December 2005
KIOSKS for Marshall County
In the continual endeavor to promote our Chamber member businesses and our community, a project this Chamber has been working on is ready to launch. The greatest need businesses have is to get the customer into the building. Whether the customer is a visitor, newly moved to the area or a long time resident, making information immediate and accessible in today's time sensitive world is the key. Making this information available while the customer is in the ìout and about, shopping modeî, no matter where he or she is in Marshall County, is just good sense.
The Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce is developing Marshall County Information Center interactive kiosks to fill this need. The Chamber is working to install seven kiosks located throughout the county in high traffic areas.
The kiosks are engaged by a touch screen and the advertising, personalized for each business, can include sound, video, pictures and maps. Businesses and organizations may choose to advertise under such categories as dining, recreation, entertainment, shopping or local services.
The personalized business information can include business hours, contact information, menus, coupons, location address, driving instructions, web site information, email addresses, picture of the inside and/or outside of the business and any other information deemed needed to promote the business. With the capability of an installed printer, the potential customers are able to take the information with them.
The Chamber had investigated several kiosk programs over the past several years, but could not find the right system. About six months ago, Jeff Schafer, a Plymouth native and producer with Video and Sound Productions, called the Chamber with an idea. Jeff wanted to offer a new concept. Video and Sound has worked with the Chamber to custom build this new system.
Video and Sound Productions produces media presentations that help companies increase their marketing, public relations, and sales efforts.
The company has experience creating and delivering videos, interactive presentations, commercials, interactive DVD/CD-ROM's and web projects.
The staff has earned dozens of national awards in competitions where quality and creativity is honored.
Company president/owner, Chris Sanchez, has pushed the firm to create and deliver alternative marketing tools like interactive information centers.
"Our aim is to support local and regional businesses," says Sanchez. "We are really looking forward to working with the Plymouth and Marshall County business community."
Jeff Shafer offers advice for companies who decide to utilize commercials, videos and other multi-media. "Decide on a few simple key points and build a presentation around those. Think visually and write and present in a conversational way," Shafer says.
Tony Cicatko is the business development manager and support staff includes Shanda Sanchez, Barry Hayden, and Scott Drummond.
Final decisions as to placement of the kiosks throughout the county have not been made. One is currently set up at the Plymouth Chamber with sample information, video, sound and maps.
This system will be supported completely by advertisement. Plymouth Chamber member businesses are eligible to purchase the advertising space on these interactive information presentations. The Chamber is currently working on rates for local not-for-profit organizations.
For advertising information call Video and Sound 574-269-6000. Please stop by the Chamber and see the model. |
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