Belton EDC

Innovation in economic development marketing:
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How a Texas Community is Elevating Its Pitch to Attract Businesses and Talent

Dave Parsell

August 30, 2024

Challenge:

Belton, TX, is a thriving community in central Texas, known for its rich history, excellent schools, and strategic location near Interstate 35. Despite these strengths, Belton faced the challenge of effectively communicating its economic and demographic advantages to attract new businesses, residents, and investments. As a growing community, Belton needed a dynamic way to differentiate itself from neighboring areas and provide stakeholders with accurate, up-to-date information in an engaging format.

Solution:

Recognizing the importance of making a strong first impression, especially when site selectors and businesses typically spend only 1 to 3 minutes on a website, the Belton Economic Development Corporation (Belton EDC) partnered with Localintel to create a comprehensive “Demographics” page. Embedded into this page is Localintel’s Community Profile data visualization tool, designed to immediately present the community’s advantages to visitors, generating curiosity and engagement.

The Community Profile data visualization tool includes seven interactive dashboards that provide a complete picture of Belton’s economic landscape:

Economic Profile:

Offers dynamic data on key economic indicators such as GDP, population, household income, and unemployment rates. This information helps demonstrate Belton’s economic stability and growth potential to potential investors.

Resident Profile:

Displays maps and charts that detail individual income levels, median age, and age distribution within the community, highlighting Belton’s appeal to new families and workers.

Workforce Profile:

Provides insights into resident education levels, industries of employment, and occupations. This data is critical for demonstrating the availability of a skilled workforce, a major draw for new businesses.

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Household Profile:

Focuses on household size, income, and distribution trends, providing insights into the living standards in Belton. This data is crucial for businesses and developers assessing the local consumer base.

Dwelling Profile:

Presents data on homeownership, construction periods, and dwelling types, showcasing the stability of the housing market in Belton—a key factor for real estate professionals and investors.

Construction Profile:

Offers data on residential permit approvals, construction employment, and wages, helping developers evaluate the growth potential in the area.

Livability Profile:

Highlights factors such as climate, commute times, and housing costs, offering a comprehensive view of the quality of life in Belton, essential for attracting both residents and businesses.

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Results:

Since integrating the Community Profile tool into the EDC's website, Belton’s “Demographics” page has become a vital resource for economic development. The interactive and visually appealing nature of the data visualizations has kept visitors on the site longer, allowing them to explore Belton’s advantages in greater detail.

This approach has not only enhanced Belton’s online presence but also improved the city’s ability to effectively communicate its strengths to a broader audience. By providing real-time, interactive data, Belton EDC has positioned itself as a forward-thinking leader in economic development, attracting interest from businesses and residents alike.

Are you ready to showcase your community’s strengths and attract new investments?

Schedule a demo today and explore our range of innovative tools designed to meet the needs of modern economic developers.

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We trust you’ve found this article useful. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us should you have any questions.

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