CO&P Interactive Brings Communities Together
Connections and Perks Programs foster a greater sense of community.
ORLANDO, Fla. – (July 8, 2009) – CO&P Interactive is helping to build stronger communities with the launch of two new online programs that cultivate a work-play-live environment. A strong city is one where the residents are able to converse and connect on a variety of matters, even more so when economic times are strained.Withthe Connections websites and the Perks loyalty program, residents of a community are able to link to a variety of current websites from a single starting point, enhance the promotion of area offerings and attributes of that community, as well as encourage trade with local merchants.
“Today the Internet has made it possible to share news, express opinions and even do business without leaving the house. Communities are naturally forming on the web, linking people around the world,” explains Jennifer Graddy, CIO of CO&P Interactive. “Connections and Perks are online programs helping citizens connect closer to home.”
Connections is a family of interactive (social networking) websites, targeted specifically for a community. The Connections model enables a city or town to build connections based on the interests of their residents. Within the Connections site, visitors can view the news of the day, find resources and information about local events pertaining to those interests, chat and share photos and videos online. Thewebsites can be a stand-alone destination or a compliment with a city’s current website. Connections offers subscriptions to communities as well as a very localized advertising opportunity for businesses.
The Perks loyalty program encourages consumers to dine, shop and get rewarded within their own community. Consumers can apply for a Perks loyalty card for free and will receive special discounts at participating merchants. Retailers, restaurants and entertainment venues are encouraged to purchase memberships at an affordable low cost. Perks is simple in design making it easy for merchants to implement, as well as customers to activate.
Ensuring successful thriving businesses while fostering a greater sense of community within communities, both Connections and the Perks loyalty program can be implemented in any community.
Orlando is the focus of the launch of both Connections and Perks. Graddy adds the emphasis on Orlando is intentional. CO&P Interactive, as well as Graddy, reside in Orlando. “As a local business, and a neighbor, I believe I have a unique, first-hand perspective on the challenges and potential surrounding Orlando and my community, Baldwin Park Village,” explains Graddy. “The ties to neighbors and local businesses that develop from programs such as Connections and Perks foster a greater sense of community. And may be just what we need to maneuver through the current economic roadblocks and into more profitable times.”
Orlando Connections (http://orlandoflconnections.com) and Baldwin Park Perks (http://baldwinparkperks.com) are the prototypes for each program. Following the successful launch of Orlando Connections, CO&P Interactive worked with the small town of Bremen, Georgia to build Bremen Connections (http://bremengaconnections.com/) to help residents there connect and communicate.
About CO&P Interactive:
CO&P Interactive, a division of Cohn, Overstreet & Parrish, delivers integrated marketing solutions designed to elicit response, develop relationships and build loyalty via interactive methods. We integrate – connect, entwine, make integral – a comprehensive solution based on the individual client’s needs and objectives. In addition to traditional website development, our interactive marketing services include “viral” marketing campaigns, online Public Relations and Search Engine Optimization, as well as web traffic analysis and visitor analysis to ensure the most effective methods of reaching and interacting with online users are engaged.
CO&P Interactive works seamlessly with Cohn, Overstreet & Parrish, an Atlanta-based multi-channel marketing firm providing integrated communications solutions through an unmatched combination of public relations, public affairs, interactive marketing, creative branding and collateral, and lead generation campaigns. For more information, please visit http://www.co-pinteractive.com/ or call (404) 870.8888.
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Jessica Bair
CO&P Integrated Marketing
404-961-2221
