(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic City Council, Wednesday evening, received an update from a firm contracted to help recruit new businesses and developers to the City. Last Fall, the Council agreed to renew an agreement with the “Retail Coach” which works alongside the Atlantic Area Chamber pf Commerce to conduct market research and development, in an effort to further high-impact retail recruitment and development strategies. The agreement was for $20,000 – $10,000 less than what was charged the first year of the contract, in 2021.

Austin Farmer, “Retail Coach” Project Director, speaking via video conference call with the Council, said part of the process is attending conferences and speaking with retailers and developers on behalf of the City, such as a conference they are attending this week in Dallas, Texas.

He said there are four key areas of focus in networking with the retail trade industry.

Austin Farmer

The third area of focus is with regard to developers.

The last element in the process, he said, is “Franchisee Recruitment.”

Austin Farmer said they have actively recruited more than 60 regional and national retail prospects and are coordinating with persons who are in charge of searching for real estate for a franchise. Similar efforts are being conducted for the downtown area.

Some of the prospects didn’t have the financial resources to locate in Atlantic, while others are still recovering from the affect of COVID on their business functionality. Following his nearly 40-minute presentation, Farmer answered some questions from the Council, who appeared to have been pleased with his report.