About Discover Columbus First

What is Discover Columbus First?
DCF is a regional marketing campaign that targets residents in Brunswick, Horry and New Hanover counties.

Why Discover Columbus First?
Every dollar spent at a local business will return 3 to 5 times that amount to our community through employee wages, sales taxes, property taxes, and purchase of supplies at other local businesses. This campaign will promote economic stability, job growth and entrepreneurial vigor by nurturing and promoting a wide diversity of locally owned businesses in our County.

How the Campaign Works

1) Simply Join the Campaign.

2) A listing will be created for your business in our Local Business Directory.

3) Throughout the campaign you will receive promotional materials like posters, window decals and bag stuffers. As a campaign participant you will also be able to show your support by including the DCF logo in your advertising or as part of your email signature. You can download logos here.

4) Discover Columbus First ads will be targeted to citizens in surrounding counties (particularly Brunswick, Horry and New Hanover counties).

5) Ads will:

• feature participating businesses when possible
• list benefits of experiencing life in Columbus County
• present a call to action to visit discovercolumbusfirst.com
• run consistently throughout the year as well as the holidays

6) DiscoverColumbusFirst.com will:

• provide detailed information about your business to website visitors
• link directly to your business website or email
• encourage users to signup for a monthly newsletter where your business can provide discounts or advertise your upcoming event
• reinforce the campaign messaging

How does DCF benefit Columbus County

• More money coming into our local economy from surrounding counties
• Reduction of money that leaves our county
• Increased job growth
• Healthier economy that encourages new business growth
• Increased sales and property tax base

How does DCF directly benefit my business or organization?

• Your business or organization will be a part of a cooperative regional advertising campaign
• Your business can be featured in the campaign’s print ads
• You will have a detailed listing on discovercolumbusfirst.com
• You can have banner ads on discovercolumbusfirst.com

What are the different participation levels?

Visionary – $5,000/yr. (only $416/month)

• Home page sponsor of website
• Larger display ad in campaign advertising
• Listing on discovercolumbusfirst.com
• Use of Discover Columbus First logos in advertising
• Receive Discover Columbus First decals and promo materials

Benefactor – $2,500/yr. (only $208/month)

• Medium display ad in campaign advertising
• Large banner ad on campaign website
• Listing on discovercolumbusfirst.com
• Use of Discover Columbus First logos in advertising
• Receive Discover Columbus First decals and promo materials

Founder – $1,000/yr. (only $83/month)

• Small display ad in campaign advertising
• Listing on discovercolumbusfirst.com
• Small banner ad on campaign website
• Use of Discover Columbus First logos in advertising
• Receive Discover Columbus First decals and promo materials

Promoter – $500/yr.

• Medium listing in campaign advertising
• Listing on discovercolumbusfirst.com website
• Use of Discover Columbus First logos in advertising
• Receive Discover Columbus First decals and promo materials

Enthusiast – $300/yr.

• Small listing in campaign advertising
• Listing on discovercolumbusfirst.com
• Use of Discover Columbus First logos in advertising
• Receive Discover Columbus First decals and promo materials

Basic – $120/yr. (one time payment)

• Listing on discovercolumbusfirst.com
• Use of Discover Columbus First logos in advertising
• Receive Discover Columbus First decals and promo materials

Join the Campaign

We all have a vested interest in having a strong Columbus County economy. We’ve raised over $40,000 which brings us half way to our goal of $100,000 for the campaign. Do your part and join the campaign today.