On this month's newsletter of "You Need to Know This":

• Tourism Chatter: new additions, investments & celebrations
• 2023 applications have opened for the Tourism Innovation Grant
• Attend a session on how to "Become Newcomer Ready"
• Plan to attend the Oxford Rural Entrepreneurs Networking Events
• How to: Build Inclusive Tourism
• Social Media Resources

• JTK Farms received the Oxford County Federation of Agriculture 2022 Family Farm Award. This award recognizes an OFA intergenerational family farm operation with a history of progressive achievements and community service. This family demonstrates incredible leadership and involvement in the community. Congratulations JTK!
• Fair & Square in downtown Woodstock is now offering Milky Way Farm produce in store. Be sure to check it out!
• Congratulations to Udderly Ridiculous on achieving their Rainbow Registered Certification!
• Woodstock Art Gallery made headlines this past week as they have been selected for the prestigious honour of presenting an art exhibition at the High Commission of Canada in the United Kingdom! Read the article here.

Do you have news to share? Email Emily

The Oxford County Tourism Innovation Grant is back for another year! Tourism Oxford has teamed up with Community Futures Oxford and Rural Oxford Economic Development to award three grants of $3,000 to local businesses that will develop or expand tourism experiences in Oxford County in 2023.

With growing interest in domestic travel destinations, it is important to offer exciting and innovative visitor experiences to motivate longer stays and increase year-round visits. The Oxford County Tourism Innovation Grant encourages businesses to consider growing revenue through tourism.

Businesses that meet the eligibility criteria are invited to apply for the Oxford County Tourism Innovation Grant by March 1, 2023. 

To inspire your application, read about our 2022 grant recipients here.

There is an information session happening tomorrow - January 31st at 6pm via Zoom.

The Newcomer Talent Retention Network (NTRN) is a new program that equips employers to take advantage of immigrant talent needed to sustain our economy and workforce.

Through an online needs assessment, your company will receive recommendations to support retention of newcomers in your workplace and will be connected to NTRN experts who will help you to develop personalized action plans, making your company Newcomer Ready in just 6 months!

To learn more about the project, what it means to be Newcomer Ready, and how to access expertise at no cost, register for their information session on:

Tue, February 7, 2023, 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM EST

Join Rural Oxford for 5 networking events that they are hosting this year at some wonderful Rural Oxford businesses. Get to know the Rural Oxford Economic Development team and their broad range of services and resources to help you grow in Rural Oxford; or connect with other businesses in the area to create relationships and partnerships within the community!

Terra Nova Nordic Spa & Cafe

April 25th, 2023 @ 6:00pm - 8:00 pm

Touchstone Farm

May 25th, 2023 @ 6:00pm - 8:00 pm

Rombouts Pottery & Flowers

June 20th, 2023 @ 6:00pm - 8:00 pm

Makkink's Flower Farm

July 20th, 2023 @ 6:00pm - 8:00 pm

Thames River Melons

August 15th, 2023 @ 6:00pm - 8:00 pm

TIAO has been working to have resources, presentations and webinars for tourism operators on all things inclusive tourism. They have hosted sessions on:

• LGBT+ Overview and Case Study
• DEI 101
• Better Business Discovery Process
• Job Vacancies? Consider the Disability Talent Pool
• and more!

To check out the recorded webinars or presentations, click the button below.

Ontario’s Rural Economic Development (RED) program provides cost-share funding to support activities that create strong rural communities in Ontario, and opens doors to rural economic development.

Who is Eligible:

• a municipality
• a not-for-profit entity
• an Ontario Indigenous community or organization
• a Local Services Board

Several project types are listed and it does include rehabilitation of cultural, heritage or tourism attractions.

Applications are being accepted until February 23, 2023.

Social Media Crash Course Resources

Make the Most out of Social

Destination Canada's guide to making the most of social media is filled with tips for for Small and Medium-Sized Tourism Businesses on best practices, what makes a good image or video and information on their programs! Get the Guide here.

Marketing Trends to Pay Attention To:

Let's be honest - there's always a new trend to keep up on, but some can be key drivers to boost your business. Check out Shopify's article on 10 Marketing Trends to Boost Your Business in 2023 like:

• Videos will be kept short
• Storytelling will become more visual
• Blogs are here to stay
• ...and more!

How often should you post on Instagram?!

Later.com answers this question and more for you - their article talks about posting frequency, consistency, reach & engagement and TRULY how often you should be making posts. Check out the article here.

• Feedback wanted: Tourism Application and Criteria - View Here
• Working Together (partnerships & collaboration) - Previous Newsletter
• Help us talk about you, annual tourism conference, digital grant, and more
• Check out our Resources Page for some valuable information - Learn more here

• Tourism Industry Association of Ontario - Sign Up
• Ontario's Southwest Industry Newsletter - Sign Up

Your cheerleaders in Tourism,

Emily, Karlee & Meredith

Tourism Oxford | 519-539-9800 x3355 | tourism@oxfordcounty.ca |

Consumer website: www.tourismoxford.ca

Industry website: www.oxfordcounty.ca/business-in-oxford/tourism

STAY CONNECTED WITH US