From staff reports
The Clarion County Economic Development Corporation is seeking input from the community in its initiative to develop Clarion County’s destination brand and marketing strategy.
“This phase marks an important next step in the CCEDC’s ongoing efforts to enhance the county’s appeal as both a tourist destination and a vibrant place to live and work,” said CCEDC Executive Director Jarred Heuer.
The engagement plan encompasses both active and passive outreach elements. Active engagement will involve direct interactions with the community through meetings, events and group forums, while passive methods include an online brand survey.
Heuer said the journey to develop a branding initiative began over a year ago as part of the CCEDC’s 2030 Economic Development Strategy.
In December 2022, the CCEDC launched the Destination Improvement Initiative.
This initiative involved forming a tourism stakeholder committee to analyze Clarion County’s tourism industry and devise a plan to modernize its approach to tourism marketing.
Hind Karns, the newly appointed Tourism Director, said, “Destination branding is an integral part of our marketing strategy.
It shapes a unique identity of Clarion County in the minds and memories of visitors.
To achieve this and set Clarion County up for success, we need the community’s involvement.”
A destination brand is “integral” to the region’s growth, Heuer said. “This engagement plan, focusing on stakeholder input, underscores how tourism and economic development are deeply intertwined, offering potential to strengthen the local economy through a robust community brand.”
The community engagement efforts will continue through spring 2024, with the final brand strategy and marketing plan expected by early summer.