The start of something big often starts with something little.

Businessowners have succeeded in garnering a $1,500 pledge from the city of Jordan to take out an advertisement in a promotional brochure meant to showcase the city's downtown to tourists.

The city council unanimously approved the measure this week, following the recommendation of the Jordan Economic Development Authority to pass the proposal made by Terri Knox, Mara Wallach, and Vicki Anderson.

Knox is the proprietor of Nicolin Mansion Bed & Breakfast, Wallach is the proprietor of 225 Water Street Inc., and Anderson is the proprietor of the Vinery Floral & Gifts. But their proposal promotes the historic buildings of downtown Jordan, their past lives and influence on the town, and the businesses housed in them today.

On April 15, Knox, Wallach, and Anderson, who have donated their time to the project, presented the EDA with their brochure, which details a walking tour of 20 historic sites. Local businesses and organizations will be afforded the opportunity to be part of a color insert advertisement into 5,000 brochures distributed from sponsors' places of business.

The EDA moved to recommend taking out the two-sided ad and using some of the space to provide information about city parks and public events as a means of stimulating local economic development.

Mayor Ron Jabs said he'd like to see the city's newly christened mission statement as part of the brochure.

"I see just a tremendous amount of promotional value to doing this," Jabs said.

According to the ad rate sheet, the city would receive 500 copies of the brochure.

Ad revenue likely would be put toward printing brochures, sending direct mail to tourism organizations, and working with Explore Minnesota to increase tourism in Jordan.