Cochrane: It's the feeling.
That is the resounding stand-out theme derived out of a year-long process of redefining the Cochrane Tourism Association's (CTA) new brand platform for marketing Cochrane as a tourist hub.
In a room filled with some 100 members of the local business community, the executive board revealed the visual building blocks or "pillars" that fuelled their storytelling concept – "welcoming," "naturally beautiful," "unexpected," "genuine" and "inspiring."
Executive director Jo-Anne Oucharak said following the launch, CTA has had "unbelievable interaction" on the website with significant feedback commending the organization and the brand development working group for "getting it right."
"In 2019, our focus is marketing Cochrane as a tourist destination through storytelling," explained Kelly Sinclair with KS Communications before turning to the big screen to showcase one of the handful of storytelling videos featured on the website – such as the story of the coming together of the Heier family to launch Cochrane's premiere brewery, Half Hitch Brewery.
Capitalizing on showcasing the town for its "nature underscored by history," the new website highlights events – such as the Cochrane Fair, Lions Rodeo Weekend, the Outhouse Races and summer street markets.
The aim is to also showcase Cochrane as a rising culinary destination – with a smattering of ethnic and down-home cuisine options that have opened in recent years.
Those in attendance were encouraged to share fantastic photos and stories on social media using the hashtag #visitcochraneab before the mingling began and passersby attended a few stations set up in the room: Bike Cochrane's fundraising launch for a dedicated bike park; an extension of the Cochrane Ambassador Program; and an "Explore Cochrane" weekend on June 8 and 9.
Bike Cochrane
Cochrane's newest society was on deck to begin building hype on its focus on all things related to two-wheels. Most notably, the society is working on fundraising to build a dedicated bike park on lands gifted to them by Springwood Developments located next to the new Garmin building.
See page 1 for the full story.
Explore Cochrane
June 8 and 9 will be a weekend encouraging Cochranites to explore their own backyards.
The weekend is a partnership between the CTA, Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development and is essentially replacing the former Open Doors event – shuttling people to various businesses and restaurants to sample offerings.
Information about the event will be launched via website and social media in the coming weeks for people to purchase tickets to the various events and foodie offerings.
This will centre on western heritage, outdoor adventures and the local culinary scene.
"We want Cochranites to know what there is to do here in town and showcase to locals to stay and play in their own backyards," explained Oucharek, adding that this came out of a tour with the CTA's brand development group.
The result was a resounding impression that local businesses deserved showcasing.
Stay tuned to cochrane-tourism.ca for details.
Ambassador Program
Back by popular demand is the Cochrane Ambassador Program.
Running through some 45 people last year, Suzanne Goyetche with the Visitor Centre explained that the focus this year is making residents town experts and tourist guides.
"We're finding people who have lived here for 20 years are saying 'I didn't know that'," adding that it's easy to take town knowledge for granted but that understanding the history that supports the town's western heritage flavour is what creates the buzz for people to come back again and again.
"You become a tourist in your own town," she laughed.
Cochranites are encouraged to sign up for one of the three informative, free sessions this spring that will run on April 17, May 1 and May 15. The sessions take place at the Visitor Centre downtown from 8:30 a.m.-10 a.m. Registration is required at [email protected] or 403-851-0933.
