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‘Secret shoppers' share first impressions of Keokuk on Wednesday
For the Daily Gate City
Keokuk residents and business owners will find out what type of first impression the city gives travelers and business prospects from 11:30 to 1 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 13, at the Hawkeye Restaurant, Keokuk.
A First Impressions report will be given by representatives from Centerville who will share their findings from their anonymous visit to Keokuk.
The public is invited to join community leaders, business and industry leaders and representatives from economic development groups as everyone looks for ways improve Keokuk's first impression.
Last fall community leaders from Keokuk and Centerville participated in the First Impressions program sponsored by Alliant Energy.
First Impressions involves volunteers from two similar communities doing unannounced exchange visits and reporting on their findings. Participants become “secret shoppers” for the day to discover what they can about their sister city.
The First Impressions program was developed by Prof. Andrew Lewis of University of Wisconsin Extension and James Schneider, Grant County, Wis., Extension Office, in the early 1990s.
The program has now been successfully used in many states and hundreds of communities across the country. The results from a First Impression visit can give a truer picture of how others regard a community - information that can be important in developing and implementing community action.
The Keokuk Economic Development Corporation initiated the project in Keokuk. Members of the local “secret shopper” team included Kathy Asbury, Pam Broomhall, Joyce Glasscock, Tim Gobble, Kathie Mahoney, Katie O'Brien, Jamie Short and Barb Smidt.
Lee County Economic Development staff coordinated the project.
Areas of evaluation included community entrances, downtown business area, other retail shopping areas, industrial parks/commercial areas, healthcare services, housing, schools, churches, civic organizations, residents, public infrastructure, recreation/tourism and senses (smells, sounds, etc.)
Notes from each team member are compiled and a final report is sent to the community visited.
The Keokuk team made its report to Centerville community leaders last month.
Reservations for lunch are requested but not mandatory and may be made by contacting the Keokuk Affiliates office at 524-5055.
Keokuk residents and business owners will find out what type of first impression the city gives travelers and business prospects from 11:30 to 1 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 13, at the Hawkeye Restaurant, Keokuk.
A First Impressions report will be given by representatives from Centerville who will share their findings from their anonymous visit to Keokuk.
The public is invited to join community leaders, business and industry leaders and representatives from economic development groups as everyone looks for ways improve Keokuk's first impression.
Last fall community leaders from Keokuk and Centerville participated in the First Impressions program sponsored by Alliant Energy.
First Impressions involves volunteers from two similar communities doing unannounced exchange visits and reporting on their findings. Participants become “secret shoppers” for the day to discover what they can about their sister city.
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The program has now been successfully used in many states and hundreds of communities across the country. The results from a First Impression visit can give a truer picture of how others regard a community - information that can be important in developing and implementing community action.
The Keokuk Economic Development Corporation initiated the project in Keokuk. Members of the local “secret shopper” team included Kathy Asbury, Pam Broomhall, Joyce Glasscock, Tim Gobble, Kathie Mahoney, Katie O'Brien, Jamie Short and Barb Smidt.
Lee County Economic Development staff coordinated the project.
Areas of evaluation included community entrances, downtown business area, other retail shopping areas, industrial parks/commercial areas, healthcare services, housing, schools, churches, civic organizations, residents, public infrastructure, recreation/tourism and senses (smells, sounds, etc.)
Notes from each team member are compiled and a final report is sent to the community visited.
The Keokuk team made its report to Centerville community leaders last month.
Reservations for lunch are requested but not mandatory and may be made by contacting the Keokuk Affiliates office at 524-5055.
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