Tag Archives: News and Press
I know, I know – it’s been a long time since we’ve posted on the CIK Marketing blog. And for that, I’m sorry. BUT I promise we have a good excuse!
Over the past few weeks CIK Marketing has been involved in a number of local projects, and now that Ashley the Intern is back at school (we miss you Ashley!) and our new writer, or should I say writers (more on that to come soon!) are just starting to get settled in, we’ve fallen a little behind on our own tasks.
Things should be back to normal next week, at which time you can anticipate even more great posts about online marketing tips and techniques.
Until then, I’d like to take a moment to talk about some of the things CIK has been involved with over the last little while.
IgniteCK
If you’ve never heard of Ignite talks, get ready – ’cause we’re about to set Chatham-Kent on fire with cool ideas and entertaining proposals! A high-energy evening of five-minute talks, Ignite is an exciting event designed to get people thinking, talking, and innovating. CIK Marketing has been lucky enough to help sit on the steering committee for this exciting event, which we finally announced to the public today! Details are as follows:
- Where: The Retro Suites in Downtown Chatham
- When: Thursday, October 13 – doors open at 6pm
- Cost: Nada, zilch, zip, nothing!
- Who: Anyone who has a bright idea to share, or who is interested in learning about exciting things that are happening in Chatham-Kent
IgniteCK will be accepting speaker proposals until September 19th, so hurry up and get your idea in! For more information visit www.ignitechathamkent.ca. You can also help us stoke the fire by sharing our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ignitechathamkent.
The United Way of Chatham-Kent 2011 Campaign
CIK Marketing’s founder, Chantielle Kennedy, has also been invited to sit on this year’s United Way fundraising cabinet in order to help strengthen the organization’s use of social media and the Web. Just last week we helped the United Way set up their official Facebook page, and there are plans to incorporate more useful online tools in the coming months.
This year’s goal was announced on Saturday, and it’s an impressive $2 million. CIK encourages everyone to do their part to help this local organization. In fact, why not purchase a Shop Local CK card to show your support? Not only will you receive great discounts at local merchants, but we’ve pledged to donate $1 from the purchase of every card to the 2011 United Way campaign.
So again, sorry we’ve been neglecting you – hopefully your September is shaping up to be as eventful as ours!
Local Rewards Program Now Free For Businesses to Participate
Based on the feedback of local business owners and consumers, Shop Local CK has announced multiple improvements to their municipality-wide loyalty program, the most significant of which involves eliminating the business membership fee. As of June 21, locally-owned and locally-operated businesses are invited to participate in the program completely free of charge.
“When we began the Shop Local CK program, we knew it was a big undertaking, and one that would require tweaking and changing in order to provide the best benefits to participating businesses and local consumers,” explains Shop Local CK founder, Chantielle Kennedy. Changes to the program include:
1. Free Business Enrolment
The only requirements for business participation is:
- They must be located in Chatham-Kent.
- They must honour their discount for one full year from the date they join the program.
2. One Discount Level Instead of Three
- Reducing the number of loyalty levels from three to one will help streamline the program and eliminate any confusion.
- Businesses now only need to offer one discount in order to participate in the program.
- Businesses are still encouraged to set their own discount based on their unique profit margins and product offering.
3. New Pricing
Shop Local CK Consumer Membership Cards will now be sold for $25 (plus applicable taxes) regardless of their colour.
Cards that were sold at the original price are still valid. If you purchased a Shop Local CK Blue Card for the original price of $39.99 and would like a refund for the difference in price, please send an email to info@shoplocalck.com. Proof of purchase date is required in order to receive your refund. If you purchased a Shop Local CK Red Card for the original price of $19.99 congratulations on scoring a great deal!
“The way Shop Local CK was laid out originally was ambitious. These changes are designed to streamline the program and make it easier for businesses and consumers to participate,” says Kennedy.
Businesses and consumers can learn more about the Shop Local CK program changes on the official Shop Local CK website. “The point of this program is to help encourage local commerce. We’re confident that these improvements will go a long way to reaching this goal and providing longterm economic benefits to the community.”
Looking to have a barking good time this weekend? Then grab your four-legged friend and head to Mud Creek Park in Chatham for the OSPCA Friends for Life fundraiser walk-a-thon on Sunday, May 29th! CIK is proud to be an event sponsor for the second year in a row.
The Kent County Branch OSPCA Friends for Life walk-a-thon is the largest single fundraiser staged by the local not-for-profit organization. Designed to raise money and awareness for the local animal shelter, the Friends for Life walk-a-thon is a family-friendly event. This year, CIK Marketing will be participating in the walk as well as handing out free doggy bandanas to every participating pooch. Walkers can purchase additional bandanas for their animal companions for a small donation. Don’t have a dog, but still want to support the OSPCA? CIK will also be selling jumbo handmade catnip mice with all money to be donated back to the shelter.
If you’re interested in participating in the walk, the registration gets started at 10 a.m. Clowns, face painters and a vet tech will be on hand to entertain and educate walkers. If you’d like to make a donation to the CIK Marketing team please visit our Team Page. Pepper the CIK Office Dog (a rescue from the Kent County shelter) will be walking on behalf of the team along with fellow shelter rescue dog, Honey (both are pictured above).
We’re just about half-way to our fundraising goal of $500. All donations are appreciated, however donations of $20 and more are granted a tax receipt.
Thanks to all of our sponsors and to all of the walkers. Don’t forget to drop by the CIK Marketing table to grab your free doggy bandana and have your picture taken by the Puppy Paparazzi (aka, Ashley the CIK Intern).
