HUNTERDON COUNTY, NJ – Hunterdon County Director for the Department of Economic Development and Tourism Marc Saluk recently provided the Commissioner Board with an update about recent social media ventures currently being done to further promote the County’s Explore Hunterdon tourism initiative.
The Board update included a short preview of a newly released video featuring celebrity Chef Aaron McCargo, on a tour of the county’s farms and restaurants, highlighting agritourism and Hunterdon’s exceptional local farm totable ecosystem.
Deputy Director Susan Soloway accompanied Chef McCargo on the day of the tour and said, “We want to show the world the strength of Hunterdon’s agritourism and agricultural sector. Partnerships such as this with Chef McCargo can really help us invite people to experience the tastes of The Other Side of Jersey.”
TV host, entrepreneur, and culinary products expert, Chef Aaron McCargo Jr., is known for winning Food Network’s Next Food Network Star, his six (6) seasons hosting his own TV show, “Big Daddy’s House”, along with acting as a chef consultant and culinary products expert and host on Bar Rescue and QVC.
Saluk also shared video footage of social media influencer, Hunter Hulbert as he explored restaurants and shops along Main Street in High Bridge. To date, Hulbert’s influencer reel has generated 108,000 views, 4400+ likes, 3200+ shares, and 2500+ saves on Instagram alone. Additional influencers are also exploring Milford, and other areas throughout the county.
“We’re excited for Hunterdon residents to see this video and the social media footage being put out by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism. It represents a vital force in modern marketing, and it is a great way for people to rediscover the outstanding local small businesses, restaurants, and farms in their own backyard,” Soloway said.
The Department of Economic Development and Tourism will continue using influencer platforms to promote local businesses, since it is the most cost-effective and easiest way to actively keep the focus of the tourism campaign on the food ecosystem in Hunterdon County.
“Influencers often have their own following, allowing brand owners to reach new audiences. By partnering with social media influencers, businesses in the county can tap into niche markets they might not otherwise access. This type of advertising is cost effective marketing that will drive economic growth for our small businesses,” Saluk said.
