Promote Your Business Through The Elk River EDA’s Video Reels

The City of Elk River Economic Development Authority (EDA) is exploring new and exciting ways to create video content. You might have seen freshly published videos on its social media pages highlighting news updates and businesses across town. This is part of the EDA’s greater marketing investment to support the local business community, which in turn, may attract new companies to Elk River.

“Video is a powerful tool for marketing,” says Jake Pace, Senior Multimedia Specialist at the City of Elk River. “We want to accentuate our local businesses and create an environment that encourages further development.”

Local businesses have the opportunity to collaborate with the EDA to highlight their offerings or new developments. Learn more about the two types of videos currently in production. 

Open For Business Videos Showcase Local Companies

Construction on the 169 Redefine project took three full seasons, which put pressure on businesses along that corridor. The EDA wanted to let residents know that these businesses were still accessible and drive customers to continue to support them. This is when the Open For Business campaign was launched, with the EDA creating 60-second Facebook reels that are also shared across other channels.

What started as a collection of three videos featuring AJ’s Complete Automotive, Maahs Motors, and MN Roots Smoke Shop has expanded into a long-running series by the EDA. The best part is that your business can participate in the content creation process and receive free marketing from the EDA. 

Promote Your Business in 20 Minutes

The EDA is always looking for businesses that want to participate in the 60-second reel creation. The process is simple: reach out to the EDA and schedule a time to film at your business. The Open For Business videos follow a simple script that allows you to highlight your organization:

• Tell us who you are and where you are located.
• State how long you have done business in Elk River.
• Share what you want the community to know about your business.
• Mention any specials or promotions.
• End with, “Thank you for being a loyal local!”

You can find examples of businesses following this script in the Reel Library. Pace will walk you through the filming process and record the reel. He will then film B-roll of the inside and outside of your business, gathering product shots if applicable. Your business doesn’t need to provide any footage.

The entire process takes about 20 minutes and is completely free. Pace will then edit the reel and publish it to the City of Elk River Economic Development Facebook page and the Elk River City Government Facebook page.

“We want to help our businesses grow and give them an opportunity to advertise who they are in the community,” says Pace.

Businesses interested in participating in an Open For Business video shoot can contact Josh Mollan, Economic Development Specialist for the City of Elk River, here to set up a time.

Development Minute Shares Updates on Elk River

The Development Minute videos, which also last 60 seconds, highlight upcoming, in-progress, or recently completed projects in Elk River. They are also shared on the Elk River City Government and Economic Development Facebook pages. The goal of these videos is to promote transparency on the various projects around town and keep locals informed about their communities.

“People ask all the time about construction projects and lots under development,” says Mollan. “The Development Minute videos answer those questions while promoting new businesses opening in the area. We are just as excited as residents are for them to open.”

These videos are also available on YouTube and currently feature over a dozen developments around town, ranging from Bradford Park Estates to Tono Pizzeria + Cheesesteaks. More videos are currently in production. 

Tell The EDA About Your Upcoming Project

If your business is expanding into Elk River or starting a new project, let the EDA know. Mollan and Pace will coordinate with the owners or contractors and shoot the Development Minute at the project site. With these videos, Mollan is the narrator, highlighting the new project kicking off in Elk River. He will cover any relevant details, including:

• The name of the development
• The rough location and size (square feet and/or acres)
• What is being constructed
• Any city involvement that supported the project 
• The estimated time of completion

After recording, Pace will capture B-roll, including drone shots of the project. After editing, the final video will be shared on the city’s social media accounts.

Help the EDA Promote Your Business With Video Content

From new projects to legacy companies, the EDA loves to showcase businesses across Elk River. Contact Josh Mollan today if you want your organization featured on Open For Business or if you have a Development Minute update to share. These videos can help you expand your audience and reach new customers. Your growth is our goal.

Explore the Elk River media center for news updates, videos, and other forms of content related to the city. Contact us today if you’re ready for us to promote you.