SEPTEMBER 2020
THE SOUTH SHUSWAP SCOOP
7
South Shuswap Chamber Rallied in Support of Tourism this Summer By Karen Brown, Executive Director In a unique tourism year that was likely to be impacted by the COVID19 pandemic, the South Shuswap Chamber of Commerce knew that they had to do something to support their tourism businesses and lessen the potential financial and economic impact on their community. In late Spring, when it appeared that British Columbians had successfully flattened the curve, the Chamber Board of Directors saw a window of opportunity to warmly welcome visitors to the region while still adhering to the recommendations of Dr. Bonnie Henry and the Provincial Health Office. The Board, along with the Chamber’s marketing team, Mackay Marketing, developed a strategy to boost tourism while at the same time, keeping our area residents safe. With the support of Shuswap Tourism and the financial assistance of the CSRD, the Chamber embarked on filming and distributing a series of three tourism videos. The films, entitled ‘Relax’, ‘Connect’ and ‘Play’ follow storylines showcasing experiences enjoyed by different demographics. ‘Relax’ dials into the 50+ retirees and semi-retirees, ‘Connect’ focuses on multi-generational families creating lasting memories together and ‘Play’ hones in on adventurous
• • • • • •
millennials enjoying action-packed Shuswap activities. Mimi Huser of MH Productions (Salmon Arm) was awarded the contract to produce the three tourism videos, overseen by the Chamber’s Tourism Committee. “In May, we put out the welcome mat for our tourists and seasonal neighbours via social media.” says Chamber Executive Director Karen Brown. “We knew posts with pictures wasn’t going to do the trick so we opted for a video series instead. The project proved successful as the response to the video series was phenomenal. As well, we now have a great inventory of photos and video content that we will be able to utilize for years”. Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association and Destination BC were both highly supportive, sharing the videos to a wide audience, which will result in a direct benefit to all areas of the Shuswap region. The Board for the Chamber also struck a project ‘Kindness is Contagious’. Frontline workers in the community wore welcoming tee-shirts and Kindness is Contagious – Pass it On buttons to emphasize that we are ‘all in this to(Continued on page 8)
HAZARD/DANGER TREE REMOVAL TOPPING PRUNING CLIMBING CHIPPING 5 MILLION LIABILITY INSURED/FULL WCB/ BC SAFE CERTIFIED
• • • • • •
UTILITY SERVICE WORK STUMP GRINDING LOT CLEARING BOBCAT SERVICE TREE ASSESSMENTS 75’ WORKING HEIGHT BUCKET TRUCKS
CERTIFIED UTILITY ARBORISTS/BC FALLER CERTIFICATION AND 50 YEARS EXPERIENCE
