Thrive wants to cast a wide net

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Local News

August 1, 2018 - 11:02 AM

Allen County commissioners, following their practice for decisions of consequence, will vote next week on a request handed them Tuesday morning for a $50,000 grant to help fund a Thrive project to draw visitors to Allen County.
David Toland, Thrive executive director, said first-year funding of $75,000 was required to move the project  ahead. Thrive has committed $25,000, accrued from its work with Kansas Blue Cross Blue Shield to establish organizations in a number of Kansas communities similar to Thrive. Objectives are to improve health and livability of the communities.
The venture will lean heavily on social media — Instagram and Facebook — to alert potential tourists of what Allen County and its communities have to offer in terms of recreation, dining and shopping opportunities.
Social media is the most popular means of reaching tourists, Toland said.
Toland said Allen County is especially attractive to city dwellers because of its outdoor trail system.
“Today a lot more travel is pinpointed and social media outlets are much more efficient than the brochures of 20 years ago. The 14-to-25-year-olds are tuned into Instagram,” Toland said, along with Facebook, which has a huge following among a broad spectrum of people.
The first year of the project will provide a baseline to decide how to move ahead.
Toland said a recent visit by a Gates Manufacturing human resources team proved continued interest in Allen County as not only a tourist destination but also a place to live. Members of the team asked about the quality of life here and available amenities.
Commissioner John Brocker said he had reservations about the proposal, but did not elaborate.
Toland encouraged a decision soon, so a director could be hired by October and plans could be set out for a major event, perhaps one involving the trails, in early spring.

 

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