Brunswick’s economic development commission is strengthening its efforts to use local outdoor destinations in marketing the town.

The campaign will highlight that the downtown area is close to the C&O Canal National Historical Park, the Appalachian Trail and the Potomac River.

On Wednesday, the commission held a special public meeting to announce its plan to launch a marketing campaign to brand the city as a destination for people who love being outdoors.

The commission wants to create a downtown filled with outdoor-themed restaurants, shops and other businesses to attract tourists.

The outdoor theme is a result of surveys and focus groups of residents. People who participated in the study said rivers, hills, baseball, outdoor opportunities and a small-town feel are identifying features of the city.

Brunswick’s downtown, anchored by Potomac Street, has more than 17,000 square feet of commercial lease space, according to the city.

To attract new businesses, the commission will use the city’s newly acquired status as an enterprise zone as a pitch. The state-designated enterprise zone offers tax incentives to businesses that locate there or for businesses that hire new employees. Brunswick’s is one of about 30 enterprise zones across the state.

Brunswick’s zone is approximately 1,300 acres, including the Brunswick Main Street District, the business transitional district, and the commercial and industrial properties along Petersville and Souder roads.

The marketing campaign is part of a larger effort to bring development to the city. Brunswick’s fiscal 2017 budget includes $252,500 for economic development, more than double the previous year. Around $30,000 is dedicated to the marketing campaign.

On Friday, the city unveiled a new, more user-friendly website. It has a visitors tab with things to do around Brunswick, and with links to current maps, census data and demographics for businesses that might consider coming to Brunswick.

Wednesday’s meeting was an opportunity for the public to offer ideas for the campaign. It included people from Brunswick Main Street, the Brunswick Heritage Museum, business owners and residents.

Allison Wilder, the commission chair, who led the meeting, told the audience that Brunswick is great for both residents and outsiders. She wants to let others know about it.

“There’s so much we have to be proud of here in Brunswick,” she said. “Let’s let others see what we have to offer.”

Suggestions from the audience included hosting marathons, bike races, and outdoor festivals that may have a regional appeal.

One person suggested speaking with the National Park Service about placing advertising signs along Brunswick’s part of the C&O Canal National Historical Park that would direct people toward downtown.

Louisa Zimmerman-Roberts, a resident, suggested creating a cartoon animal, such as a beaver or muskrat, to market Brunswick to children.

“It’s just an idea,” she said. “But there are a lot of children that come out here. It could appeal to them.”

The campaign is in its early stages. The commission’s hope is to begin a more concerted effort within a few months.

Commission members have consulted with marketing firm Jean Peterson Design, of Frederick, on effective strategies, and may hire it to develop a long-term plan.

Some ideas the firm suggested included creating a strong social media presence, newspaper and magazine advertisements, and a focused central theme.

In 2012, the commission developed a new logo and tagline, which will be a centerpiece of the campaign. The logo includes a train passing through high hills and trees along the Potomac River. The tagline, “Big Town, Small City,” is meant to represent the small-town feel of the city mixed with the public amenities of a city.

Some of Brunswick’s downtown businesses already have an outdoorsy, rustic theme.

Smoketown Brewing Station, at 223 W. Potomac St., is housed in an old, red-brick former fire station. It offers housemade beer selections in samples, full pints and growlers.

Beans in the Belfry, at 122 W. Potomac St., is a cafe in a century-old, restored church.

Wilder said the goal is to continue filling the empty commercial space throughout downtown.

Abbie Rickets is the owner of Brunswick Hardware and Sporting Goods, at 302 W. Potomac St. She said her store sells fishing and hunting gear to people passing through on their way to fish in the Potomac River.

She said she’d love to see more customers.

“Obviously, it would help,” she said. “I think it would help all of us.”

  • By MIKE PERSLEY mpersley@newspost.com