Orillia’s Richard Smith has won a trip is to Mexico — just for taking the time to shop locally.
In a fun new initiative, the Downtown Orillia Management Board gave away a trip for two to the Mayan Riviera, just for shopping downtown Orillia.
Manager of the Board, Lisa Thompson-Roop explains they sent out 18 thousand ballots to win the All Inclusive trip and all shoppers had to do was drop it off at one of 150 stores in the downtown core.
Some 3000 ballots were completed and brought in.
Richard Smith’s name was drawn on Wednesday January 5th by Orillia Mayor Angelo Orsi and Smith has decided to give the trip to one of his relatives.
Roop calls the contest a win win situation — it brought in business to the downtown core and gave someone a great Christmas present.
The initiative stemmed from low shopping numbers back in November and was a joint effort of the outgoing board of directors and the incoming board.
Just 2 of 8 members are returning to their seats with the Board, which will hold their first official meeting as a group on the 19th.
The new board will have a look at a number of new initiatives to consider when they meet as a group, projects that Roop hopes will continue to drive locals to local shops.
Roop reveals we can expect to see a number of promotions aimed at driving business downtown.
