Shop the L

The Logan County Chamber of Commerce is hosting an event for the entire community — the Spring Fling — this Saturday, May 2.

Until then, be sure to visit local merchants to register to win prizes. Drawings for the Spring Fling contest will be held throughout the day Saturday.

The Chamber Merchant Committee is unveiling its “Shop The L” campaign. The campaign features local businesses in the Broadway Plaza, downtown and West Main Street — the three main shopping areas of Sterling. Each of these areas will have their own events throughout the day. The Sterling Fire Department and Colorado State Patrol will be out at the High Plains Shopping Center. Colorado State Patrol staff will be on hand to check child safety seats. There will also be a bicycle safety check station. The Broadway Plaza will have a bit of a carnival atmosphere with a dunk tank, cotton candy and of course snow cones. A farmers’ market is planned for the downtown business region. And Clarence’s Corner will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

BOB FM will be doing remote broadcasts from various locations throughout town Saturday.

In addition, all three locations are planning sidewalk sales throughout the day.

Also, Prairie Express has agreed to offer free rides throughout the day.

This is just the beginning of the “Shop The L” campaign. I am working with the Merchants Committee to develop a map, a quick guide, to assist people in finding a specific restaurant, office, clothing store or mechanics shop. The map will assist the community newcomer as well as the lifelong resident. The plan is to distribute these maps to hotels, convenience stores and restaurants. The goal is to make it easier for a person to suggest a Sterling restaurant or retail business.

The plan is based on the simplest of marketing; who is the first person a visitor will talk to when visiting a town? Frequently, that person is the waitress , fuel attendant/cashier or hotel clerk who will or will not promote the local community decides for the traveler if a place like Sterling is worth visiting. With a quick-reference map, most anyone can be a positive ambassador for our community.

The Merchant Committee is also planning on a back-to-school event and a Christmas shopping event. Long-term goals for the committee include placement of billboards promoting the Sterling community.

Businesses are still welcome to be included on the “Shop The L” map. Call me at 522-5070, or email me at execdir@logancountychamber.com.