“Destination Bristol,” a marketing campaign promoting the borough’s industry, dining, history, and events, is kicking off in 2022. Tom Sofield reported the spirited initiative pervading Bristol Borough in Levittown Now.

The latest effort to get Bristol businesses churning at full tilt again was jump started by the local economic development organization, Bristol Borough: Raising the Bar. Its Destination Bristol program looks to continue the upward swing of the area, which, after several encouraging years of revitalization, stalled during the pandemic.

Organizers are even targeting national recognition by vying for a “best-U.S.-main-street” win.

Evidence of a reawakening is already making itself known. Even during lockdowns, Mill Street (the commerce center) welcomed several commercial launches and expansions in 2021.

“Watching our individual businesses work during the pandemic was inspiring,” said Bill Pezza, president of Raising the Bar. “Not only did our existing core survive, the number of establishments in the Mill Street commercial district actually grew.

“But it wasn’t easy,” he continued. “Proprietors understandably focused their energy and resources on their personal survival.”

The awareness-raising tactics will include billboard advertising, a stronger presence with Visit Bucks County, and collaboration with Bucks County Community College for the meetings trade.

More on this Bristol Borough economic initiative is at Levittown Now.