Successful start to Think Oconee Campaign

Residents responded to the “Think Oconee!” campaign over the holidays by focusing their spending locally, supporting the county’s businesses, says Janet Hartman, manager of Destination Oconee. “I think ‘Think Oconee!’ has really been great but I can’t take all the credit, there are a lot of people who have come together to work on this campaign from our office to the countywide effort that is out there, and the businesses that have stepped up to support it. Because that is what we are trying to do, we are trying to create that awareness within the county as to what is available, not only from a retail perspective, a restaurant perspective but what are the special things about Oconee County and how can each individual participate in that. So, back in October when we kicked the campaign off, we came out with car decals, koozie, and re-usable shopping bags, and last week I was counting up and we have over 10,000 pieces of ‘Think Oconee’ merchandise out in the community right now.” Hartman says more is yet to come with the “Think Oconee!” campaign. “I think when we all start thinking about Oconee, we can make things just that much better as we go forward, so yes I think it has been very well received, we are not done by any stretch. Sure, in the holiday season it is an easy time to kick that type of campaign off but now we need to take it broader and when people are thinking about the betterment of the county. Another thing we are going to start this year is with the recycling centers. When you recycle, your helping make Oconee County a better place. So, we are going to partner with the recycling centers, get some signage out there and truly just wanting to continue to get the awareness out in the community. So, we are going to do some fun campaigns. We do have a Facebook page at ‘Think Oconee’ on Facebook. Please like us, share our stories, and help us spread the word, because I think there are some great things happening.” “Think Oconee!” is part of the Destination Oconee initiative of the Oconee Economic Alliance.