SUBJECT:
Title
We Love Erie Business Collective - 2026 Action Plan
Department
DEPARTMENT: Economic Development
Presenter
PRESENTER(S): Victoria Meyer, Board Treasurer, We Love Erie Business Collective
Christina Pisano, Board Member, We Love Erie Business Collective
end
Time
TIME ESTIMATE: 20 minutes
end
For time estimate: please put 0 for Consent items.
Fiscal
FISCAL SUMMARY:
N/A
Policy
POLICY ISSUES:
This agenda item has minimal policy implications.
Recommendation
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
To listen to and discuss We Love Erie Business Collective’s 2026 Action Plan, organizational objectives, and proposed programming for the upcoming year.
Body
SUMMARY/KEY POINTS
• We Love Erie Business Collective responded to the Town’s 2026 Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Business Engagement and Promotion Services and was identified as the preferred partner for business advocacy, promotion, and engagement programming.
• The approved 2026 Sponsorship Agreement provides $71,515.50 in Town funding support for business engagement, advocacy, promotional programming, and community-based business initiatives.
• We Love Erie’s 2026 Action Plan includes coordinated marketing campaigns, networking and business engagement events, local shopping initiatives, and advocacy efforts intended to strengthen Erie’s business community and increase visibility of local businesses.
BACKGROUND OF SUBJECT MATTER:
We Love Erie Business Collective, formerly known as the Erie Economic Development Council (EEDC), has served as a longstanding community organization focused on supporting Erie businesses through advocacy, promotion, networking, and community engagement initiatives. Over the years, the organization has partnered with local businesses, community stakeholders, and the Town to strengthen Erie’s business environment and increase awareness and patronage of local businesses through events, marketing campaigns, and business outreach efforts.
In February 2026, the Town issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Business Engagement and Promotion Services to identify a partner to support Erie businesses through outreach, advocacy, and promotion. Following review of submissions, We Love Erie Business Collective was selected based on its strong community relationships and experience leading business engagement initiatives. Proposed 2026 programming includes marketing campaigns, networking events, Shop Erie initiatives, downtown activations, and ongoing business advocacy efforts.
The approved 2026 Sponsorship Agreement provides $71,515.50 in Town funding support for business advocacy, promotion, and engagement services. The agreement also establishes sponsorship recognition requirements, quarterly reporting obligations, and coordination expectations between the organization and the Town. This presentation will allow We Love Erie Business Collective to present its 2026 Action Plan and discuss organizational priorities and programming for the upcoming year.
priorities
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attachments
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Presentation