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Lewis County, N.Y., Chamber of Commerce Seeks Businesses to Include in New Website

Though the chamber’s approximately 400 members’ businesses were automatically included, all businesses will be listed at no charge for the website’s inaugural year.

The Lewis County, N.Y.,  Chamber of Commerce has had a less than stellar response from local businesses to be included in Lewis County’s new tourism and recreation website.

Though the chamber’s approximately 400 members’ businesses were automatically included, all businesses will be listed at no charge for the website’s inaugural year.

So, how many non-chamber businesses have taken advantage of the yearlong free advertising?

“Not a single one,” said Anne L. Merrill, chamber executive director.

The initiative is intended to draw more visitors to the county with an all-inclusive, one-stop website to show off all the area has to offer.

Each business listing will give the business name, address and contact information, as well as links to any outside websites, Facebook pages and Twitter accounts. An interactive county map will show where each business is located.

Although the chamber has attempted to get the word out, Mrs. Merrill said, she’s sure there are businesses that don’t know yet about the opportunity to be included.

“I’m sure there are places out there, tucked away, that haven’t heard or that I don’t know about,” she said.

In particular, she said, the chamber is seeking businesses that offer rental units or vacation lodging.

“We’re hoping to have a complete list as soon as possible,” she said.

Inclusion is simple, Mrs. Merrill said: “I can take all of the information right over the phone.”

The website is part of a $45,000 project approved by the county Legislature in December.

The project also includes creation of cellphone and tablet apps for all-terrain vehicle and snowmobile trails.

Frank J. Pace, senior planner with the Lewis County Department of Economic Development and Planning, said the apps would increase safety for operators, since they can be accessed via satellite where cellphone service is not available.

©2014 Watertown Daily Times (Watertown, N.Y.)