Published: April 21, 2008 11:53 am      

Ebensburg business group seeks 'a fresh look'

EBENSBURG — Some old dogs can learn new tricks just fine - especially if it means the future financial health of their businesses.

That's what Ebensburg leaders are learning through an updated Web site for area businesses.

If they are novices in computer technology, it gives them a chance to at least have a presence on the Internet.

If they are wizards at computer technology, and perhaps even have their own Web sites, it gives them a chance for more exposure.

The Ebensburg Area Business Commission feels so strongly about the need for an Internet presence for businesses that it is funding a $3,000 makeover of its Web site, www.EbensburgMainStreet.com, which will be available by July 1.

The idea is to bring it up to date, including rotating business ads, a section for announcements, and ever-changing accents of Ebensburg's key tourist events.

"The business commission has had a basic Web site, listing member businesses alphabetically, but we wanted to categorize the area businesses into restaurants, hotels, hardware stores, etc. That was one change," said Christine Strugala, the borough's director of community development.

"Also, some member businesses don't have a Web site at all, so this gives them an opportunity to have a presence," she said.

The updated Web site has a Victorian look to its design, reflecting the borough's Streetscape downtown renovation, which includes Victorian accents.

The rotating member advertisements help connect businesses with today's computer-browsing customers, and businesses can use the "member news" category to post a menu, a presentation or other information.

"It gives our businesses a chance to show off what we have here in Ebensburg," Strugala said.

"The Web and other Internet commerce has become a very big part of the business world, even in smaller towns," she said. "A lot of businesses now feel almost forced to tap into that market, or be left behind. Web sites provide opportunities for small businesses to survive."

Rene Damin of Damin Printing can attest to the importance of computer technology and the changes he's seen in his lifetime. "Everything we do now is computerized, from my machines to the printing process," he said.

"Damin Printing has had its own Web site for about four years, and it's the best advertising a company can do anymore," Damin said. "Now we're looking at redoing it. People like a fresh look."

It's that fresh look that members of the Ebensburg Business Commission will have when the site is done, Strugala said.

"Only members of the commission will be featured on the site," she stressed, "and the commission's goal is to bring people into Ebensburg."

Last year the commission had 140 members. The first year's membership is free, and dues are $50 annually after that.

Member businesses include large organizations such as Cambria CoGen and L. Robert Kimball Architects and Engineers, health-care facilities including Laurel Crest Manor and Rebekah Manor, and tiny shops such as It's Worth Repeating.

"We stress that whether you are large or small, you have to have a Web site presence and an e-mail address," Strugala said. "For older folks, it's been a hard adaptation. We hold seminars, and some people don't even know how to use a computer, let alone the Internet. But they learn, some more easily than others.

"We really do try to push them."