Bruce Chamber officials announced plans to move the organization’s office, reported on the most profitable Sawmill Festival to date, and listened to a presentation of effective advertising during their monthly meeting Monday at Jeffery’s.
Chamber President Becky Wright announced that the chamber board has begun work with the Bruce Museum committee to develop plans to construct a new chamber office inside the museum. Wright said the plan is to have the new office completed by Jan. 1.
Chamber Secretary Carol Shoemaker reported that the 2013 Sawmill Festival was the most lucrative ever in the 22-year history of the event. Shoemaker said after all bills were paid, each of the seven civic organizations will receive in excess of $1,700.
The chamber has asked that each of the organizations consider giving $200 of those funds back to the festival as seed money for next year’s festival for more promotion and the cost of a band such as the Bouffants. Shoemaker several of the clubs had already agreed to the request.
Calhoun County Journal Editor Lisa McNeece spoke to the group about effective advertising. She said critical components to a good advertisement is eye-catching artwork and key words.
Lisa McNeece
McNeece said she believed newspaper advertising was most effective due to its “permanence.”
“When I see a commercial on TV I get up and go check on the laundry or do other things,” McNeece said. “When you read the paper you read the advertisements, too. They are not fleeting. They are there every time you pick up that newspaper.”
McNeece also referenced a recent study by American Opinion Institute that said seven of every 10 Mississippians read a newspaper every week.
McNeece told chamber members it’s important that newspapers ads are easily readable and that frequency is often more important than size.
“Biggest is not always better,” she said. “It’s more important that you keep your name in front of people on a regular basis so that you’re on their minds when they need your service.”
In other news, Bruce Mayor Rudy Pope said he intends to get some paving done around the city before winter.
“I’m trying to get this going, but did you realize it cost $103,000 just to pave one mile,” Pope said. “We have enough money to pave three miles, but not all the board is willing to spend all that money. I’m hoping we can move forward. It’s not going to get any cheaper.”
Pope also said the board is currently working on the annual budget for the city and has thus far “reduced it by a considerable margin.”
President Wright reported continued success with “Throwback Thursday” (farmers’ market) on the square. A widespread advertising campaign, designed by McNeece, has helped lure a lot of people each week, Wright said.
She explained a workshop is planned in the near future for local business owners to help them design plans on how they can capitalize on the growing crowds attending the market.
Wright said plans are to continue the market through Oct. 17.