Learn more about tourism strategy at an open house

The public will have another opportunity to learn more about the direction of Blaine’s tourism marketing efforts.

On Tuesday, March 19 there will be an open house to provide planning, branding and strategy updates to the public and local business owners.

The open house will run from 2–8 p.m. and will feature presentations by BounceBox SPC, a communication design and branding studio based in Enumclaw and Seattle. The city of Blaine has retained BounceBox to help come up with ideas to promote Blaine as a tourism destination.

The open house will be held at the Blaine Welcome Center, 546 Peace Portal Drive.

“This is the second time that we are providing an opportunity for the public and businesses to see the direction of what we’re looking at for the tourism plan,” said Debbie Harger, community and tourism development coordinator with the city of Blaine.

Presentations will be given throughout the afternoon and evening, and refreshments will also be served.

“This gives a broad time period when people or business owners can come in so they have the opportunity to learn more about what the plan is, and what the branding and concepts are,” said Harger.

Many of BounceBox’s ideas focus on Blaine’s distinct advantage of being by the sea. These ideas highlight Blaine’s two marinas and fishing fleet, its position as the northernmost U.S. mainland city on the Salish Sea, its canning heritage and the successful restoration of Drayton Harbor.

As part of its work, the firm will help the city create a new website, blainebythesea.com, which would be separate from and have different goals than the city of Blaine’s official website.