HANCOCK - There has been a lot of activity during the last month in downtown Hancock aimed at letting people know exactly what businesses are available, and city officials and some business owners are pleased with the progress of the campaign.
Karyn Olsson, marketing consultant with Marketing Department Inc., creators of the 15-week-long "Downtown Hancock It's All Here" campaign, said the effort to increase visibility of downtown businesses began the third week in June.
Olsson said the campaign includes placemats for downtown restaurants, advertising in The Daily Mining Gazette, including $5-off coupons, and posters, banners, local radio ads and a Facebook page.
The placemats, which Olsson said feature photographs of people eating and shopping in downtown, have been effective.
"They're very bright and vibrant," she said.
Olsson said the $5-off coupons have been particularly successful.
"I'm just really pleased with the return on that," she said.
The owner of one of the businesses offering the coupons, Gino's Restaurant, reported they had 87 coupons redeemed in one week, Olsson said. Some of those people redeeming them were regulars, but some were new customers.
Olsson said during the first two weeks of the campaign, 357 coupons were redeemed. Half of the face value of the coupons goes back to the businesses.
"We're bringing money right back into downtown," she said.
Olsson said there are more than 200 "friends" on the city's Facebook page.
"We've had a couple tourists from out of town commenting on the campaign (on the page)," she said.
Hancock Mayor William Laitila said he's impressed with the campaign so far.
"It looks like it's done quite well," he said. "It's something that had to be done."
Laitila said the idea for the campaign came from the Downtown Development Authority, which is funding it.
The banners placed on light poles on Quincy Street seem to be having a positive impact, Laitila said.
"They're really helping," he said.
Laitila said he's hearing from business owners and residents about the campaign.
"I've heard positive comments," he said.
Since the campaign is only half complete, Olsson said it's too soon to determine its success.
"Once the project is over, maybe we can do a little more scientific survey," she said.
Olsson said she's pleased with the effect of the campaign so far.
"It's more than exceeded our expectations," she said. "It feels good."
Kurt Hauglie can be reached at khauglie @mininggazette.com.
