The Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board has launched Make It Main Street, a robust campaign that puts the spotlight on small, local businesses impacted by COVID-19.

With the tagline, “Made Strong in Montco,” the project speaks to the fact that Montco was one of the hardest hit areas in the state by the pandemic, and that the ripple effects hurt a lot of people.

Tourism is normally a key economic driver for Montgomery County, contributing $1.65 billion in positive impact, and more than 20,000 jobs.

This industry stimulates and benefits many businesses, towns, and communities right here in the third largest county in the Commonwealth.

However, while the tourism industry has been bent, it’s certainly not broken, and that tagline also signifies the strength and resiliency of these small, local businesses to endure hardship, and overcome adversity.

“Small, local businesses are the heart of the tourism and hospitality industry,” said Justine Garbarino, Director of Business Development. “This is about breathing life back into these places and entrepreneurs, investing in people, and supporting families.”

The VFTCB has partnered with Montgomery County and the Commerce Department on the $300,000 project, which is being funding by the county through CARES Act monies, and will continue through the first quarter of 2021.

The initiative highlights unique visitor experiences throughout the suburban county’s hundreds of local, family-owned businesses across dozens of small, quaint downtowns, and beyond.

The goal of the effort is to help the once vigorous hospitality industry bounce back by inspiring consumer behavior, invigorating economic recovery for a strong impact that benefits the entire region, driving results for tourism entities, and stimulating jobs.

“When we choose to shop local, we support a friend, a neighbor, and our community as a whole,” said David Zellers, Jr., Director of Commerce.

Learn more about the VFTCB’s Make It Main Street campaign here.