A new business reference group met for the first time last week to make plans to continue the highly successful #lovebundy buy local campaign.
#lovebundy was launched by Council last year with a 12 month commitment to financially support and coordinate the buy local campaign.
During that time businesses collaborated on marketing initiatives and worked with Council to develop campaigns and online platforms, including an app.
Cr Helen Blackburn said following the first successful year of the campaign, business owners were now taking the lead through a #lovebundy business reference group.
“We experienced great success through the #lovebundy campaign which saw businesses recognise that, by joining forces, together they could achieve more than they could individually,” Cr Blackburn said.
“Since starting the #lovebundy app more than 31,000 notifications have been delivered to app users advertising local promotions and discounts.
“The number of redemptions tracked by the app recorded an estimated $38,600 spend with participating businesses.
“We’re continuing to experience positive engagement through the various #lovebundy platforms, proving that residents have a real interest in and commitment to the buy local message.”
Cr Blackburn said Council would continue to play a supporting role in the campaign with the #lovebundy business reference group.
Bug Me owners Justin Esse and Hayley Kleidon are one five campaign participants to take up a position on the #lovebundy business reference group.
“We wanted to be as involved as possible with such a great initiative highlighting the community in which we live,” Hayley said.
“We believe Bundaberg is an amazing place with amazing people, lifestyle and various industries.
“I felt as though being a part of the new committee would be a great way to show my support and to ensure the continuance of the campaign in to the future.”
Hayley said she was thankful for Council’s support to get the campaign off the ground.
“Council has provided amazing support to the campaign,” she said.
“Whether it be in sourcing and implementing new technologies, bridging the gap between other sectors to allow #lovebundy participants the opportunity to participate in events, and the staff who have been involved with the campaign.
“Their knowledge and passion have been instrumental in the success of #lovebundy.”
She is now looking forward to the next stage of the campaign.
“We look forward to the transition of #lovebundy, to see what other likeminded participants and committee members can come up with and cannot wait to see what the next phase of #lovebundy brings.”
Hayley encouraged other businesses to join the #lovebundy campaign.
“Being a part of this campaign also allows otherwise isolated businesses to be able to meet, collaborate, and support each other,” she said.
“It also gives the traders the buying power that they may not otherwise have individually.”
Alowishus Delicious proprietor Tracey McPhee said she joined the #lovebundy campaign for its positive message and ability to grow community pride.
“I believe that residents, whether they be ratepayers or renters, or business owners need to take ownership of their community and give back in some way,” Tracey said.
“The #lovebundy campaign is a great way of doing this.”
Tracey said the real benefit of the campaign to her was just to be part of something that gives back to the community.
“We didn't join the campaign from a position of ‘what's in it for me', but rather from looking at what we can do to promote a positive image for our city.
“It allows for opportunities.
“When the traders have been meeting once a month there were many cross-promotions happening between businesses.”
Tracey said Council had been instrumental in the role out of the campaign.
Having been involved from the very beginning she said while she was at first apprehensive she was glad she made the decision to invest in the campaign.
“The council delivered on every commitment they made, and then some.”
The other trader representatives on the #lovebundy business reference group are Finding the Light Counselling and Coaching, Bundy Windscreens and Burnett Riverside Hotel and H20 Restaurant.
