/usr/web/www.marshallindependent.com/wp-content/themes/coreV2/single.php
×

Cultivating a comeback

New campaign hopes to encourage visitors by highlighting safety

MARSHALL — Business owners and area residents are both hoping for a way back to normal life despite the COVID-19 pandemic. And organizers of a new campaign in Marshall are hoping they can help — by highlighting the COVID-19 safety measures at local businesses.

“We knew we wanted to do something as a community,” to help visitors and shoppers feel comfortable coming to the area, said Visit Marshall Director Cassi Weiss. To help with that, Visit Marshall and the city of Marshall are launching a new marketing campaign called “Cultivating Your Comeback.”

The goal of the campaign is to show that the Marshall community is prepared for COVID-19 safety, as well as to highlight the outdoor activities and parks available to enjoy, Weiss said. She said it’s not just about bringing visitors back to Marshall, but getting local residents back into shops and businesses back on their feet.

The “Cultivating Your Comeback” campaign is asking for local businesses to submit their COVID-19 safety plans online, at www.CultivatingMarshall.com. Weiss said the comeback pledge focuses on five main guidelines for preventing the spread of COVID-19. Businesses taking the comeback pledge commit to hand washing, wearing face coverings, following social distancing guidelines, cleaning and sanitizing, and encouraging employees to stay home when they are sick.

“It’s really easy to submit (a plan). You can do it right on the website,” Weiss said.

“When you submit your plan, you will get a pack of marketing materials to help show that we are coming together as a community to show we are prepared,” she said. The materials, like a window cling and digital logos that can be used on social media or a business’ website, can help spread the word that a business is committed to safety measures. Each business’ preparedness plan will also be available on the website.

The “Cultivating Your Comeback” campaign isn’t just for local businesses, Weiss said. Visitors to Marshall are also asked to help keep the community safe.

“It’s kind of a two-way street,” Weiss said. For shoppers and visitors, the comeback pledge means also washing or sanitizing your hands, wearing a mask and practicing social distancing, as well as using a credit or debit card to make purchases, if possible.

Weiss said the comeback campaign was formally announced on Friday, and she hoped to see Marshall businesses and the area community start to respond.

“It will be exciting to start getting that list,” she said.

If there’s strong commitment from the community, Weiss said she hoped to take the campaign to a more regional level in the future. While it might not be the time for large events yet, activities like sports are still an important draw for people to come to Marshall, she said.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.38/week.

Subscribe Today