Carpentersville survey seeks input on image, quality of life

Carpentersville is kicking off its rebranding initiative by seeking feedback on the community's image, resources and quality of life.

The information gathered in an online survey, which is open until Feb. 28, will be used to assist an outside firm develop a branding and marketing strategy for the village, Economic Development Director Patrick Burke said. The 16-question poll asks users to define the character of the community, evaluate its strengths, rate its amenities and offer comments about its perception.

"We're trying to get people from inside and outside Carpentersville ... so that we can get as much input as possible on what our regional positioning should be," Burke said. "It'll help us tell our story."

Forest Park-based Business Districts Inc. was hired last month to review the village's current marketing practices and oversee a rebranding campaign in the next several months. To start gathering feedback, company representatives held one-on-one interviews last week with various Carpentersville stakeholders, including business owners, officials from the local school and library districts, and community organizations such as the Northern Kane County Chamber of Commerce.

The online survey intends to reach a broader audience of people who live, work, shop or participate in recreational activities in the village, Burke said. About 250 people have filled out the survey in less than a week, he said, noting officials hope to get at least 1,000 responses.

"(Business Districts) is looking to see, how does Carpentersville differentiate itself from the other communities?" Burke said. "Once we have that, how do we then communicate that to people?"

The rebranding initiative aims to improve the village's reputation by highlighting and building upon its strengths, Burke said. Survey answers will likely be used to recruit new residents, businesses or developers to the area.

"This will help the branding company put everything together for us and find out what our residents want or which direction they want us to move in," Village President John Skillman said. "We're excited to move forward on it. We're really trying to get the community involved."

To participate in the survey, visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/2018cville.