The Kootenays
Network 

Who-What-Where-Why?
Updated May 15, 2021

NETWORK DESIGN FUNCTION WHY CRESTON 1

Introducing The Kootenays Network

Our regional network will be

Representing a population of at least 120,000 and selected branded communities with a population of more than 60,000 people, we will provide direct connections to thousands of valuable local organizations.

LEARN MORE

Cross-promotion and consolidation are key objectives

Launching in Q4/2021

Coverage of
FEATURES

The first site to be implemented was Creston 1 in late May, 2021.

When the network is ready, one of the featured applications in 2022
 will be promotion of the region-wide circle route tentatively titled
 the “Revelstoke Round-Up”.

  This route ties the Revelstoke area explicitly into the Kootenays while 
 diversifying the trip options with the broader range of tourism products in the Vernon-Shuswap area.

Here are some of the overall web design considerations:

  • Very economical, extraordinary value: high content, long runs, super-low pricing
  • Individual Community sites are not big revenue sources – each will typically generate perhaps a few thousand dollars of net income annually, so the networking of these sites increases their long-term viability
  • Low participation fees means that existing local media will not lose regular customers to us, as it is viable to be involved in more than one channel
  • Organized to maximize relevance to various audiences
  • Everyone’s link is included whether they’re enhanced or not
  • Useful comprehensive data that can be sorted and filtered
  • Accurate coverage – if an operation wants to be found, chances are they’re here
  • Fresh, reliable, and responsive
  • Independent: No Limits - we are not constrained by external political or commercial controls...the practical needs of our users drive us
  • Fun, diverse, and colourful - your visits to our site(s) will be enjoyable
  • Uncluttered, genuine - no syndicated ads, affiliate programs or random junk feeds to distract you, just real, local folks
  • Easy on the eyes - decent font sizes and low density content, easily readable anywhere
  • Interactive…user contributions in Faves & Raves is one example
  • We are not an opinion, business rating or discussion site…the world is full of those...we're simply focused on getting practical results and inspiring our neighbours
  • Compact multimedia for all devices
  • We focus on direct connections to qualified local experts.  Occasionally some editorial comment will be present, but we don’t waste your time reproducing existing content published elsewhere.  We take you to the source. 

HIGH CLASS-IFIEDS

High-content, searchable,
 and creatively designed
full-page ads with
 multimedia options,
easily shared and printed.


DIRECTORY PLUS

Featuring the largest collection of public connections, we are a mega-directory of local products, services, activities, and advice, and easy access to relevant multimedia resources.  

Our design allows us to be comprehensive and focused, without random syndicated ad clutter.  

COMMUNITY CALENDAR CUBED


1. A list format with event links that can be sorted and filtered, plus...

2. A moderated online calendar
which can be easily integrated into users' own calendar applications. Features a wider variety of event types,  including commercial
sales  reminders.

FAVES & RAVES

Local users’ Top Ten recommendations
for inspiring and
entertaining content
on external sites
such as Youtube.

WHAT'S SO GREAT ABOUT CRESTON 1?

We research everything that's worth knowing about, and present it to you in a simple, organized fashion.   If it's in Creston, you'll find it.  Fast. 
If you're open for business, you'll be found.  Our design keeps users FOCUSED.

We include active web links to every product or service that we know about.  We embed live phone call links for smart-phone connection and google maps links for the location. 

Data tables are set up by category for quickly scanning the available listings on any device. 
Data columns can be sorted and results can be filtered by key words.

With 1,250 public connections validated regularly we are definitely a super-directory of local products, services and activities...with few if any dead-ends or undesirable results.  

We are completely local: without big-city overhead, costly multi-national franchise controls, or profit obligations to corporate stakeholders.   Creative and fast on our feet, the sky's the limit for the extra effectiveness our business model can provide over old-fashioned and hyper-expensive approaches that were the only local options until now.  We intend to expand the options available to consumers through modern technology and in the process do a better job connecting with the community.

We do not generate redundant editorial content to justify our existence - we let our local experts convey their messages directly without us paraphrasing it.  We are not an agency, do not operate a commissioned-sales-funnel, do not participate in affiliate programs, and do not provide a platform for "user ratings" of businesses. 

Our commitment is to help residents and visitors fully understand what we have here!

For organizations desiring enhanced presence, we offer high quality in-context multimedia marketing options that cost the equivalent of pennies per day.  Annual participation is $60 plus incremental setup fees of $20 per enhancement level, starting with visual bolding and/or highlighting of the listing entry, rising to include a single parallax image, then a multi-image slider, video and even a custom "FOCUS" web page.  Adding on a full-page Classified Listing gives a searchable high-volume content boost for just $40 a year. 
There are more options too, out-classing any competition. 

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Unique Site Configuration

Special Touches Make This Model Work ->>

Carefully Selected Marketing Resources

Sample Local Production

Locating assets that showcase our region 

Much of the first year of this project will involve inviting local photographers and videographers - professional and amateur - to contribute a few of their most iconic images and videos that capture the essence of our region and communities.  We will be sure to prominently attribute these "wow" productions with gratitude on behalf of the residents and our potential visitors.

Kootenays (Kootenay Rockies Tourism Region)

My concept of a full region circle tour branding effort ("Revelstoke Round-Up"?). 
3-4 days, and 900 km (from any starting point), going via Nakusp <=> Revelstoke. 
The alternate ferry route of Nakusp->Shuswap->Revelstoke adds an extra day to the loop.   Improves significantly upon the traditional "Selkirk Loop" in and out of the US, which doesn't do much beyond Nelson.

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About Me...

I spent 25 years in Ministry of Tourism agencies  (RBCM / TBC / DBC) in a variety of roles, including customer service training programs, regional, sector and community tourism marketing programs coordination, business plan analysis, and major revenue program administration.  I held other financial positions within the public service, preceded by many years in the hospitality industry.  I attended Selkirk College in Castlegar, beginning my affection for the Kootenays early on.  In particular, Creston resonated for my wife and I as our ultimate "Brigadoon".

Developing the Kootenays Network is mostly a labour of love, with about 1,500 unpaid hours expected for 2021 alone.  I am hopeful that this regional initiative will jump-start my global tourism project, Tourism 1...creating some great local jobs in the process.

Thanks to everyone for your support and encouragement - stay tuned for more!

Keith Baldwin

Participation

Creston 1 is part of our KOOTENAYS regional network, also featuring
 Kootenays, East Kootenays,
West Kootenays,
  Cranbrook 1, Castlegar 1,
Rossland Trail BC,
Revelstoke 1 and See Nelson 

© 2023 Keith Baldwin - Adstore Systems

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