March 16, 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 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:
- Show the world how you #ChooseFlint by visiting one of your favorite restaurants, businesses or attractions.
- Take a photo and share it on your preferred social media platforms (i.e., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.) using #ChooseFlint.
- Challenge three friends to do the same by tagging them in your post.
Charlie Weston, owner of Charlie’s Smokin’ Bar-B-Q in the Flint Farmers’ Market, said it’s always a good idea to #ChooseFlint.
“Many local businesses, like ours, are family owned and operated,” said Weston. “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.