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Writer's pictureJessica Logan

How Positive Talk Can Transform Our Community: Lessons from the New York Sherpa

As a newcomer to the tourism industry, I’ve observed a common misconception about the role of a Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB). Many people in our community aren’t fully aware of the impact our efforts have on economic growth. I recently attended the Ohio Conference on Travel and heard from Josiah Brown, also known as “The New York Sherpa” a true expert in the tourism industry and the benefits it can bring to a city. His "Work, Live, Play" philosophy highlights how tourism and positive community messaging can have impacts on growth and success far beyond just bringing visitors into our region. His insights were truly eye-opening, emphasizing the importance of educating our community about the vital role we play in boosting our local economy.

Tourism is often seen as one single industry, but in reality, it impacts nearly every corner of a community. By attracting visitors, tourism boosts local businesses, creates jobs, and stimulates long term growth in our cities. If we want our community to thrive, we need to be our own best advocates. Here’s how tourism contributes to not only groups and visitors, but also economic development, job creation, and creating a space people love to call home.


Tourism as a Job Creator - How Tourism Drives Career Growth in All Industries


We have to remind ourselves that tourism doesn’t just boost local businesses, it also builds careers. Tourism driven economies create jobs in a wide range of fields, from event planning to marketing, from customer service to skilled trades. What’s important is that these jobs often don’t stay confined to tourism itself, they open up opportunities in industries like real estate, retail, healthcare, and even education.


Every new hotel or major event sparks a wave of job creation.  We’re not just adding front-desk staff and housekeepers. We’re talking about construction workers, engineers, graphic designers, caterers, delivery drivers and beyond. Speaking positively about our community’s strengths; whether it be a lively farmers market or an annual arts festival, this helps fuel this cycle of job creation.


From Visitors to Residents - How Tourism Fuels Lima's Long Term Growth


People often explore a city before deciding to move there. Our goal is to attract not just new residents, but also entrepreneurs eager to open small businesses and contribute to our community's growth. We want to create a place so vibrant and appealing that our younger generations, after finishing college, are excited to return, build careers, and start their families right here in Allen County. The more we invest in marketing Lima as a destination, the stronger and more dynamic our community becomes for the long term.


When we create a community that people want to visit, we're not just drawing tourists, we’re laying the groundwork for future residents, entrepreneurs, and leaders. A vibrant tourism scene sparks interest and investment, showing visitors that Lima is a place where opportunities abound. Whether it’s a weekend trip that turns into a business idea or a local college graduate who falls in love with the town’s potential, the more we build up our local attractions and amenities, the more likely we are to attract individuals ready to put down roots and contribute to our long-term success.


Creating a Welcoming Atmosphere for Visitors (and Locals!)


A thriving tourism industry enhances the quality of life for both visitors and locals. By investing in attractions, parks, cultural events, and local eateries, we create vibrant spaces and experiences that benefit everyone. These amenities make our community more enjoyable and foster a stronger sense of community pride.


The upgrades made for tourism often result in a better environment for everyone. New parks, improved infrastructure, and a lively calendar of events that benefit locals are the same improvements that draw in tourists making our own lives richer, offering us more opportunities to relax, connect, and engage right here at home.These aren’t just places for tourists to enjoy; they’re places where we, as residents, can also live, work, and play.


How Can You Help? The Power of Word of Mouth


If you love your town, why not tell others about it? Positive word of mouth is one of the most effective marketing tools we have. By sharing your favorite local spots or talking about what makes your community unique, you’re helping to bring in more visitors, and their dollars. When locals are proud, enthusiastic, and vocal about their community, it sparks curiosity from outsiders.


By talking up our town’s unique features, whether it's a beloved coffee shop or a scenic park, we’re laying the groundwork for more tourism and in turn, more economic opportunities for all. When we speak highly of where we live, we’re helping to attract the kind of interest that supports growth in every industry, not just tourism.


It's easy to get caught up in negativity, but if we want our community to thrive, we need to shift our focus. Instead of dwelling on our shortcomings, let's celebrate our strengths. Every community faces challenges, but ours has so much to offer. By highlighting our thriving local businesses, beautiful parks, exciting events, and welcoming atmosphere, we can shape a positive perception of our town and inspire others to discover its potential.Here are a few easy ways you can get involved:


  • Share Local Highlights: Whether on social media or in casual conversations, talk about what makes our town special. Whether it's your favorite walking trail, a great local bakery, or a cool annual festival, these are the things that attract visitors.

  • Support Local Events: When you attend local events, you’re helping create an atmosphere that visitors will want to experience. Show your pride in the community by participating.

  • Encourage Visitors to Share: When friends or family visit, encourage them to leave positive reviews, share photos, or talk about their experience. This kind of organic promotion helps spread the word to even more potential visitors.


Final Thoughts


The secret to boosting tourism and economic growth is simple: speak highly of our community. When we actively promote Lima/Allen County, we help build a vibrant, attractive destination that benefits everyone, from small business owners to families looking for new job opportunities. 


Visit Greater Lima’s mission is to market Lima/Allen County as a destination for ALL. With your help, there is nothing we cannot accomplish. There’s no time to waste, let’s start today! Take the initiative and make it your goal to do one thing a week to speak out about the amazing place we love to call home. The future of our community depends on it!

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