Coined as the “Perfect Place,” the Valparaiso Economic Development Corporation (VEDC) knows that sharing the good news about Valparaiso is the best way to help it grow. Along with countless other initiatives throughout the city, ChicaGo Dash buses will soon be wrapped in VEDC imagery.
Using grant funds, the City of Valparaiso purchased three new buses for the popular ChicaGo Dash route. Each of these buses will begin operation in the new year and will be wrapped in VEDC “Perfect Place” messaging.
“Our goal is always to to continue advocating for growth in the city,” said Dale Clapp, VEDC board chair. “Having three buses doing five trips a day, back and forth to Chicago, is bringing attention to exactly what we want to see.”
More than just a one-time marketing campaign, using bus advertising will provide exponential exposure and continued economic growth to Valparaiso.
“Thousands of cars a day are traveling on I-94 into the city,” said Clapp. “Each bus will also commute back and forth five different times. This is just an incredible marketing opportunity.”
Beyond commuters and traffic on I-94, VEDC leadership understands that marketing on the ChicaGo Dash will reach downtown Chicago locals as well.
“Once the buses arrive in Chicago, they don’t immediately return to the city; they stay in a downtown lot until the end of the day,” said George Douglas, VEDC board member. “Even after each bus drops riders off, they're traveling and visible through the Loop area.”
Messaging for the “Perfect Place” will be placed on the ChicaGo Dash buses for the next three years.
ChicaGo Dash ridership is always growing.
In fact, ridership grew about 4% each month during 2023 with an average of 930 riders per week.
VEDC members hope to continue this expanded advertising campaign in the future through multiple means.
One key method in this continued work is partnering with local businesses. In fact, the VEDC has partnered with Valpo Transit and Journeyman Distillery for a multi-year transit advertising project.
Both the VEDC and Journeyman Distillery understand and believe in the power of the “Perfect Place” theme.
“The overall messaging of ‘Perfect Place’ aligns quite nicely with one of the key tenets of Journeyman,” said Jason Kempf, Journeyman's director of marketing. “One of our key brand messages is ‘Pride of Place’ as we are proud to be from off the beaten path in old buildings that have been rejuvenated. We couldn't be more excited to partner with the VEDC on this project.”
Transit marketing has been a long-term goal of the VEDC, and one that has been crafted after years of hard work.
“This board has spent the last three to five years ensuring financial independence while working in agreement with the city,” said Clapp. “Today, the VEDC is in a place to pay for this project and maintenance for the next three years.“
Throughout 2024 and beyond, the VEDC is making plans to continue its mission and support for the city of Valparaiso.
“We are in a great space with both the city and the chamber of commerce,” said Clapp. “Working hand in hand while being independent has given the VEDC the independence to continue to promote the right things that grow and advance the city.”
To learn more about the Valparaiso Economic Development Corporation, please visit valpoedc.com/index.php.
