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Southern Ocean Chamber Marks 15 Years Since Putting Local Businesses on the Map

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Southern Ocean Chamber Marks 15 Years Since Putting Local Businesses on the Map

Chamber News

A look back at the campaign that put the region on Google Maps

Fifteen years has passed since the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce partnered with Google as the regional champion for Let's Put It on The Map campaign that ran from 2011-2017. Recognizing early on that consumers were changing how they discover and choose businesses, the Southern Ocean Chamber introduced initiatives designed to help business owners understand the growing importance of digital mapping technology. What began as an educational effort evolved into a comprehensive, hands-on program that connected hundreds of local businesses with the tools needed to be found by customers searching online. The campaign was launched as mobile search and location-based technology were becoming critical tools for consumers. Since Google Maps debuted, it has transformed the way people find restaurants, shops, service providers, and attractions. The Southern Ocean County Chamber recognized that businesses not appearing accurately on digital maps risked being overlooked by potential customers.

To address this challenge, the Chamber organized events throughout the region, educating business owners about emerging technologies and demonstrating how online visibility could lead to increased website traffic, phone calls, customer engagement, and in-person visits. These programs highlighted not only the importance of being listed online but also how maintaining accurate information, photos, business hours, and customer reviews could significantly impact consumer decisions. Through a series of free workshops, pop-ups, and personalized assistance sessions, business owners were given the opportunity to create, verify, and enhance their Google Business Profiles and Google Maps listings. Rather than simply providing instructions, the Chamber's staff offered real-time, on-site support where business owners could drop in and receive one-on-one assistance navigating the evolving digital landscape. 

The Chamber's outreach extended through features on their LBI Region Report Radio Show, social media campaigns, networking events, and promotional materials. The message remained consistent: businesses need to be where customers are searching. As the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce rounds out its 112th year of service, programs such as helping businesses get "on the map" demonstrates how a community-focused organization can empower local businesses and raise awareness of what is coming next.


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