​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.