A new group made up of local business owners, volunteers and Chamber of Commerce representatives is working to help market Hellertown as an attractive place to shop, dine and play.
The Hellertown Marketing Initiative (HMI) grew out of a Nov. 18 Hellertown-Lower Saucon Chamber of Commerce business roundtable meeting during which there was a discussion about the Rt. 412 construction project (ongoing since 2013) and the negative impact it has had on many people’s perceptions of the borough.
The task force was formed to help brainstorm marketing ideas that can begin to be implemented as the construction project enters its final phases this year, and has been meeting on a bi-weekly basis since early December.
Its mission statement is that HMI exists “to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life of the Hellertown community through the collaborative efforts of local business owners, residents, volunteers and other partners.”
How is this going to be achieved?
For starts, a website called GoToHellertown.com that will showcase everything there is to do in Hellertown, from shopping to recreation to worship, is being built.
The website will feature a business directory that is open to any borough-registered business that wants to participate, and members of the marketing initiative have been calling on business owners to tell them about the directory and its purpose.
Another effort that’s being made is to use the hashtag #gotohellertown to help promote positive news about borough businesses and when checking in on social media, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The group also plans to have 8×11 tri-fold, full-color brochures printed which will include information about Hellertown history and a map, along with the message “Go To Hellertown, Slow Down, Look Around” to help foster awareness of the community as a unique destination.
These brochures will be printed in late April and will be displayed in local stores, and eventually included in the Discover Lehigh Valley racks throughout the area.
The website also has an anticipated launch date of mid to late April.
Hellertown business owners who would like to get involved with the initiative can start by using the #gotohellertown hashtag in their social media posts about anything positive they see or experience in town.
They are also invited to join the Hellertown Business Owners Facebook group, which is a closed group used to share business-related news, information and concerns.
At this time there is no cost to join the group, which is open to both chamber and non-chamber members.
The next Hellertown Marketing Initiative meeting will be held Tuesday, April 27 at 7:30 a.m. at the office of attorney Mark Albright, 403 Main St., Hellertown.
The next quarterly HLSCC roundtable meeting–a great place to meet other local business owners and share concerns face to face–will be held Wednesday, May 18 at 7 a.m. at Hellertown Borough Hall, 685 Main St.
Want to do something right away to help draw attention to your business?
Suggestions by the HMI include hanging an American flag out front, filling planters with flowers and putting candles in your establishment’s windows.
