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‘We all love Wauconda so much’: How Wauconda is trying to attract visitors, nurture business and raise its profile

Wauconda isn’t called out by name but you may recognize Bangs Lake or local businesses in television spots urging visitors to see what Lake County offers.

Phil’s Beach, Lindy’s Landing Slyce Coal-Fired Pizza, Hometown Gifts, Threads Boutique and Main Street scenes were among the images a Visit Lake County production crew captured recently while in town.

The nonprofit agency promotes Lake County as a destination to draw visitors and overnight stays. Two primary commercials in the “Road Trips” campaign will run throughout the Chicago area on the local television stations, social media and on Visit Lake County’s YouTube channel.

In May, Wauconda joined the long-standing organization as part of a push to raise visibility and attract interest.

“We have several initiatives,” said Village Administrator Allison Matson. “One is joining Visit Lake County.”

A new website, visitwauconda.com was created and launched July 2 as a gateway for visitors and residents to events, local businesses, shopping, dining and other information.

There may be general awareness of some of the attractions in or around the village but they haven’t been available in a single location to browse, said Matson.

Phil’s Beach is among the Wauconda scenes in Visit Lake County’s “Road Trips” summer marketing campaign airing on local television. The village recently joined the organization and also launched a new website to attract visitors and help local business. Courtesy of Visit Lake County

The new site puts all the amenities in one spot, she added.

“We all love Wauconda so much. The more we put out there the better,” said Stacy Chambers, a Wauconda resident who was hired to design the site.

On July 25, the village will be spotlighted on WGN radio’s “Your Hometown,” a monthly program that runs throughout the day and is featured on its website.

The village also will be partnering with an Instagram influencer to promote the community.

A bartender at SLYCE pizza is among the Wauconda images filmed in Visit Lake County’s summer “Road Trips” marketing campaign running on local television. Courtesy of Visit Lake County

Matson said nurturing business is part of the village’s strategic plan. A community survey showed residents wanted more promotion of the downtown and Route 176 area, she added.

“One of the most prominent things we got back was people wanted (the village) to take a more aggressive stance on economic development,” according to Matson.

Joining Visit Lake County is expected to be a good bang for the buck. Basic services, listings, inclusion on targeted social media and blogs and seasonal campaigns, for example, are included in a flat annual fee. Wauconda’s introductory rate was $7,000, Matson said.

“We have been in communication with the village for several years, recognizing that the natural attractions like Bangs Lake and Lakewood Forest Preserve, a lively downtown, nightlife and their active events all make a great destination for visitors and locals alike,” said John Maguire, senior director of community engagement.

He said becoming more visible in the region helps draw shoppers and diners and enhances a community’s image to attract businesses, new residents and outside investment. As a community partner, Wauconda has access to professional media production and coverage, affiliation with the Illinois Office of Tourism and collaboration opportunities throughout the year, according to Maguire.

Thread's Boutique on Main Street is one of the Wauconda businesses appearing in Visit Lake County’s summer “Road Trips” marketing campaign. The village recently joined the organization and also launched a new website in an effort to attract visitors and help local businesses. Courtesy of Visit Lake County
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