Commissioners table marketing plan

County commissioners appear deadlocked on whether to move forward with a marketing plan to encourage Chicago and its suburban residents to consider making St. Joseph County a vacation and, potentially, a permanent destination.
The issue was discussed during Tuesday’s work session involving the five-member commission.
As part of its goal to promote its 150 miles of rivers, the county has adopted a three-phase marketing plan with Sturgis-based eStudio Design. One component of the third phase approved last week features a standalone option of whether to include a marketing partnership with Chicago-based WGN radio.
The WGN plan would cost in excess of $320,000, a figure that Commissioners Rick Shaffer and Robin Baker agree is too high, especially without knowing the rewards the plan would yield. Eaton has staunchly supported the concept, while commissioner John Dobberteen tentatively gave it his endorsement Tuesday. Commission chairman Allen Balog said he remains on the fence until more information is made available.
Following more than 20 minutes of discussion, commissioners tabled the matter indefinitely.