Services

 
 
 

Reader Area Development, Inc. is an Illinois-based creative studio focused on marketing places and spaces. 

We provide simple economic development service solutions to cities and civic organizations. Let us help manage your downtown reinvestment strategy, provide small business assistance, and customize your marketing efforts to effectively tell your story.

 
 

Downtown Investment Strategies

The old saying, “A goal without a plan is just a dream” is as true as it is with downtown revitalization as it is with any other facet in life or business. By analyzing your local market, surveying buildings, interviewing businesses, determining what’s missing, and providing annual funding recommendations - we work together to provide simple strategies to overcome decades long obstacles to attracting investment in your downtown.

  • Community Tours & Workshops

  • Destination Marketing & Events

  • Local Spending Campaigns

 

Small Business Development

What is AREA? It’s an easy to remember acronym that reminds you how to grow your small business community. We work to Attract new business with a solid strategy in hand. We Retain the businesses we already have because it’s smarter to invest in your own. We help Expand businesses accelerating their path to larger facilities and hiring more talent. We Assist businesses who are just getting their start and are seeking resources to begin their entrepreneurial journey.

  • Business Attraction Marketing

  • Business Retention & Expansion Solutions

  • Entrepreneurial Mentoring & Small Business Assistance Programs

 

Organization Support

With over a decade of experience leading community and economic development organizations, we believe in utilizing a place-based approach to achieve a level success stakeholders, residents, and visitors seek in today’s competitive landscape. Whether its interim administration or capacity building of existing staff members, we can stabilize or reposition your operations to be compatible with comprehensive planning.

  • Nonprofit Advisory Services & Management

  • Budget Analysis & Organization Planning

  • Stakeholder & Member Engagement