Local leaders celebrate successful Love, Lewes campaign
Local leaders came together May 4 in Canalfront Park to celebrate the success of the Love, Lewes campaign.
Created last summer, the campaigned aimed to jump-start the Lewes economy after the COVID-19 shutdown in the spring. The goal was to announce that Lewes was open for business and following all necessary protocols to ensure a safe experience. Promoters used television commercials, print marketing, and posters and banners displayed throughout the city to get the word out.
“It was a raging success,” said Mayor Ted Becker. “It really made people feel secure about coming downtown. Lewes is filled with small businesses, and I’m pleased to say all of our businesses survived. I think Love, Lewes was a big reason why. The businesses came together and worked as a team to market Lewes as a unique community where people could feel secure.”
The small May 4 celebration was hosted by FerryVision, which produces content to be played in the Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminals and on each boat. FerryVision presented Love, Lewes posters signed by artist Kayla Campbell to all major partners, including Becker, Lewes Chamber of Commerce, Dr. David Tam of Beebe Healthcare, WRDE, Cape May-Lewes Ferry and Blooming Boutique owner Michiko Seto.
“The city, chamber and small businesses really worked as a group,” Seto said. “I think it really is why we all survived in downtown Lewes.”
She also highlighted the importance of the hospitality ambassador program led by Murt Foos. Ambassadors strolled the downtown area throughout the summer to educate the public about the city’s rules on masks, social distancing and other measures to provide a safe experience.
