Bragg Creek’s chamber of commerce is rolling out the welcome mat for tourists and local residents alike.
The flash flooding that devastated communities across Southern Alberta in June damaged the majority of storefront and home-based businesses in all four of the shopping malls in Bragg Creek.
In an effort to resuscitate local tourism the Bragg Creek & Area Chamber of Commerce reacted quickly, with funds from their own coffers and assistance from Rocky View County to create the “Always Welcome Campaign” – a comprehensive post flood marketing strategy designed to encourage both tourists and locals to support the hamlet’s businesses.
Candace Hendrickson, Bragg Creek & Area Chamber of Commerce vice-president, said that while the chamber is promoting the majority of Bragg Creek’s storefront and home-based businesses now open, they must also be sensitive to the community’s business owners who are still rebuilding and those who do not yet know if they will ever reopen.
“Our marketing campaign has been designed to roll out in stages thereby allowing businesses that are still rebuilding time to reopen as it progresses,” she said. “It has been so heart wrenching to see business owners suffer and go through such a tragic time,” she added. “Not only has our business corridor changed but our landscape has changed as well.”
Hendrickson said she hopes tourists will come back to Bragg Creek to shop, dine and enjoy the beauty of the hamlet. She also hopes locals will support area businesses that generously donate to community fundraisers and events.
Rocky View County economic development manager Dave Kalinchuk said he always works with the chamber to promote the hamlet, so he decided to dedicate $10,000 from his department’s budget to pay for the design and messaging of two super-boards that are the showpiece of their marketing campaign.
“The super-boards are very effective and an immediate way to promote the area,” said Kalinchuk. “Bragg Creek has an amazing volunteer base, amazing businesses and an amazing chamber. Why wouldn’t I support this campaign?”
The campaign also includes a shop local contest, posters, advertisements in local community newspapers and a social media campaign.
“A huge thank you to Rocky View County for their financial support as we rebuild and reconnect our residents and visitors to our beloved area,” said Hendrickson.
Chamber president Pam Shewchuk said the chamber has funded approximately $30,000 to date towards the ‘Always Welcome’ and shop local campaigns.
Bragg Creek advertising agency AdMaki also created a new Bragg Creek pine cone logo representing longevity, growth and endurance.
See visitbraggcreek.com for more.
