Cooperation has been identified as a part of an equation that will help Borderland grow.
That’s why the International Falls, Ranier and Rainy Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau, Greater International Falls Chamber of Commerce and Koochiching Economic Development Agency have started discussions about a unified marketing effort.
A committee of the three groups decided the best way to proceed is with input from the public. The effort will be the topic of a Chamber Brown Bag Luncheon on March 27 at the Holiday Inn at noon.
The group hopes to involve International Falls, Koochiching County and appropriate partners to develop an area brand/image and an associated marketing campaign.
Other Minnesota communities have undergone a similar process with the result being improved business conditions and tourist traffic. A successful effort in Itasca County joined all agencies promoting the Grand Rapids region with a unified marketing theme. As a result, officials say nine out of 10 new business owners in the area first visited as a tourist.
Additional information on the Itasca/Grand Rapids effort can be found at www.BusinessNorth.com Search an article titled: Selling a Community by Beth Bily 10/24/07