The Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce in Shelton, with some 600 business members, and Pepperland Marketing of Cheshire, a partner with Google, have teamed to help small businesses in the Lower Naugatuck Valley grow their presence online.
The chamber president sees a potential domino effect benefiting the entire region beginning this month.
“Closing this gap presents a huge opportunity to boost the local economy,” said Bill Purcell, President of the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce. “This is a chance for valley area businesses to collectively expand their online presence and further promote the region as the premier destination for business and leisure.”
Pepperland and the chamber are hosting the event titled “Let”™s Put Our Valley on the Map” that will feature two interactive sessions: “How to Reach a Local Audience Through Google Search and Google Maps” and “An Introduction To Inbound Marketing.”
The event is free on Thursday, Nov. 19, 7:30-9 a.m. at the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce office, 10 Progress Drive, Shelton.
“Let”™s Put Our Valley on the Map” is part of Google”™s Get Your Business Online program, with the stated goal of bringing “community members, business owners and civic leaders together to help small businesses succeed on the web.”
The chamber’s statement on the event reported that 97 percent of consumers look online for local products and services, but 55 percent of small businesses do not have a website.
Anyone interested in reaching a local audience online to grow their business is encouraged to attend, regardless of their company size or industry, the chamber said.
Coffee and light refreshments will be offered. Preregistration is requested at: go.pepperlandmarketing.com/lets-put-the-valley-on-the-map-free-event.