More than 1,000 video views and social media engagements per day during the first week of the #SWFLchallenge has resulted in the launch of a companion website at www.swflchallenge.com.  The website features video and a live feed of Twitter and Instagram posts that use the hashtag as well as a listing of upcoming events related to the #SWFLchallenge. Website services were donated by iPartnerMedia in Bonita Springs.

swflchallengeThree events have been scheduled to inspire residents and visitors to patronize restaurants, shops and attractions in specific areas of Southwest Florida. The first event is September 1-3 encouraging people stay, play, dine and shop on Sanibel and Captiva islands. The second event is September 8-9 in the Fort Myers Beach area and the third event is September 15-16 in Naples. Businesses wanting to announce special discounts may submit them by email to info@ipartnermedia.com.

On August 17 a consortium of marketing and public relations professionals in Southwest Florida launched an effort to use their personal social media accounts to share positive aspects of our region in response to the devastating water quality issues. The group includes employees from CONRIC PR & Marketing, iPartnerMedia, M&M Multimedia, Priority Marketing, Pushing the Envelope, SEO Mechanic, Testimonial Tree, TLC Marketing & Creative Services and Veer90. Since then, chambers of commerce, hotels, restaurants and other organizations have also embraced the campaign.

“What’s happening with our waterways and marine life is heartbreaking and must not be ignored,” said Albert Arguelles who started the #SWFLchallenge. “However, many businesses are hurting and we want to remind people that there are still a lot of positive things about our region to be appreciative of and to showcase Southwest Florida in a positive light using the hashtag.”