ABOUT
The Kootenays
Network 

Who-What-Where-Why?
Updated March 1, 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 Q3/2021

Coverage of
FEATURES

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

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

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

Here are some of the overall web design considerations:

  • Very economical, extraordinary value: high content, long runs, super-low pricing
  • Community sites are not big revenue sources – each will seldom generate more than a few thousand dollars of net income annually
  • 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
  • Reliable coverage – if an operation wants to be found, chances are they’re here
  • Fresh, reliable, and responsive
  • Fun, diverse, and colourful
  • Uncluttered, genuine
  • Easy on the eyes (not tiny)
  • Interactive…user contributions in Faves & Raves is one example
  • We are not an opinion, business rating or discussion site…but can be a candidate position platform during elections
  • Compact multimedia for all devices
  • We focus on direct connections to qualified local experts.  Occasionally some editorial comment is present, but we don’t reproduce existing content published elsewhere.
Mobirise

HIGH CLASSIFIEDS

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


Mobirise

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.  

Mobirise

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.

Mobirise

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 850 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!

We offer high quality in-context multimedia marketing options for enhanced participation that cost the equivalent of pennies a day.  A common option is $60 annually for a full-width single image parallax promo with hyperlink, positioned above the corresponding category data table.  A deluxe side-scrolling sequence of images with special transitions is just $80 per year.  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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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.

About Me...

I worked for Tourism BC/Destination BC for 2 decades in a variety of roles, including regional, sector and community marketing programs coordination.  I was Revenue Manager at the Royal BC Museum, and held a several financial positions within the provincial government preceded by many years in the hospitality industry.  I attended Selkirk College in Castlegar, beginning my affection for the Kootenays early on.

My wife and I moved to Creston in September, 2020.  Developing the Kootenays Network is mostly a labour of love, not expecting much in the way of financial returns, while I also work on my "change-the-world" global tourism project, Tourism 1.

Thanks to everyone for your support!

Keith Baldwin

Participation