New Social Campaign Aims to Increase Business, Tourism in City of Flint

(FLINT, Mich., March 7, 2016) – The Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce has launched a social media challenge to drive business and tourism to the city of Flint amidst the ongoing water crisis. The #ChooseFlint campaign challenges people to visit a local business or attraction, take a photo and share it with their preferred social networks – and then call on three friends to do the same.

“The nationwide support that Flint has received during the water crisis has been awesome,” said Elaine Redd, Director of Communications at the Flint & Genesee Chamber. “So many people have asked how they can support Flint during this time. One of the ways they can help is to tell everyone they know that Flint is open for business. Make a conscious choice to ‘Choose Flint’ by patronizing Flint restaurants and other businesses, and challenging three of their friends to do the same.”

The challenge launched today on the Chamber’s Facebook page with a video illustrating different ways to #ChooseFlint – which can be as easy as choosing to run your errands or plan a night out in the city. Examples include grabbing a beer at Tenacity Brewing and getting a haircut at A Kut Above.

Social media users don’t need to wait to be challenged to get involved in the #ChooseFlint campaign. Rather, they can kick off the campaign on their personal pages by following the three-part process:

  1. Show the world how you #ChooseFlint by visiting one of your favorite restaurants, businesses or attractions.
  2. Take a photo and share it on your preferred social media platforms (i.e., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.) using #ChooseFlint.
  3. Challenge three friends to do the same by tagging them in your post.

According to Charlie Weston, owner of Charlie’s Smokin’ Bar-B-Q in the Flint Farmers’ Market, it’s always a good idea to #ChooseFlint.

“Many local businesses, like ours, are family owned and operated,” said Charlie Weston, owner of Charlie’s Smokin’ Bar-B-Q in the Flint Farmers’ Market. “The money spent at these businesses often stays in Flint, where it helps build and rebuild the community.”

The campaign, which runs through early April, aims to give a boost to local businesses impacted by the water emergency. Despite their efforts, which include installing state-of-the-art filtration systems and providing bottled water for clients and employees, many have reported a dip in customers over the past few months.

To watch the #ChooseFlint video, click here.

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Media contacts:

Izzi Joseph Flint & Genesee Chamber (810) 600-4071 ijoseph@flintandgenesee.org

About the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce

Serving the community for over 100 years, the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce is a premier business membership organization unlike most chambers of commerce. In addition to traditional member services, our responsibility includes serving as the lead economic development agency for Flint & Genesee, marketing tourism, youth and business training, and a Shared Services Center.

Collaboration is one of our core strengths. To affect real and lasting change, inclusiveness and collaboration are keys to success. We form partnerships with private businesses, education and governmental agencies at the local, state and federal levels, as well as grant-making foundations to fuel economic growth and bring positive change to the region. For more information, visit www.flintandgenesee.org. Check us out on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.