‘This is a way to keep positive’: Butler County businesses create ‘hearts’ to support community

The Butler County Visitors Bureau has “pivoted” the way it serves the community after concerns of the coronavirus have virtually shut down the tourism business.

The bureau has recently launched a campaign called “See Hearts, See Hope.” The goal is to generate “positive community spirit,” said Tracy Kocher, vice president of marketing and communications.

She said since people can’t be connected in a physical way because of orders from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, the initiative will allow them to stay linked through social activity and share heartfelt messages.

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Businesses and residents throughout the county are encouraged to create a heart shape and place it in their windows for others to see, Kocher said. The program began last week and so far the bureau has received pictures of hearts from a variety of businesses and residents, she said.

On the bureau’s web site there are pictures of hearts from Central Pastry in Middletown, EnterTRAINment Junction in West Chester, The Cone in West Chester, Butler County Historical Society, Petals & Wicks in Hamilton and the Hamilton Area YMCA.

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“This is a way to keep positive while we navigate through this unprecedented emergency,” she said.

Kocher has driven throughout the community and seen some of the hearts.

“They give me a little boost,” she said.

Here are some ways to participate:

1. Create a heart shape at your business. Feel free to get creative and use items native to your business.

2. The bureau has created a heart coloring page that can be decorated. Download the template. The heart template can be placed in business windows to show a message of hope and solidarity, and printed for kids to color.

3. Take photos.

4. Spread the word. Share to your social media with #SeeHeartsSeeHope

5. Send any photo to karly@travelbutlercounty.com to be included in the BCVB See Hearts, See Hope Series.

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