On Thursday, October 20, Hudson received an Excellence in Economic Development Marketing Award in the Small Community category from the Ohio Economic Development Association (OEDA) for the City’s Velocity Broadband Awareness Campaign. Velocity Broadband, Hudson’s high-speed, all-fiber Internet service, was the City’s answer to the needs of Hudson businesses who were struggling with the quality of Internet available to them. It was also created to become a valuable economic development tool to retain current businesses and attract new ones to Hudson.
The Velocity Broadband marketing campaign included the launch of the service with a teaser campaign and a “reveal” that included lighting up the clock tower, chalk art around the downtown, marketing materials and an opening event, as well as vehicle wraps. These aspects combined to create a highly successful awareness campaign for the service. The award was accepted at the OEDA Annual Summit by Jim Stifler, Hudson Economic Development Director.
Hudson also received an Honorable Mention in the same category for the City of Hudson 2016 State of the City. The City continually strives to find ways to utilize technology, which has become a major focus. To keep with that theme and to make the State of the City easier to digest, Hudson created a new, more engaging presentation by utilizing a visually pleasing, innovative story map. The modern format summarized the City’s 2015 accomplishments and outlined what the schedule looked like for 2016.
The OEDA’s annual excellence awards program recognizes the achievements of individuals and organizations in Ohio in the areas of economic and workforce development.
The Velocity Broadband marketing efforts have been recognized two other times this year with a first place Savvy Award in the Marketing and Tools – Economic Development category and a second place Silver Circle Award in the Government Service Delivery/Community Issue category at the 3CMA Savvy Awards Competition in September.
To learn more about Velocity Broadband, visit hudsonvelocity.com.