A marketing alliance between Owen Sound businesses is aiming to attract more visitors to the city this summer.
Heritage Place Mall, the Downtown Improvement Area, Wal-Mart, Bayshore Broadcasting, and the city have partnered to launch a joint marketing initiative.
Manager of Economic Development and Tourism Steve Furness says the campaign this year will focus on radio ads aired throughout Grey Bruce.
Furness says the purpose is to highlight the many shopping, entertainment, and recreation options available in Owen Sound.
Furness says there is so much to do in the city, they want to make sure more people are aware of it all.
He says it’s message that resonates with both tourists and residents.
DIA Manager Irwin Seidman says if a visitor is planning to stop in the city for one hour, the campaign hopes to stretch their stay to 3 hours.
Furness says while all the representatives in the alliance will continue with their own traditional marketing campaigns, they all see the benefits of working together to cross-promote everything the city has to offer.
He says all business in Owen Sound are expected to benefit from the increased focus on area attractions.
Furness says the initial five partners represent over 60 per cent of all the retail services in Owen Sound.
He says that’s a great start but they plan to expand their membership next year.