There's little doubt we've arrived at a new season in an unexpected place as the coronavirus pandemic continues. But that doesn't mean summer is canceled.

Many of our favorite bars, restaurants and attractions have reopened. Events are beginning to take place again. And although we need to stay vigilant against the virus, The Bend is reopening. We all know summer is a wonderful season here, so VSBM has embarked on its digital marketing campaign to remind locals and visitors why that's the case. 

This year's campaign, run in partnership with Indianapolis-based agency The Basement, is underway and scheduled to run until late October. Ads served via Google search, Facebook/Instagram and Pinterest are showcasing the best The Bend has to offer — outdoor adventure, dining, Notre Dame and more.

We're guiding users to a dedicated Summer in The Bend landing page, which showcases things they can do here and how to visit safely. 

Launching the Summer in The Bend campaign took center stage in June for the marketing team. Early returns are strong: the landing page leads visitsouthbend.com in views and is generating high engagement, with a bounce rate under 10 percent. Average bounce rates range between 40 and 50 percent.

Top markets for the campaign are Chicago, South Bend, Indianapolis, Granger and Boston.

If you listen to WVPE, odds are you've heard some of VSBM's sponsored reads. We've partnered with WVPE on a campaign to encourage locals to experience what's open around The Bend with a focus on restaurants.

Have you seen the latest edition of Notre Dame Magazine? The summer issue offers a wide-ranging look at what's happening around The Bend. VSBM provided some imagery. Read the digital version online.

Coronavirus-related limits on large gatherings have hampered meeting sales efforts this year, but there are reasons for optimism.

Pat and Lindsay recently hosted the Hart-Parr Oliver Collectors Association for a site visit. This group has since signed for March 2021. There's also a new lead for 2025: the International Choreographed Ballroom Dance Association is looking at The Bend for its annual convention.

Sports continues to rebound. Seven events took place in June, generating over 1,000 room nights and approximately $828,839 in economic impact. There are also four new conversions to report, ranging from a new lacrosse tournament this month to the Midwest Women's Bowling Tourney locking in new dates.

Take a closer look at what's new in sales in our monthly report for June, linked below.

Gov. Eric Holcomb's coronavirus reopening plan, Back on Track Indiana, hit pause last week.

We're now in what's been dubbed Stage 4.5 — capacity levels at restaurants (75%), bars (50%) and entertainment venues (50%) are the same as in Stage 4. Events are capped at no more than 250 people with CDC social distancing guidelines in place. This stage is currently slated to expire July 17.

Stage 5 is now scheduled to start July 18. This includes increasing capacity limits and lifting caps on social gatherings, among other updates. The stages, however, remain subject to review by the governor's team and health officials.

St. Joseph County Health Department officials recently extended their mask order through Sept. 7. That means face coverings are required in all businesses and enclosed public spaces where social distancing can't be maintained. More details:

• Face coverings should be worn over nose AND mouth. 
• People who can't wear them for medical reasons are exempt.

Mask wearing is a key to keeping the spread of coronavirus under control. It's a great way to look out for each other too. Your mask protects others. Theirs protects you. VSBM plans to encourage mask wearing via social media campaign.