The Peotone Village Board unanimously approved a one year subscription for the use of AI with Placer.Ai systems at the August 25 meeting.
The $12,000 subscription allows the village to tap the AI source for data on customer trends by location, understanding competitor businesses performance, and visitors by origin.
Village Administrator Nick Palmer said the software will assist the village in courting new economic development and grant applications. Palmer added that the village budgeted for it, the annual fee allows for unlimited licenses within the village, and it could be used to pinpoint prospective clients and for potential grants. Palmer also said he could provide monthly or quarterly reports to track measurable data.
Placer’s own presentation packet listed a multitude of capabilities, such as retail analysis and recruitment, event analysis, travel and tourism, forecasting revenue and optimizing incentives, reports for marketing, communication, and grant writing, and supporting local businesses. The sample report for the 2024 Will County Fairgrounds showed that thousands come out for the fair annually and travel from all over the Chicagoland area. The report also showed the most frequented town business during the week of the fair is McDonald’s.
When discussion rolled around, Trustee Todd Sandberg said he’d like to see a monthly report on its use. Trustee Julie Sluis agreed and elaborated.
She mentioned that the village discussed hiring Aaron Farmer a couple years ago, and she asked if Palmer would be taking on that role.
“Are you guys planning on reaching out to different businesses with this information,” she asked. Palmer said they’re already talking to prospective businesses, and they would use the information in Placer to reach out to businesses.
“I like the program, and I know what it does. I just want to know what we’re actually going to do with it,” said Sluis.
Trustee Gary Hudson agreed and said that’s why they agreed in committee to only one year.
“They’ll know we’re more serious, too, ‘cause we have the software to do this. They’ll realize we’re not just some corn town that doesn’t know what they’re doing,” said Mayor Chris Vieaux. “We’re actively trying to bring in business.”
Sluis asked if Palmer would complete a monthly report showing how it’s being used. Palmer said he and the mayor plan to use it. Sluis again quantified that she would like to see a report on how the information is being used and what contacts are being made monthly. Palmer agreed and said the village should have a more wholesome discussion about where the village is going, where they want to go, and what people want. He elaborated that the public should be engaged and, yet, the village is probably not going to get a Trader Joe’s.
“The positives are that we have a highway, we have I-57, for better or worse, we have a lot of traffic on Rt. 50. We have 30,000 people going by on 57, and that’s going to make us more attractive.”
He continued that economic development drives revenue, which allows the village to keep taxes lower and provide for village needs.
Sluis asked Palmer if he had the time; he countered he has to make time. He added he didn’t think the village had a choice, but putting more efficient systems in place will free up more time. Palmer also said many of our neighboring communities already are using Placer.
Bowden motioned to approve, and Sluis seconded; it was approved unanimously.
Board Business
The board also approved a new business registration for Children’s Advocate, LLC, at 211 Second Street. Owner Renee Hill addressed the board and said Children’s Advocate provides Applied Behavior Analysis, recreation therapy, play therapy, sports therapy, and behavioral health for children with autism and other special needs. Their other office is located in Matteson.
Proclamations for National Rail Safety Week (September 15-21), National Suicide Prevention and Action Month (September), and a Proclamation for Constitution Week (September 17-23) all unanimously were approved.
Tuckpointing for village hall, in the amount of $7,500, also was approved.
A presentation from Peotone American Legion Post 392 in appreciation of the Peotone Police Department and their support also was presented.