A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the council’s plans to collaborate with the Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce on networking events, with the intention of utilizing the remaining budget effectively. Discussions highlighted the importance of coordinating with the Chamber to maximize the impact of these events, slated to occur before the fiscal year ends. Venues such as Dominico’s, Pampered Chef, and Cancun Grill were confirmed, with Anony’s being considered as a backup option. There was an emphasis on ensuring these events aligned with the Chamber’s schedule, typically held on Wednesdays, to ensure maximum participation and effectiveness.

The council also reviewed the Business Tax Receipt (BTR) YouTube video project, addressing the outdated video currently misleading applicants due to its incongruence with the redesigned town website. The estimated production cost of updating the video was $500, but with no funds allocated, the proposal was made for the Economic Development Committee (EDC) to potentially contribute. This suggestion faced skepticism due to the EDC’s limited budget. The council acknowledged the need to update the website to improve navigation and prevent confusion for users seeking BTR licenses.

Marketing efforts were further discussed in relation to the “Best of Miami Lakes” initiative, which included a cross-promotional plan with the upcoming boot camp. The council proposed a $2,100 advertising spend in the Miami Laker publication to promote both the boot camp and the “Best of Miami Lakes” nominations. The timeline for these ads was strategically designed to engage the community, concluding with the announcement of winners in October. Debate ensued over ad sizes, with a consensus forming around the more visible third-page ads despite the higher cost.

Amidst these discussions, the council addressed the budget for the boot camp, particularly the need to increase the swag bag budget due to higher participant expectations. An additional $720 was requested, bringing the total allocation to $820 for 80 swag bags.

The meeting also explored broader strategies for supporting local businesses, including the proposal of hiring a marketing consultant to assist businesses in modernizing their strategies, especially in social media. However, with a flat budget for the upcoming fiscal year, the council faced the challenge of reallocating the existing $13,000 budget to maximize impact. Considerations were made for reallocating funds from networking events to advertising support for businesses or potentially partnering with local consultants for pro bono services.