County launches Keep Sussex Strong

As Phase 1 of Delaware's economic reopening plan begins Monday,  June 1, Sussex County is launching Keep Sussex Strong, an advertising campaign that recognizes Southern Delaware’s diverse economy and encourages residents to spend their money locally.

Beginning May 28, the county is running three 30-second television spots on local TV  as well as on local cable systems and social media. Titled “Keep Sussex Strong – Locals Buying Locally Matters,” the Sussex County Economic Development Office funded the project in partnership with Southern Delaware Tourism and Sussex County Council. Sussex Economic Development Director Bill Pfaff said the goal is to foster support and showcase small businesses in the county.

“These past few weeks and months have been tough on all of us, but especially our small businesses,” Pfaff said. “These are our family, friends, and neighbors, whose livelihoods depend on our patronage each and every day. As the summer season begins – for many, the highest sales point in the year – they need our support more than ever. That’s why we want to stress locals buying locally matters.”

“He said  big boxes and corporations will survive. “But it’s small businesses that reflect our communities, and we can’t risk losing them,” he said.

“All of us need to pull together to support them now as best we can,” Pfaff said. “In light of COVID-19, we, particularly at the government level, have to do what we can to keep businesses open, to keep jobs in our community and to keep our economy rolling.”

“Local, small businesses in the county contribute so much to making Southern Delaware a desirable destination for visitors and home for those who live here,” said Scott Thomas, executive director of Southern Delaware Tourism. “We are proud to join Sussex County Economic Development in this collaborative effort.”

The campaign, produced by W Films of Lewes, showcases iconic landscapes from small towns and farmlands, beaches and coastal areas and many of the county’s small businesses at work. Business owners who appear in the promotional spots include Hillary Brock, Nest Spa & Boutique, Milton; Nate Underwood, Pedal Works Cyclery, Delmar; Bill Clifton, Counting House Restaurant, Georgetown; Nick Griseto, James Thompson & Co., Inc. Greenwood; Jane Houtman, Antique Alley of Bridgeville; Marcia Iacono-Hazzard, Pet Bow-Tique Grooming Salon, Georgetown; Drexel Davison, Bad Hair Day, Rehoboth Beach; Howard Greene, Seaford Music Education Institute, Seaford; Amy Hughes, Lord’s Landscaping, Millville; Joanne Howe, Clayton Theatre, Dagsboro; Lori Smith, Tidepool Toys & Games, Bethany Beach; Warren Reid, Solid Image, Inc. Laurel; Michiko Seto, Blooming Boutique, Lewes; and Sandy Smyth, Kids Ketch, Lewes.

For more information about the campaign, go to excitesussex.com/keep-sussex-strong or call (302) 855-7770.