The Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance is moving into its seventh L2L program year with several new features to build more awareness of the importance of small businesses.

“We are very excited about the additions to our Loyal 2 Local program,” said Mindy Meyers, Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance executive director. “I’m looking forward to seeing the positive impacts it brings to the community.”

The Loyal 2 Local recently kicked off its Love 2B Local blog that will provide resources such as shopping guides, event promotions, and information about things to do, places to eat, shop or stay, as well as services available.

The Love 2B Local blog posts will generate a monthly email to subscribers and social media posts, allowing them to promote on digital channels.

The Loyal 2 Local program is going into its seventh program year with new features for its members.

“We are really lucky to live in this beautiful area that has such a tight-knit community with amazing business owners,” said Meyers. “We are asking people to remember why we love it here and why we love to be local.”

A new custom “Google review” stand has been created for each program participant, along with Google cards to hand to customers and visitors.

“Patrons can scan the business’ QR code to leave a Google review,” Meyers said. “Another source to drive more online traffic.”

The committee has recently enhanced its business directory to provide the public with more information about its participating members.

“This allows everyone the chance to make an informed decision about where to shop, dine or receive services locally,” said Meyers.

Information on each business is gathered at the time of registration. As the program grows, it will allow them to offer a more useful directory, she noted.

For those businesses with a website, it will provide an inbound link to their page, and for those without, it will provide an online presence.

“We want to uplift everyone,” Meyer added. “It’s nice to have a community that supports each other.”

New door decals and stickers that indicate they are a member of L2L to customers will be provided.

“Instead of doing more yard signs, the committee wanted to provide something that would be a better tool for the smaller businesses,” Meyers said.

She noted yard signs are still available to those who have space.

Meyers explained the L2L campaign sends a strong message that supporting local businesses matters and is critical to the area’s economy.

“When we spend it here, it stays here,” she said. “These are the businesses that support our local festivals or events, and even sponsor Little League teams.”

Meyers believes that when you are associated with Loyal 2 Local, it sends a message that not only do you support the small businesses community, you support those people behind the businesses.

Another aspect she likes is that it’s not focused on just the downtown — it’s geared to the entire Dickinson County area including Niagara, Florence, etc. “We have a really robust business community in the whole Dickinson area, chances are if you need something, one of those people can get it for you,” she said.

The yearly membership fee is $250, which goes directly into the L2L brand marketing campaign. “They will receive all the benefits of all the L2L program has to offer,” Meyers said.

Along with seeing renewals come through, Meyers hopes to gather some new interest this year. “It’s a small investment for what you receive back,” she said.

Loyal 2 Local has planned to host several in-person summits that provide education opportunities to its members. Each year, about 100 participants take part in the program.

“When you are a member of Loyal 2 Local you are part of a community of like-minded small business owners,” Meyers said

The L2L program will sponsor this week’s Out to Lunch featuring Mark Young and the Happy Enchiladas. They will have a tent by the stage during the entertainment offering information as well as sign-up forms. The free concert is from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Thursday.

Meyers thanks the support of its Loyal 2 Local planning committee. “They are a very hands-on team, and look at social media every day,” she said. “They make sure the business gets what they sign up for.”

Committee members include Shana Thompson-Hegy, Danielson Insurance, chair; Kevin Hanson, Office Planning Group; Nicole Lutz, C.J. Graphics; Pete Tomassoni, Recreation Lanes; and Christie Lofholm, Edelweiss Coffee.

Loyal 2 Local is a program of the Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance Small Business Retention and Attraction Task Force.

To become a L2L member or for questions about the program go to Loyal2local.org or email l2ldickinson@gmail.com.

Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772 ext. 241 or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.