CHICAGO (AP) - A suburb south of Chicago is using comic strip ads as part of a $20,000 marketing campaign to try attracting city dwellers and millennials to the area.
Homewood’s “Think Homewood” comic strips began this month and will run through May, the Chicago Tribune reported . The village is about 25 miles (40 kilometers) south of downtown Chicago and has about 20,000 residents.
“It’s a substantial amount of money for a small town,” Village President Richard Hofeld said. “But I think it’s wisely invested. We are a welcoming community, and I want everyone to know about it. But in order to keep a viable community, you have to think younger.”
The comics make fun of city life while highlighting Homewood’s diversity and quality of life. The ads emphasize the area’s affordability, schools, parks, community and creativity.
Homewood also has bike trails, a martini bar and is located close to public transportation via the Metra, Hofeld said. Vice District Brewing Co. plans to open a new distribution center and tap room in the area, he said. The village also regularly hosts family-oriented events.
Hofeld said he expects home sales to rise next month when many leases are set to expire. He also anticipates Homewood will better appeal to millennials when more of the generation enters parenthood and prepares to settle down.
Homewood will not only appeal to millennials, “but as they become older and more family orientated, they will see Homewood meets their needs,” Hofeld said.
The ads will appear on Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) trains, on billboards and posters at CTA stations and in neighborhoods across Chicago. The campaign also includes digital advertising, social media posts and radio ads.
___
Information from: Chicago Tribune, http://www.chicagotribune.com
Please read our comment policy before commenting.