City Christmas window display competition launched

The City of Hamilton today announced the launch of the city-wide Christmas Windows Display Competition. Making the announcement was Mayor of Hamilton, Mr. Graeme Outerbridge.

Mayor Outerbridge stated, “I am pleased to announce the City-wide Christmas Windows Display Competition. This competition is the results of meetings that have taken place over the last few months with the Late Night Shopping Committee which comprises the City of Hamilton team, the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce, BELCO and BEDC EEZA representatives together with retailers. A campaign was created to encourage Bermuda residents to spend their Christmas dollars in Bermuda.”

Ms. Danilee Trott, Events Project Manager for the City of Hamilton commented, “The Committee came together to look at ways to encourage shopping in Bermuda. We know that in order for Bermuda to get through the current economic challenges we are experiencing, we must work together.

“To this end, we have created a window display competition, together with other events. This competition is open to all retailers in the City boundaries. Application forms are available on the respective websites of City of Hamilton, Chamber of Commerce, Bermuda Sun and BEDC.

Forms can also be collected from the front counter in the administration offices of the City of Hamilton, in City Hall, Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00am. All completed applications must be in by November 13 at 5:00pm. Application forms can be emailed to [email protected] or brought into the administration offices of the City of Hamilton. The competition will start on November 29, the first night of late night shopping. A little closer to that time, we will provide details on how the general public can participate and cast their ballots.”

Ms. Trott added, “There are some great prizes for the competition winner. They include a $500 gift voucher from Belco, a $500 gift voucher from Bermuda Cablevision for cable television or internet access and a full-page ad in The Bermuda Sun, to be used however the winner wishes. Two honorable mentions will also be identified.”

Susan McGrath-Smith, who represents Bermuda Electric Light Company (BELCO) on the City of Hamilton Late Night Shopping Committee, said, “BELCO is pleased to provide a prize for the window decorating competition. We encourage everyone to vote for their favourite windows in Hamilton, and to support Bermuda’s retailers and restaurants during the upcoming holiday season and throughout the year.”

Lisa Beauchamp, Bermuda Sun President and General Manager commented, “The Bermuda Sun is delighted to sponsor the marketing in order to encourage local retailers to participate and also to motivate the community to come into Hamilton and take the time to look at each window display. Hopefully lots of retailers will take part and the City will look fabulous on the countdown to the holidays. The winner will receive a full page ad in the Bermuda Sun which will come in very handy for last minute holiday advertising or for post Christmas sales.”

Mr. Terry Roberson, General Manager for Bermuda Cablevision said, ““Bermuda Cablevision is pleased to be working alongside the City of Hamilton, and a number of other organizations, to spread the "Christmas in the City" message. We wish all participating retailers in Hamilton and throughout Bermuda success as we prepare for Christmas.”

Roxanne Christopher from the BEDC Economic Empowerment Zones Agency (EEZA) stated that, "The EEZA and the North East Hamilton EEZ are excited to be a part of this year's city-wide Christmas initiative. Our members will be participating in all activities taking place throughout the holiday season and are thrilled to be partnering with the City to showcase what makes North East Hamilton such a special place to eat, shop and play.”

Retail Division, Bermuda Chamber of Commerce Chair, Ms. Paula Clarke concluded, “Planning for the 2013 Holiday season has been under way since June with the aim of bringing vibrancy to the City of Hamilton and an exciting festive atmosphere for individuals and families to enjoy. The hope is to encourage people to spend their holiday budget in Bermuda in support of the local economy and to keep Bermuda working.

“The high functioning collaboration between the City of Hamilton, its engineers, Events staff and Communications Department, Belco, EEZA representative, the Bermuda Sun and the Retail Division of the Chamber of Commerce has resulted in new initiatives including the expansion of the Santa Parade route, a Window Display Competition and a concentration on lighting the city for Christmas. The Chamber of Commerce very much appreciated the City of Hamilton’s leadership and its willingness to work with the interested parties to achieve what we believe will be a better Christmas offering and a more festive atmosphere in the city for all to enjoy.”