Shipping Sioux Falls in a box: Popular campaign for visitors returns for another season
March 17, 2023
This paid piece is sponsored by Experience Sioux Falls.
It’s no secret that everyone loves products that are made locally by small businesses. And last year, nearly 250 people around the country received a box full of products that are sourced from the Sioux Falls area. These products ranged from hot sauce and honey to handmade art and more.
This was all part of a campaign from Experience Sioux Falls called Sioux Falls Sourced. If you didn’t win last year, then you’re getting another shot because Sioux Falls Sourced is back for another year, featuring new products!
“It all started after being inspired by subscription box brands such as FabFitFun, The Bouqs Co. and AllTrue, and we thought, how can we take this idea and spin it to give people a sampling of products from Sioux Falls and ultimately book a trip to Sioux Falls,” said Krista Orsack, director of marketing for Experience Sioux Falls.
“This idea actually began to develop into public relations with many of the small businesses in and around Sioux Falls who maybe didn’t know what we did as a destination marketing organization and was also a way to lift up our small-business community.”
The Experience Sioux Falls team began to seek out local product producers and artists to include and define the campaign strategy to achieve its goals of collecting consumer and business audience leads to remarket and sell to. Each quarter of the year, 50 boxes will be mailed to people who signed up to win.
“These boxes were sent to people all over the country, including many who have never even been to Sioux Falls or South Dakota” said Teri Schmidt, CEO of Experience Sioux Falls.
“Sure, we don’t expect them all to come to Sioux Falls, but if we can send them information about why this city is great and include some local products for them to enjoy, we will at least have planted the seed as a possible travel destination that they may have never considered before. Plus, the word-of-mouth marketing we received is something you can’t buy.”
Last year’s campaign proved to be very successful, generating over 26,000 leads, and it also won the Southeast Tourism Innovation Award at the Southeast South Dakota Tourism Association’s annual meeting.
The new phase of Sioux Falls Sourced officially launched a few weeks ago, and the response so far has been great.
A total of 14 local makers and businesses will be featured over the course of the campaign. The registration period for the Spring Box is open through the end of April, and this box includes:
- Fire Pucks from The Casual Campfire Supply Co.
- Lemon Rosemary Soy Candle from Sweet Cream Candle Co.
- Blueberry Muffin Mix from Gluten Free Please.
- Sioux Falls-themed fine art greeting card from artist Rodger Ellingson.
- Lemongrass Lovely Seasonal Bundle from Sweetgrass Soapery.
- Black Bean & Corn Salsa from Inca.
- Signature Spice Packet and Apricot Ginger Tea Packet from The Spice & Tea Exchange.
