The Chester County Conference & Visitors Bureau, a nonprofit that serves as the official Tourism Promotion Agency for Chester County, has launched a local marketing campaign entitled Homegrown Places, Welcoming Faces.

“The goal of the campaign is to support the fantastic businesses and towns in Chester County that are so devastated by the pandemic,” said Susan Hamley, the CCCVB’s Executive Director. “We are encouraging locals to frequent local establishments, which are fully complying with safety protocols. These businesses are the backbone of what gives our county that intrinsic quality of place vital to not only the local community but to the visitor experience as well. They warmly welcomed you and helped you celebrate treasured moments throughout the years, and now they really need some of that love returned.”

Hamley is deeply involved with supporting the infrastructure of the county as she sits on the Restore Chester County Cabinet, Task Force, and Economic Recovery committees led by the Chester County Commissioners. She’s also a board member of the Pennsylvania Lodging & Restaurant Association’s local chapter.

Digital media figures prominently in the Homegrown Places, Welcoming Faces marketing. From local billboards to targeted digital and social media advertising, several of Chester County’s business owners will be the “face” of the campaign.

“In keeping with the county’s Simple Ask, Wear a Mask safety messaging, the welcoming faces are masked,” said Nina Kelly, the CCCVB’s Director of Marketing & Communications. “Digital media offers a way to reach a wide audience in the Greater Philadelphia region, and our robust social media efforts offer opportunities to engage with locals and visitors in a targeted and personal strategy. Additional content through BrandywineValley.com, blogs, and videos support the messaging and tell the story of our great region.”

Hamley noted both the gravity of the current situation and the challenges and opportunities ahead.

“We approach the future in an extraordinarily difficult time for our industry” she said. “The swing from fully marketing and selling Chester County to visitors and businesses from all over the world to supporting our struggling small businesses and local community has been vital and also heartbreaking. The economic implications are far reaching and shine a light on how important travel and tourism is to Chester County.”

Almost six million visitors to Chester County in 2018 yielded $1.16 billion in economic impact.

“As we plan for recovery, Chester County is well positioned to welcome the pent-up demand of the traveling public as our wide-open spaces, gardens, arts and culture, and culinary landscape will inspire, and the main message is that we are a safe, welcoming destination,” said Hamley.

Click here to learn more about the Chester County Conference & Visitors Bureau.