Henderson Economic Development will work with a “commercial development advisory firm” in attempts to bring retail stores to the community.
The Henderson City Commission approved a Tuesday request from Missy Vanderpool, Henderson Economic Development executive director, asking for $27,500 to pay NextSite for a year of service. HED will enter into a 3-year contract with an option at the end of the first year to sign on for two more, Vanderpool said.
Vanderpool said the goal is to attract hotels, grocers, chain department stores and full-service restaurants.
The contract between HED and NextSite is for $35,000; Vanderpool said she will go to the Henderson County Fiscal Court to ask for $7,500.
NextSite conducts research, provides marketing materials and attends at least seven trade shows each year, Vanderpool said. At the trade shows, the firm would represent Henderson, and local officials can attend them with the firm, she said.
Vanderpool said Fiscal Court’s piece will fund the firm’s use of AlphaMap, a program that incorporates cell phone data, real estate data and closings with the goal of compiling information for attracting retail.
According to NextSite’s website: “If your community is looking to grow commercial development, support existing businesses, analyze visits to your tourist/sports destinations, understand your labor shed of target specific retail concepts—AlphaMap puts decision critical data at your fingertips.”