White Rock council got a first glimpse this week at an initiative aimed at promoting everything White Rock has to offer through a common URL: inwhiterock.com
Betina Albornoz, executive director of Tourism White Rock, unveiled the community marketing campaign during a delegation Monday.
It is "a unique, first-in-kind, comprehensive platform… designed to showcase the best White Rock has to offer," Albornoz said.
An effort shared by the White Rock Business Improvement Association, inwhiterock.com is hoped to be ready to roll out next week. The URL was created to officially merge the Tourism White Rock and BIA websites into one go-to portal, she said.
Albornoz said the campaign – in the works for about five months – uses print, online and mobile platforms to highlight the city's merchants, tourist attractions, sports, festivals and more to residents and visitors alike. It is also integrated with social media tools such as Twitter, and other features continue to be developed.
"We can bring it all under this campaign," she said. "You have to look at this as a system of highways."
Research indicates the initiative will "reach well over 1.3 million impressions" within its first 12 months, Albornoz said.
In explaining inwhiterock.com, Albornoz invited the city to lend its support, and passed on a BIA request to proclaim a Shop Local Week.
Coun. Doug McLean asked for specifics as to the kind of city support sought. He noted bringing people to the website will be key to its success.
"That's what you need to make this work, is visitors," he said.
Mayor Catherine Ferguson agreed it is important the effort is a combined one.
"As we all know, without collaboration, it's hard to be successful."