Like Barbados? Then visit Ansonia.
That’s the message the Valley Chamber of Commerce and 49 city companies are promoting this summer.
It’s simple: Visit five Ansonia businesses and get entered into a drawing to win a four-day vacation to Tamarind Cove Resort in Barbados.
The new campaign, called “Getting to Know Us,” launched Wednesday morning on the steps of Ansonia City Hall (sounds familiar…).
“We used to have people come downtown to do their shopping, go to the barbershop,” said Rose Marie Spatafore, the owner of E‑Z Travel agency and the chairman of the Ansonia Business Council. “Now with the world of technology, people have steered away from the local merchants and turned to online. We think we provide a better service.”
The campaign is also meant to introduce new residents to the variety of businesses – like Banko’s Music LLC on East Main Street, or Lewis Jewelers on Main Street – that Ansonia has.
“Sometimes people come into the community, but never research what we have here,” Spatafore said. “We’re hoping people would realize they don’t have to travel for it. It’s right here under their fingertips.”
The business council and Valley Chamber of Commerce put together a brochure with a list of participating businesses. People get the brochure signed at each shop or business they stop at, and after the fifth signature their form is put into the drawing. Spatafore said they don’t have to make any purchases.
The drawing for the trip will be held at noon Sept. 1 at Ansonia City Hall. Spatafore said there will be two drawings each year, with a variety of prizes being offered.
“Now in this depressed economy, now is a time not to cocoon, not to complain, but to reach out,” said William Purcell, the president of the Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Mayor James Della Volpe said the promotion will show people that there is “great quality stores down town.”
“The best part about it is they’re your neighbors,” Della Volpe said.
