Chamber Launches Program to Help Local Businesses

It is easy to understand why many families in the Blue Water Area are cutting back and are making their purchases more intentional. To maintain the growth of the regional economy, area residents need to keep their dollars in the community by shopping in our region.

Today, families don’t need to leave the Blue Water area to find everything on their shopping lists. With a wide variety of retailers, restaurants and professional service providers, residents can find everything they want in the Blue Water region which stretches from the Thumb to the Bay and from Capac to across the bridge into Sarnia.

While the Chamber sees bright spots and signs of recovery in the near future, it’s also clear that businesses need support immediately and the Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce is answering the call to action.

The Chamber is offering member businesses free e-coupons on www.BlueWaterChamber.com. Tied into the e-coupon program is a public awareness campaign that is designed to promote regional businesses. The Buy in the Blue campaign encourages residents to purchase goods and services in our region. A special web site, www.BuyintheBlue.biz, links directly to the e-coupons at www.BlueWaterChamber.com, and includes other information area buyers are seeking. The site also links to the regional Chamber web sites, which includes information on thousands of businesses. People can also download printable versions of the 2009 Blue Water Regional Chamber Directory and the Sarnia Lambton Chamber Directory.

The Chamber has developed a plan to partner with member media partners which includes a public awareness campaign that encourages residents to support area businesses, thereby helping improve the economy.

“This program is designed to boost consumer confidence in our area,” said Chamber President/CEO Vickie Ledsworth. “The goal is to spread good news about the variety, keep business in the region, and bring more business to the Blue Water area while supporting member businesses,” she added.

“Buy in the Blue encourages people to discover business in our Blue Water region.” said Councilman and Chamber Chairman Marty Doorn, “There are new and unique businesses popping up in all of the area communities. We have a lot to offer on the Eastern Shores of Michigan and across the Bridge into Sarnia.”

For more information on e-coupons and the Buy in the Blue campaign, contact the Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce at (810) 985-7101 or info@bluewaterchamber.com.