- Stay positive! Customers do notice.
Ideas
Brainstorm ideas to promote your business and creatively communicate with customers:
- Hold events prior to construction to draw attention to the area.
- Work with the WisDOT communications manager to plan groundbreaking activities.
- Design a logo for all affected businesses to use during construction.
- Hold special promotions such as free hot dogs and pop, or a one-day sign-up for a free vacation.
- Print placemat advertisements.
- Place advertisements in outlying newspapers.
- Sell hard-hat lunches to go.
- Start a delivery service during construction.
- Work with the WisDOT communications manager to plan a ribbon cutting ceremony.