Outer Banks Chamber unveils new magazine
Outer Banks Chamber unveils new magazine
The Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce celebrated the arrival of the Outer Banks Experience Magazine today a brunch buffet for advertisers at Kelly’s Outer Banks Restaurant and Tavern in Nags Head.
Thirty-five advertisers supported the publication, which will serve as the Chamber’s quality-of-life piece for 2014.
All members of the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce are listed in the publication, both by category and alphabetically. The magazine opens with a welcome from Chamber President & CEO Karen Brown, a photo of Chamber Board of Directors and staff members, and an introduction to what it is like to live and work on North Carolina’s Outer Banks.
Newcomer helpful facts, such as climate, demographics, education institutions, utilities, libraries, law enforcement, government offices, medical facilities, licensing and registrations, help residents acclimate themselves to the area. Demographic data such as population summaries, cost-of-living, industry comparisons, household income and work force statistics help with business planning and the employment search.
“Goal of this publication is to offer a quick overview of what new residents and investors will be considering when relocating to the area, purchasing a second home, or opening a business here,” said Brown. “Complimenting the facts are soft but informative articles that showcase the area’s quality of life.”
The article titled “Working on the Water” focuses on the importance of commercial fishing and boat building to the area. Bob Peele is quoted in the article talking about the growth of boat building partners and supplies in the Wanchese area.
“Originally it (the Wanchese Marine Industrial Park) was going to be a hub for only the commercial fishing industry, but over the years we’ve changed our model to allow other companies in,” he said. “Now we have boat-building companies, a marine operation, two upholstery shops, a couple of boat repair yards and a few commercial fishing businesses.”
Other articles in the publication showcase the various activities and attractions in the area and are titled “25 Things to See and Do on the Outer Banks,” “Water, Water Everywhere,” “Sunken Vessels,” “Tending to Tourists and Tenants,” and “A-Level Academics.”
“From our history and legends to our impressive school system and health care options to tips for being successful in an area which is strongly tied to tourism, this piece showcases the things most appealing about the Outer Banks,” said Brown. “We provide a list of resources – including our current business membership listings – to help residents settle and business owner to maximize their business plans and be successful.”
As with other programs, services and marketing materials prepared by the Chamber, the goal is to connect businesses both with other businesses in the area for cross-promotion and networking but also to connect member businesses with potential customers and clients.
“We often talk about these publications being used for economic development, to attract new resident or businesses to the area but just as important is the need to provide our business members a chance to showcase what is already available in the area, to strengthen our understanding of the Outer Banks and to share this information,” said Brown. “The Chamber’s focus on business retention and expansion supports the mission of helping our Outer Banks businesses succeed.”
10,000 copies of the publication were printed and are available through the Chamber office in Kill Devil Hills, from advertisers, area welcome centers, and government offices. Those requesting a supply, should call the Chamber office at 252-441-8144.
This was the first edition of the Outer Banks Experience Magazine published through a partnership with SouthComm Publishing, a Chamber member business that also produces the Chamber’s detailed street map.
The Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit business membership organization with more than 1,040 members in Dare, Currituck and Hyde counties. Being listed in the Outer Banks Experience magazine is just one of the many benefits of membership. Other value items include a listing on the Chamber’s website www.outerbankschamber.com/members, networking and marketing events such as the OBX Success Job & Career Fair on March 29, the “Oceans of Opportunities” Business Expo on April 16, monthly Chamber Business After Hours and Morning Schmooze, Outer Banks Young Professionals, the Economic Forecast Breakfast on March 20, legislative advocacy, and more.
For more information about the Chamber and its programming, stop by the Chamber office on Colington Road in Kill Devil Hills, call 252-441-8144 or visit online at www.outerbankschamber.com/joinnow.
