Clarence-Rockland, ON -- (SBWire) -- 03/16/2015 --Patrick Brunet is combining grass-roots principles and cutting-edge technology to help promote local businesses in the Clarence-Rockland area of Ontario.
Brunet, president of Allea, a web design, mobile app digital advertising company in Clarence-Rockland, has designed an outdoor community billboard that will be installed at the entrance of the city, encouraging commuters to buy and shop locally. About 20,000 to 25,000 cars pass this location every work day.
"It is LED-based billboards with a community feel," explains Brunet. "The billboards face both sides of the traffic. They are accessible from the Internet and can be managed from anywhere to publish ad campaigns for local and large businesses."
In addition to local businesses, the Clarence-Rockland area has attracted many chain stores and brand-name companies. Advertising through the new billboard will encourage area residents to buy and shop locally. Brunet estimates that every dollar spent in local businesses will result in 45 cents being re-invested in the local economy.
"We plan to use our local presence and our continued involvement in the business community to our utmost advantage," he says. "Our community is growing rapidly. There has been a population growth of almost 12 percent over the past five years. The area is constantly adding new retailers and businesses."
Brunet plans to offer free advertising to the city, charities and other local non-profit groups.
The billboard project is, however, a costly one with a start-up estimate of $260,000. This includes the physical structure, electronics, programming and support software as well as leases, permits and legal fees.
A regional development corporation, PRCDC (www.sdcpr-prcdc.ca), has agreed to a $57,500 business loan and Business Development Canada (www.bdc.ca), the only Canadian bank dedicated exclusively to entrepreneurs, is also committing $40,000 to the project. Brunet, who has sunk a significant amount of his own money into this venture, has launched Indiegogo and FundRazr campaigns to raise $125,000 for the purchase of the necessary equipment.
The Indiegogo campaign page can be viewed at www.indiegogo.com/projects/community-message-center. The FundRazr campaign page can be viewed at www.fundrazr.com/campaigns/cxKj9/ab/64a9Yf
Donations of any amount are welcome. For a $20 contribution, backers will receive 12 seconds advertisement space every day for four weeks. A $500 pledge gets you six 12-second ad spots every hour and every day for four weeks.
"We're hoping for strong local support to get this project up and running," Brunet says. "Larger companies can also take advantage by getting a great rate and tremendous exposure."
For additional information, visit www.indiegogo.com/projects/community-message-center; www.fundrazr.com/campaigns/cxKj9/ab/64a9Yf; the Allea website, www.alleasolutions.com; or the Allea Facebook page, www.facebook.com/AlleaSolutions
Brunet can be reached directly at messagecenter@alleasolutions.com
Contact Name: Patrick Brunet
Company Name: Allea Solutions
Email Address: messagecenter@alleasolutions.com
Website URL: http://www.alleasolutions.com
City: Clarence-Rockland
State: Ontario
Zip Code: K4K-0E4
Country: Canada
Phone Number: 888-527-0509
