Connecting Cortez: Spreading the Word About a Local Events Calendar

Even in a small town like Cortez, Colorado, it can be difficult for community members to know what’s happening in their community on any given day. That’s why one local started The Daily Zu in 2020 in part to solve that problem. The Daily Zu is a website dedicated to all things Cortez and Montezuma County. In addition to local interest stories, it hosts a free calendar with up-to-date information about upcoming activities and events. The site had the potential to become an essential community resource, but even after its launch many people, not realizing it existed, were still voicing frustration about the lack of a comprehensive events calendar. With funding from LOR, the Daily Zu was able to implement a robust marketing campaign to get the word out. Using online, print, and direct mail channels, and working closely with a number of community partners, it simultaneously grew submissions and increased awareness of this much-needed resource.

This project was fiscally sponsored by Onward! A Legacy Foundation.