| Internet Yellow Pages: Worth The Effort?
Here at the end of 2007, it's painfully obvious that the local search advertising market remains highly fragmented. Numerous local search experts attending the recent SMX Local & Mobile Conference reiterated the observation that businesses seeking to target local audiences have a plethora of options, and identifying and selecting the right locally-focused sites can be an overwhelming task for small business people who have limited time to devote to the task. So, where should you choose to devote your time and budget? What's the minimum number of sites you should appear in and which are the best for you? This article is geared towards businesses targeting local audiences, rather than businesses who do nationwide advertising—and specifically, how to choose the best internet yellow pages ("IYPs") for your ads and those where it's important to spend time optimizing your free listings.
Choteau needs to replace sewage lagoon
The city of Choteau needs to replace its lagoon system, engineers with HKM Engineering told the city council at its Nov. 6 meeting. Engineer Kevin Johnson said the city has been coping with lagoon and sewage collection system problems dating back more than 15 years. The good news, he said, is that the city has made huge gains in reducing infiltration of groundwater into the lagoon since 1996. But the bad news is that the city sewage system is still taking in about 2.5 times as much flow as a community this size should generate. In fact, Johnson said, Choteau's sewage flow is equivalent to a community four times Choteau's size, mainly because groundwater is still leaking into faulty sewer pipes and diluting the lagoon. The city's ongoing sewer main replacement on Seventh Avenue Northwest will further reduce infiltration problems, Johnson said.
Business owners enter unchartered waters
I caught up with Jack Jones Tuesday afternoon while he was in the midst of conducting a huge sale and getting ready for the onslaught of after-Thanksgiving shoppers at his jewelry store on Dawson Road. Jones was navigating uncharted waters in a couple of ways. First, the sale is a retirement sale. Jones and his wife, Dotty, are closing up shop at Masons Jewelers after almost a half century in the retail jewelry business. Secondly, Jones said he never had sales during his 44 plus years in business. He operated with a philosophy of setting a fair price to start with, and then treating people right when they came into the store. That was more important than short-term sales, he believed. This is my first and my last sale, Jack Jones joked. Jack and Dotty started their business in Dawson in 1962.
Belay Development Attains Gold Certified Partner Status in Microsoft Partner Program
Belay Development further distinguishes itself by earning Microsoft competencies in information worker solutions, advanced infrastructure solutions and networking infrastructure. Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) November 26, 2007 -- Belay Development (http://belaydevelopment.com) today announced it has attained Gold Certified Partner status in the Microsoft Partner Program with competencies in Information Worker Solutions, Advanced Infrastructure Solutions and Networking Infrastructure Solutions, recognizing Belay Development's expertise and impact in the technology marketplace. As a Gold Certified Partner, Belay Development has demonstrated expertise with Microsoft technologies and proven ability to meet customers' needs. Microsoft Gold Certified Partners receive a rich set of benefits, including access, training and support, giving them a competitive advantage in the channel.
LMC Capital advises on acquisition
Local investment-banking firm LMC Capital was the financial adviser for Britt/Paulk Insurance Agency Inc.'s acquisition of Mitchell, York & Cooper. Britt/Paulk is a Georgia-based privately held program administrator. Mitchell, York & Cooper, based in Florida, is a marine insurance broker. Financial terms weren't disclosed. Charlotte-based LMC Capital provides advisory services exclusively to the insurance industry in matters such as mergers and acquisitions, regulatory services, valuations and capital raising. .
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