Press Release:
The Williamstown Chamber Announces
New Marketing Tool for the Northern Berkshires.

Williamstown, Massachusetts USA, June 13, 2005 - The Williamstown Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the release of a video postcard of Williamstown and North Adams on a miniature CD (about the size of a business card) designed to automatically play itself on a personal computer.

The video postcard features a 4 minute video of the area, giving the viewer an impression of the Northern Berkshires as both a tourist destination and a wonderful place to live and work. Also featured on the disc are a map, civic information, restaurants, lodging, local businesses and attractions, which are members of the Williamstown Chamber of Commerce. There are over 500 hyperlinks on the disc that conveniently connect the viewer to the web for additional information.

The mini-CD, created by award-winning multimedia artist and digital filmmaker, John Pritchard, of the Pritchard School of Digital Arts in Williamstown (www.pritchardschool.com), uses cutting edge "Flash" technology to create a unique souvenir for tourists and a useful promotional tool for the area, local businesses and attractions. The digital video on the disc was co-produced by Pritchard with Williamstown filmmaker, Todd Howard (www.toddhoward.com), and features an original soundtrack. The mini-CD is packaged within a normal sized postcard designed by Pritchard using several beautiful photos on its cover by Williamstown photographers, Ron Turbin and Art Evans.

The Chamber sees the video postcard as a useful tool to promote the area to tour operators, travel agents and travel writers. It is also designed to be a helpful tool for people considering a move to the area. Giving them a sense of our special communities and the breath of art, attractions, services and natural beauty that few smaller communities can offer. In addition, it will be available for purchase in shops as a souvenir for tourists to take home and show their friends on the computer. It will remind visitors of the beauty of the Northern Berkshires for many years to come. The suggested retail price is $4.95 .

The video postcard was inspired by the need to distribute information in the 21st century. The Chamber marketing committee members worked with local businesses and local talent for the design, filming and photography to create this unique marketing piece. Other communities and businesses have been using this technology, but by working together with local talent and inspiration, the Chamber members have created an attractive and user-friendly product, which truly represents the special qualities of Williamstown and North Adams.

Of course, all the talent and bringing ideas to life require sponsors, and the Chamber was fortunate to have MountainOne Financial Partners and Northern Berkshire Health step up to the plate and support this community effort. Additional assistance was provided by Mayor Barrett of North Adams and Town Manager Peter Fohlin of Williamstown. When we all work together, we can prove how truly special these two towns really are, and that is indeed good news coming out of the Northern Berkshires in 2005.


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