Posted by: thepinetree on 04/15/2008 10:43 AM
Updated by: Kim_Hamilton on 04/15/2008 11:09 AM
Expires: 01/01/2013 12:00 AM
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Angels Camp Polishes The "Frog" with Branding Video Presentation~By John Hamilton
Angels Camp, CA...Last night, in a full Greenhorn Creek Dining Room, the Angels Camp Business Association studied the benefits that "Branding" and consistent signage can have on the economic vitality of a community. Anne Forrest led the presentation of a report developed by Roger Brooks from Destination Development. This talk was what is becoming a series of discussions on what towns like Angels Camp can do to refine their image and enhance business revenue in their core downtown sectors and elsewhere as well....
Downtown Angels Camp
According to the report small things can have a big impact. For instance if a business is closed, you tell prospective customers when it will be open again and what your hours are. Have signage that is easily visible to visitors as the drive down the road. If you don't allow food in your business why not have seating outside so visitors can finish their snacks. In many ways it is just looking at a town from the eyes of visitors.
The company actually sent out "Secret Shoppers" for their report.
As residents we already know where most of the services are located. A first time visitor has a completely different perspective. Here were some of the examples given....Where is Angels Camp? What is a Greenhorn Creek and what do they offer? Where are the public restrooms? Where are the restaurants? Where can a visitor park a motorhome while they shop? Are parking time limits reasonable for typical shopping excursions? How can we as a small town enhance multi-day visits that have the highest revenue potential?
Lisa Reynolds and her staff at the Visitors Bureau were the first to pick up the tourist revenue torch and now the municipalities and organizations like the Chamber and the Angels Camp Business Association are now seeing it as a good focus for economic growth. The Perfect Niche was also recognized for their placeent of signage and how nice the front of their store looked to the general public.
The costs do not have to be significant. It is really just looking at the town with fresh eyes and making consistent changes to accommodate our guests.