Village Association wants continued success

As the busy Siesta Key season comes to a close, the members of the Siesta Key Village Association are looking for ways to continue this year’s success in the future.

At their monthly meeting Tuesday, April 3, association members discussed the best ways to use the association’s advertising budget to promote the Village.

The association’s board of directors recently approved a $20,000 advertising budget, which it plans to invest in radio and television advertisements to coincide with the north Siesta bridge rehabilitation in June. Several ideas for television and radio spots were discussed, but the most important thing for the association was branding the Village and creating a sense of identity.

Bill Burns, who has been looking into advertising options, suggested choosing a signature piece of music to run with the ads and developing a short catchphrase that could quickly summarize what the Village has to offer; he wants the television and radio ads to be married with a common theme. It’s important to create the feeling of being part of a collective community, he said.

The proposed radio ads will run from June to October, and the television ads will run from June to September.

The association had also hoped to secure a billboard, but a lack of availability means the association will have to wait until next year for billboard space to open up.

Another topic of discussion was the effect that this season’s traffic and parking might have had on tourists. SKVA Secretary Helene Hyland reported that some tourists have expressed that though they enjoy the beach, the parking and traffic were discouraging, and she was concerned about how this might affect their future vacation plans.

Hyland suggested that association members keep this in mind and take advantage of pedicab services and a proposed trolley service for the 2013 season.

The Siesta Key Village Association will hold its annual meeting Tuesday, May 1, during which it will nominate its board of directors. The association is currently looking for a nomination committee.

President Russell Matthes said that the association can always benefit from new perspectives and people who are willing to look several years down the road.