Friday, August 15, 2008
Rocky Mount Telegram
TARBORO – One of Eastern North Carolina’s more historic towns is attempting to market itself in a 21st century economy.
Town leaders witnessed a demonstration Monday of Tarboro’s new website, which will feature streaming promotional videos and new online town services.
The site was designed by Circumerro Creative Media Agency of Jackson Hole, Wyo., for $44,000 and will be launched later this month.
“This website contains very deep, rich information that will be attractive to visitors,” said Circumerro Creative Media Agency owner Latham Jenkins, who is also Councilman John Jenkins’ son.
Councilman Melvin Muhammad previously had challenged the potential conflict of interest in awarding a design contract to a councilman’s son, but the board approved the contract, regardless. Two other companies submitted proposals during the bidding process.
Latham Jenkins, who grew up in Tarboro, said the new website offers a well-crafted message that provides visitors with information through words as well as strong visuals.
Four promotional videos were filmed for the website, highlighting Tarboro’s history, business atmosphere, tourist attractions and comfortable lifestyle.
The website was constructed for maximum search connectivity, Jenkins said Monday. If someone does a search on canoeing in North Carolina, for example, Tarboro’s new site should pop up.
In addition, each of the promotional videos have been posted on youtube.com, a popular video networking site. After being posted for less than two days, more than 110 users already had viewed the promotional videos.
“If we were to compare this website to that of similar towns that Tarboro would be competing with,” Jenkins said, “I would say that those towns are being substantially out-marketed right now.”
The new website also will allow residents to pay utility bills online and post information on an interactive forum.
When the site is officially posted, it will replace the town’s current website at www.tarboro-nc.com.
