The City Wire launches new events, products

A student video program, unique advertising formats and the test run of a new networking event are just a few of the new products and events coordinated or managed by The City Wire.

Patricia Brown, director of sales and marketing for The City Wire, said the combination of creative minds and a flexible technology platform through The City Wire allows a wide range of unique options allowing businesses to use entertainment to drive traffic (customers). Additionally, arts and entertainment venues can use business approaches to improve visitors and donors.

“I have enjoyed working with the talented team at The City Wire in the development of new products that were designed to bring business connections and entertainment information The City Wire visitors,” Brown said.

THE CITY WIRE VIBE
The City Wire is collaborating with Pike Elementary in Fort Smith to create 90-second videos in which students will discuss their favorite memories of the school year. The 10 best clips will be selected and published in early July.

Based on results from the Pike Elementary pilot program, the “Vibe” will be expanded to other schools. An ideal goal of the program would see older school students create and produce their own videos based on a list of topics.

THE CITY WIRE SCENE
In a partnership with Assurance Realty, The City Wire will hold on Thursday (June 2) the beginning of a “test run” to determine the demand for an after-hours business networking event, Brown explained.

The Thursday “The City Wire Scene” will be held 4:30 to 7 p.m. at Assurance Realty, located at 2806 Towson Ave. The $5 admission — with a valid business card — covers food, beverages and door prizes. Those interested in attending should e-mail their name and business name to [email protected]

Members of BBR (Business By Referral) will serve as event hosts and help guests during a planned group activity designed to promote networking. Food and beverage sponsors include Glidewell Distributing, Golden Corral and Mojo’s Ivory House. Other sponsors are Ameriprise Financial, Capital Structures, Collections by Mary Charlton, Covington Court Health and Rehabilitation Center and Graphic Services.

THE CITY WIRE SOCIAL SCENE
Also beginning in early June, The City Wire will each week send via e-mail to thousands of people in the Fort Smith area a list of charitable and civic events.

Those who want their event included, must provide a jpeg image of the event (see example) that is no wider than 800 pixels, with receipt at least two weeks prior to the event. Send submissions to [email protected]

Submission does not guarantee placement.

Brown said the growing number of The City Wire readers has resulted in more people to request their events be publicized to the demographic that visits The City Wire.

UNIQUE ADVERTISING FORMATS
In addition to the new events and products, The City Wire has quietly pushed several advertising campaigns not possible with many other media platforms.

Using an ad banner on The City Wire’s daily e-mail and with an ad located in The City Wire page ear, the Farmers CO-OP publicizes weekly specials at its stores in western Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma.

To promote his new website, Dr. Steven Stiles — a Fort Smith optometrist — conducted a “Vote for your favorite Stile” campaign using The City Wire. The month-long event drove more than 1,500 people to Stiles’ new website as part of a competition among three local ladies who modeled eyewear brands carried at Stiles’ office.

For questions or more information on any of the above, contact Patricia Brown at [email protected]