The Peoria Area Convention and Visitors Bureau is launching a new campaign to highlight Black-owned businesses in central Illinois.
The Black-Owned Peoria Project boosts the marketing presence of 21 local Black-owned businesses in the tourism or hospitality industries.
PACVB President and CEO JD Dalfonso said that's vital.
"Word-of-mouth is the most-utilized marketing tool and advertising tool for many Black-owned businesses," said Dalfonso. "As great as that is, it only has so much reach. So, we get to showcase what our efforts do at the convention and visitors bureau -- Discover Peoria -- to help them at an even larger scale."
Sshundra Parker opened Uniquee Tees in Campustown on W. Main St. about a year ago. She said the new campaign is much-needed support.
"It's not enough, word-of-mouth," Parker said. "We need other agencies to step up and support us. Historically, and even in present times, Black-owned businesses have had an uphill battle. We've had to work that much harder than our white counterpart businesses just so we can be as successful as them."
The Black-Owned Peoria Project can be found on the Discover Peoria website.
Dalfonso said there are plans to similarly work with and highlight Latinx and Indian-owned businesses in the future.
There's no subscription fee to listen or read our stories. Everyone can access this essential public service thanks to community support. Donate now, and help fund your public media.
Copyright 2021 WCBU. To see more, visit WCBU. 9(MDIwMjIxMDA0MDE0Mzk4NDIzNjA0OGQ5Yg001))