What Leavenworth lacks in size it makes up for in creative risk-taking. From DeepDishCreative’s blog:
“In the 1960′s little Leavenworth, Washington’s population had dwindled significantly since its boom days as a railroad and logging town east of Seattle. Town officials dreamed up a last ditch effort to save the town from total demise and converted it to a Bavarian-themed destination. Businesses caught on and now the town is as alpine as can be in the Cascade Range. Surprisingly without being too kitschy, Leavenworth is a must-stop town for tourists and Washington locals alike. Now with their nutty mascot, Woody Goomsba and this hilarious video, Leavenworth is making the most of its reinvented location.”
This is brilliant. I’m still amazed that small town leadership would take such a huge risk, but it has paid off big time. They did something fun, the campaign got noticed and they are reaping the benefits. (A nice outcome given the dire straits the town was in before they conceived of this.)
Here are the takeaways for economic development and tourism professionals – it works because:
- It takes a stand and takes a risk
- It embraces a niche market and sells the hell out of it
- It’s a complete campaign that engaged the local community
- It’s funny, memorable and completely unexpected from LEAVENWORTH (!) – how can you not take notice?
Sure beats “Live. Work. Play.” now doesn’t it? 
