The Think Lloyd First campaign has gotten a provincial recognition at the recent Saskatchewan Economic Development 2021 Awards of Excellence held in November.
Think Lloyd First won the Marketing Innovation Award for a community greater than 10,000 people.
The City says the strategy was revitalized during the pandemic and holds two key facets; to activate and collaborate with the business community while sharing resources to educate consumers on local businesses, and the available products and services.
Mayor Gerald Aalbers endorsed the streamlined business effort.
“So basically the Think Lloyd First campaign really helped engage our community and our business people to think the same way. There has always been good support in our community to shop local, but this was just another way to bring it and enhance it for people’s attention and help our businesses with their marketing campaigns as they have moved to internet based marketing in some cases.”
Aalbers said it was great to be recognized by Saskatchewan Economic Development for a strategy that allowed businesses to transition online at the height of the pandemic. He felt that local businesses are embracing the benefits of the new options.
“I have heard compliments from businesses that they have pivoted their business. It doesn’t matter if you are in the restaurant, hotel or selling merchandise or services; people have been gradually building and enhancing their profiles so people realize that they are here.”
He said in the present business climate, any advantage to open new doors and attract customers is accepted by business.