Innovation in economic development marketing:

Unlocking the Power of Data Storytelling to Attract Businesses and Investment

Photo of Dave Parsell
Dave Parsell
September 11, 2024
Chilliwack, a thriving city in British Columbia’s Fraser Valley, is strategically positioned near Vancouver and the U.S. border, making it an ideal hub for businesses.

To stay competitive and attract investment, Chilliwack recognized the need to adapt innovative communication techniques from the world of journalism. By integrating Localintel’s data visualization tools into its Why Chilliwack? webpage, the Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation (CEPCO) has embraced trends seen in leading newspapers, such as dynamic storytelling and interactive content, to effectively communicate its economic development potential.

Challenge

As the digital landscape evolves, businesses and site selectors have less time to digest static reports and lengthy PDFs. CEPCO faced the challenge of presenting complex economic data in a way that could engage visitors in a short timeframe, similar to how news media uses interactive data visualizations to make information more accessible. CEPCO needed a solution that would capture the attention of businesses and investors, enabling them to quickly understand Chilliwack’s logistical and economic advantages.

Solution

CEPCO partnered with Localintel to apply techniques from data-driven journalism by embedding interactive tools on its website. Just as news organizations use data visualizations to enhance reader engagement and simplify complex information, Chilliwack has implemented the following tools to tell its story.

The Fast Growing Industries tool highlights Chilliwack’s rapidly expanding industries, giving businesses and investors a clear picture of which industries areexperiencing the highest growth.

 

The Largest Industries tool provides insights into the key sectors that drive Chilliwack’s economy. This tool gives businesses a comprehensive view of the city’s major industries, such as agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare, helping investors understand the scale and significance of these sectors.

 

The Talent Pipeline Advantages tool highlights Chilliwack’s access to a highly educated and skilled workforce. Surrounded by leading Canadian universities and colleges, Chilliwack benefits from a constant supply of fresh talent in fields such as agri-business, supply chain management, and technology.

 

The Logistics and Accessibility tool mirrors the use of real-time maps in news articles to show Chilliwack’s proximity to major transportation hubs and the U.S.border. This visualization simplifies complex logistics data, making it easier for businesses to understand Chilliwack’s connectivity and strategic location.

 

The Target Sector Advantages tool offers in-depth insights into Chilliwack’s key industries, including Agriculture, Manufacturing, and Food Processing.

Results

Chilliwack’s approach to adopting trends from journalism has transformed its economic development marketing strategy. The interactive nature of the data tools has increased user engagement on CEPCO’s website, allowing businesses and site selectors to spend more time exploring opportunities. CEPCO’s ability to present data in a visually engaging and interactive manner, much like leading news outlets, has set it apart from other communities. As a result, Chilliwack is positioning itself as a forward-thinking leader in economic development.

More Information:

·       Why Chilliwack? webpage: www.businessinchilliwack.com/why-chilliwack/

·       Localintel’s catalog of data visualization tools: www.ecdev.org/products

·       Request a demo with Localintel: www.ecdev.org/demo  

Contact Us

Are you ready to apply innovative storytelling techniques from journalism to drive economic development in your community? Contact Localintel today to discover how our dynamic data visualization tools can help you engage investors and showcase your community’s strengths.

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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