New Britain Online directory spurs interest By JASON VALLEE, The Herald Press 03/26/2006

NEWINGTON -- Searching for local businesses just became a whole lot easier.

Thanks to a new online directory recently released by the Newington Chamber of Commerce, local residents and business owners have a new way to find and network with local companies.

Last week, the Newington Chamber of Commerce released the business directory on their Web site at www.newingtonchamber.com and already there are more than 280 local companies logged on.

"The Web site saves a ton of time and is a great lead generator when searching for businesses," said Chris Sparmer, owner of Wrap It Up Gifts and one of the project coordinators. "It's such a great tool. I predict this will be just the first of many chamber directories that will be released in this area."

Sparmer said Chamber first began designing the site about six weeks ago with the help of Alan Mardirosian and the staff at CTPhonebook, A New Wave Industries company. The chamber made the decision to create the site after a survey turned back information suggesting that local members felt the need for an easier to access directory that would allow them to quickly and efficiently search local businesses.

For Chamber of Commerce members, not only is the site a great way to locate local businesses, but it's also a free tool that helps establish their company's name. Sparmer said that all chamber members have their own directory listing at the Bronze level, which includes basic information such as name and location.

Chamber members may also gain access to features such as menus, product listings, sales flyers, additional contact information, coupons, driving directions, special events calendars and more by upgrading their site. The best part about it, Sparmer said, is that the site is more than affordable.

"This is a free benefit to all members that will help generate new business," said Greg Polk, Newington Chamber of Commerce President. "We're very excited about this opportunity."

In addition to helping attract new businesses, Sparmer and Mardirosian both said that the site also helps generate revenue for the Chamber as well.

The directory has several advertising opportunities, of which the Newington Chamber of Commerce makes a 100 percent profit on all advertisement sales. They also receive a portion of the proceeds from any site upgrades, Mardirosian said.

With the success of the Chamber's launch this past week; Mardirosian said his company expects to see several other requests from area chambers. As of Thursday, CTPhonebook.com had already been contacted by at least two other Chambers with an interest in this type of a site.

To access the directory, visit either the Newington Chamber of Commerce Web site or go to www.CTPhonebook.com .

Jason Vallee can be reached at jvallee@newbritainherald.com or by calling (860) 225-4601, Ext. 236.