LAKE COUNTY– The Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce is extending every effort to encourage support for local businesses this holiday season. A shop-local campaign is currently underway to bring a profitable, enjoyable “Christmas in Clear Lake” to the entirety of Lake County.
Christmas in Clear Lake offers incentives for the merchant as well as the consumer.
Merchants participating in the campaign will benefit from widespread radio advertising while consumers will be offered a chance to win $1000 in chamber bucks. Chamber bucks, according to chamber executive director Lori Peters, can be used as legal tender anywhere within the county regardless of participation.
“I would like to see a good portion of the businesses in our county participate,” Peters said. “It”s not just about the marketing and it”s not just about getting shoppers to shop local. It”s really about us businesses pulling together and working together.”
The program was conducted last holiday season on a smaller scale.
This year the program is being expanded to include businesses throughout the county at a lesser cost to the participant.
Cost for business participation is $50. For the price tag, merchants will be included in a radio media advertising campaign that will begin on Nov. 1 and continue through Dec. 23. According to Peters, Christmas in Clear Lake advertising, which is being handled through Bicoastal Media, will air on five or six different area radio stations.
Commercials will provide information regarding the Christmas in Clear Lake program as well as targeted marketing for participating merchants.
“To have all your advertising taken care of for the whole holiday season for $50, that”s pretty good,” Peters said.
Peters said that marketing material was sent to area businesses at the beginning of the month explaining the program and criteria for participation. Response has been received by a few businesses and further response is expected. Deadline for participation is Oct. 23 in order to prepare for the media launch on Nov. 1.
“We want the business community to have a successful holiday year,” Peters said. “We also want the locals to have a wonderful, fun and festive holiday season and so we would encourage the businesses to decorate for the holidays and participate in the Christmas Light Parade, which is Dec. 6.”
For more information regarding the Christmas in Clear Lake program, contact the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce at 994-3600. Information regarding participation in the Christmas Lights Parade, which this year hosts the theme, “Christmas Carols Come Alive,” may also be obtained by calling the chamber office. Parade entry deadline is Nov. 21.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com.
