Give America a stimulus

A few days ago I posted the first of a series of blog posts on how small towns should start a campaign to attract tourism to small town America to give our US economy a local boost.   If ABC could start the "Made in America" campaign which successfully has created jobs without the help of dysfunctional GOP led House in Congress; than Americans can do the same with generating ideas on how to create a vibrant economy in their small towns.  If the town doesn't have a tourist attraction, create an annual event that will drive visitors to your town.  If your town is in a suburb of a big city, attempt to create social media buzz about your town's unique history, local museums, shopping districts, offer discounts and organize travel packages that include hotel, travel to and from airport and any other incentives for tourists looking for great vacation at bargain prices. 

The rise of social media can create a great avenue for small towns to promote their events for free; like twitter, you tube, face book; just to name a few social media platforms.   Create a real unique video and get the attention of the media;  write a free press release that media outlets scour for news ideas.   These are just a few tips on how small town America can give themselves a stimulus.  It is not easy because it needs a leader, hard work, organization of town council and local Chamber of commerce to create a plan to attract tourists to their town.

Ocala is a prime example of  a quiet suburban town with great dining, great shopping, natural trails, huge national forest and great silver springs Park; just to name a few attractions.  

Ocala hosts many events on the town square area and an annual art festival.  There are many antique, vintage shops in the area, a great past time.  There are a lot of horse farms and is known as the horse capitol of the world. 

Ocala has potential to stimulate and create jobs by promoting many of these places, events and titles.   Ocala was voted best American town to live in 1996. 

Ducks in a pond inside Pine Run estates