Parade of HomesSM
Parade of HomesSM Changes Planned for Fall
Like you, BATC is looking hard at our bottom line and seeking creative ways
to reduce costs without reducing the effectiveness of our services to you.
When the BATC budget was approved, it was contingent upon finding a way to
cut expenses by almost one-half-million dollars. After a lot of discussion
and review by a variety of BATC committees and members, a solution was
proposed that we think will do the job and offer some added benefits.
Please take a look at the outline of the changes below, then send us your
feedback. We have set up a forum online at www.batc.org. Just log on
using your email and password (if you need your password please email
heather@batc.org and she’ll send it to you). Then choose the forum link
along the left side and click on “tell us what you think” to participate.
Fall Parade of HomesSM Outline
Our plan is to schedule the Fall Remodelers ShowcaseSM to coincide with the
first weekend of the Fall ShowcaseSM and publish both guidebooks as one
unit. This allows us to maintain the promotional level we need in a market
the size of the Twin Cities to get our message out, yet reduce our costs to
achieve the budgetary goals we must meet. It will meet one of our overall
branding goals, that is to position the Parade of HomesSM as the best
resource for consumers to search for new homes and remodelers. And it
should create even bigger publicity options for press coverage of our
events.
Details:
Fall ShowcaseSM begins on Friday, Sept. 11th (one day early), and runs
through Sunday, Oct.4th, remaining open Thursdays through Sundays.
Remodelers ShowcaseSM runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 11-12-13.
Both events have consistent open hours: noon to 6:00 pm all open days.
The single guidebook will maintain a distinct separation between the two
events, and in essence be printed back to back and upside down.
The Guidebook will be available at the 250-plus Holiday StationStores, with
both covers stacked side-by-side from about August 28 through Sept. 6th,
after which the books will be turned so only new home covers are visible.
Initial promotion (about one week prior to and through the first weekend)
will present both opportunities in radio and print.
Outdoor boards will promote the Fall ShowcaseSM on rotary’s and electronic
ad the Remodelers Showcase on the “big hit” boards; identical to how these
have been promoted in the past.
Additional value added opportunities will be developed with our media
partners as well as strong publicity efforts to ensure consumers are aware
of their options.
Signage will remain similar but distinct with red on yellow for the new home
tour, and blue on yellow for remodelers. Remodelers will also have the
option to obtain a magnetic sign overlay that could allow the yard sign to
stay up during the following three weeks with a clear message that this home
is closed.
Again, we value your feedback. Join the conversation with other member at
our batc.org forum or email me (wendy@batc.org), Joshua
(joshua@batc.org) or 2009 president Mike Swanson
(maswanson@rottlundhomes.com).
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Upcoming Parade of HomesSM Events: |
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2009 Parade of Homes Fall ShowcaseSM |
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2009 Fall Parade of Homes Remodelers ShowcaseSM |
