And A Picture’s Worth????

 Last week I talked at some length about the value of developing an Asset List and its importance in promoting this region to others and ourselves. I wrote about the project from a bird’s eye view.

This week I would like to talk about one of the most important components of the Asset List, photographic and video imagery.

I cannot impress upon you enough how important or beneficial it would be to the Chamber membership to have  a Picture/Video database of the physical operations of our membership. Please remember that our membership consists not only of big and small businesses, but has representation from federal, provincial and municipal governments; educational and health facilities, as well as service groups.

The Picture/Video Database of which I speak has its foundation in the wisdom of previous generations. I own a small Yearbook of the Town of Amherst dated 1949. In it you will find pictures of various business establishments, with interior and exterior photos; the local police force; the fire station, personnel and equipment and so on. After looking through this small book I had some sense of what it would have been like to live in Amherst at that time. Not only would this Yearbook have given locals a good look at themselves but would have provided outsiders, both individuals and businesses, with a snapshot of one town in this region.

Fast forward to the present day and the advantages provided by the Internet. If we possessed a Picture/Video database of the region, anyone from anywhere would be able to access it.

At the local level, a Picture/Video database would be a major tool in helping us to know ourselves better and in self-promotion within the region. Within the Chamber we could run slide shows where all in attendance could see themselves and others in their home setting. It would be a virtual home show for promoting one another and showcasing our abilities to ourselves. When we impart knowledge to others we create allies in our campaign to create new customers or investors.

I see this Picture/Video database as a repository to be used for cross-promotions in many events and advertizing strategies. I can foresee it being used by government offices and regional development authorities, to promote the region and ultimately it could find its’ final worth as a historical record in the archives of local museums.

We, the Chamber, have partnered with a local photographer that will go to your business / organization and photograph a professional, promotional image package that follows a storyline. This is a $500 package that is being offered for $250 through the Chamber. Should you prefer to provide your own high quality imagery then please send them to Patti at our office as soon as possible .This is your chance to be part of our virtual Home show that will run many times in many areas and at no re-occurring cost to you. Call our office now and help the chamber help you.