Roddickton-based Mayflower Limited is seeking to better integrate social media applications into its marketing activities and increase awareness of its product with assistance from the Provincial Government.

A participant in the Provincial Government's Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) program, Mayflower Limited operates both an inn and outfitting lodge. Through the BR&E program, which helps clients address issues impacting their operations, it was identified that an expanded marketing campaign was required to increase awareness of the company and its products.

"Mayflower Limited is an innovative company that over the years has expanded its product line as a means of strengthening its operations," said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "Upon diversifying its product line from nature to adventure-based activities, the company is now expanding the scope of its marketing activities to include social media applications, trade show participation, and strategic media placements. These are important steps in attracting new visitors to its Roddickton facilities."

The $32,000 investment, under the Business Market and Development Program and Workplace Skills Enhancement Program, will enable company employees to avail of training in e-commerce and social media applications. The company will also attend trade shows in Europe and the United States and advertise in lifestyle publications.

"Support for small business operators in rural Newfoundland and Labrador is essential and our Provincial Government recognizes that," said Shanna Randell, Manager, Marketing Activities, Mayflower Limited. "Diversification and social media are important factors in the success of this industry and thanks to the financial support and assistance from the Provincial Government we are now prepared to move forward with those initiatives."

Established in 1974 as an inn, the company began to diversify its operations in 1992 when it began offering outfitting activities for hunters. The company has also played a prominent role in the community with its local partners to develop such attractions as the underground salmon pool, snowmobile trails, and French shore tourism products.

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