Chamber of Commerce markets area with computer video

 

By Rebecca Jones

C & G Staff Writer

     BIRMINGHAM — The Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce is teaming up with a New York-based company to provide businesses with a high-tech means of communicating with potential customers.

     Working with eLocalLink Inc. of Rochester, N.Y., the chamber will produce an interactive, online and CD video that will highlight and promote the community’s business/ industry, residential, education, health care and quality of life advantages and opportunities.

     The finished product will serve as the entrance to the community’s story on the Internet, said Pam Frauenheim, executive director of the Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber.

     The video will be available on the Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber’s Web site, www.bbcc.com, and distributed on CD to those inquiring about moving their family or business to the area.

     “We like to refer to it as a quality of life piece, showcasing the community as a great place to live, work and entertain,” Frauenheim said. “It’s also an economic development tool.”

     The video will be able to show and tell much more than a brochure.

     For one, viewers will meet Georgina Reid, a breakfast attendant at the Hamilton Hotel.

     She will be featured in the hotel’s 60-second virtual tour.

     “She’s one of our biggest assets,” said Shawn Stacey, one of the owners of the Hamilton Hotel. “She’s like a little Mrs. Doubtfire.”

     A camera crew was scheduled to shoot the video earlier this week.

     So far, 30 local businesses — from real estate agents and relocation experts to restaurants and spas — have signed on as sponsors, Frauenheim said.

     Sponsorship packages differ. Not all include a video segment, but provide a way to get the company’s name out.

     That opportunity was appealing to Larry Brown of Mortgage Associates of Birmingham, which recently changed its name from First Financial Services Inc.

     “We just changed our name and think this will bring added exposure that we haven’t had before,” Brown said. “This will be a link that I think more people will (respond to).”

     The BBCC is one of 50 chambers selected nationwide to take part in the new project.

     Whereas in the past, representatives from eLocalLink had relationships with municipalities, the company started working with chambers of commerce after working with the Sterling Heights Area Chamber of Commerce, Frauenheim said. The company also plans on working with businesses in Ann Arbor, she said.

     According to its Web site, eLocalLink uses a “Grandma-proof” new technology called One-Click Video that automatically determines the best video player format for Internet users, based on their computer system, connection speed and other factors.

     Sponsorship opportunities are open to Chamber of Commerce members in the Five B’s: Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills and Township, Beverly Hills and Bingham Farms.

     The chamber is hoping to sign on more sponsors. An eLocalLink representative will be returning to the area in April. Until then, interested parties are asked to call (800) 398-3029, ext. 258 and leave a message.

     You can reach Rebecca Jones at rjones@candgnews.com