Why Chuck D’Aprix?

Chuck D’Aprix provides community leaders with a comprehensive planning approach that differs from the larger impersonal firms.  He becomes part of the community and spends his time listening in order to provide downtown and commercial district revitalization services that are tailored to each community. He does not take a consulting project based on the size of the community or the size of the fee, but rather on how he can improve the downtown or commercial district.

There is no “boilerplate” or “off-the-shelf” information in the reports and plans he produces, unlike many of the larger firms that are carrying numerous clients at once. Many firms send junior staff out to address projects in smaller communities.  With Chuck, you are getting an experienced professional who is responsive to client needs.  He is readily available not only throughout the project, but after as well.

Chuck’s extensive experience in over 300 communities, small and large, has provided him with exposure to innovative, creative and cutting-edge downtown revitalization programming. In addition, Chuck has access to the best minds in planning, economic development, real estate, and promotion. Few firms can claim that.

Perhaps you have existing reports produced by other firms. Chuck will gladly update those plans and provide additional insights. He does not believe in “reinventing the wheel,” nor is he dismissive of the work done by others if it makes sense and is good for the community. He has updated reports from LISC, AIA, ALSA, Main Street, the American Planning Association, and numerous consulting firms.  He also offers the most comprehensive community engagement services available.

There is a unique language to Main Street (and other downtown organizations), and Chuck speaks it fluently. He is also able to translate that language into everyday conversation - he does not believe in “consultant speak” and presents reports that are easy to understand.

Chuck has been on the client side of the desk and understands well the process of hiring a consultant. He has received “off the shelf” reports and has dealt with unresponsive consultants. He vowed never to adopt that approach to downtown revitalization consulting - and he never has. There is a reason that every one of his clients has said they would hire him again. Here is a sampling of references.

Then there is the matter of overhead.  Many consulting firms carry significant overhead in the form of large staffs, office space, expensive equipment, etc.  Chuck has been able to minimize those expenses in order to provide cost-effective client services. Although Chuck does not choose projects on the basis of the fee, it is nice to know that he provides the most value for the fee.

DOWNTOWN AND COMMERCIAL DISTRICT REVITALIZATION

• Promotional Calendar Development

• Special Event Implementation Planning

• Market Analysis with Marketing Plan

• Social Media Planning

• Community Marketing Planning

• Promotion Budget

• Identification of Cross Marketing Opportunities

• Public Art Programming