Facebook and Social Media Influencing Economic Development
Over the past several years, Facebook has grown to be much more than just a place to meet-up with old friends and gain new ones. Rather, Facebook has become a place for people and communities to band together to influence major corporations. Recently, a group of Claremore residents created the Facebook page: “Bring a Chick-Fil-A to Claremore, OK”. This page was started around the middle of January and already has over 2,500 fans. Who knows, if Claremore gets enough people behind this movement, this could be the next big factor in helping to achieve Economic growth.
A few other examples of communities joining together for a cause in our area is the group “Petition to bring a Trader Joes to Tulsa” (3,200 fans) and “Petition to get a Whole Foods Market in Oklahoma City” (8,400 fans). Each person on Facebook has their own personal profile, so this is a good way of getting public opinions about certain wants and needs of a community.
A few advantages of using Social Media to Influence Economic Development:
- It reaches many people where they are – online.
- Provides a visual/influential approach that moves people toward joining a cause.
- Creates a bond within communities and integrates support for that movement and other potential movements.
Let us know what you think about “Bringing a Chick-Fil-A to Claremore, OK”. This could be a new way of drawing businesses into our community.
For more information on Claremore’s Economic Development visit http://www.claremoreusa.com