By Mike Hixenbaugh
Rocky Mount Telegram

Sunday, October 19, 2008

TARBORO — Leaders in one of North Carolina’s more historic towns hope to utilize new-aged marketing techniques to reverse a more than 30-year trend of stagnant population growth.

Tarboro’s new Web site featuring four promotional videos and other multimedia went live this week, drawing hundreds of online visitors within hours.

“Web sites and the Internet in general appears to be the most effective avenue as far as attracting people and getting your name out,” Town Manager Sam Noble said. “Tarboro and Edgecombe County have lost people — more than for 10 years — for more like 30 years. I really think this site will help us to attract new residents as well as commercial and industrial growth.”

The Web site was designed by Circumerro Creative Media Agency of Jackson Hole, Wyo., for $44,000 and replaces Tarboro’s original site, which was designed more than five years ago.

Four promotional videos were filmed and posted on the site, anchoring an overlying message promoting Tarboro’s history, business atmosphere, tourist attractions and comfortable lifestyle.

“Tarboro is an inclusive community of individuals who view small town living as a refreshing tonic from congested city life,” according to the Web site’s welcome message.

The site was scheduled to launch last month but was delayed after Councilman Melvin Muhammad voiced concerns over a lack of diversity in the videos. After reviewing the newly edited video clips this week, the Town Council unanimously approved the new site.

“I think it looks pretty good,” Noble said, noting that the videos remind him why he loves the community. “It certainly should be an asset to town. But it will be an ongoing project. We’ll be adding content to the site regularly.”

The Web site was constructed for maximum search connectivity, Circumerro Creative Media Agency owner Latham Jenkins said. If someone does a search on canoeing in North Carolina, for example, Tarboro’s new site should pop up.

The promotional videos have already drawn response from a number of YouTube viewers.

“I visited Tarboro for a couple of weeks back in February and fell in love with your great town,” one commenter wrote about the videos. “If I was ever gonna emigrate from the UK, Tarboro would be my ideal destination.”

Latham Jenkins giving presentation to Town of Tarboro

As published in the Daily Southern, August 12, 2008:

Tarboro Mayor and Council were given a preview Monday night of the new town Web site.  Latham Jenkins, a Tarboro native whose Circumerro Media was hired in April to redesign the site did the honors.

As published in the Daily Southern, August 12, 2008

Tarboro's Theather Marquee thanking Circumerro Media

MAYOR AND Council will get a preview of the town’s new Web site Monday night during its monthly meeting.  Latham Jenkins, president of Circumerro Media of Jackson Hole, Wyo., was hired in April to redesign the Web site.  His work will be reviewed by Council members and staff next week, recommended changes will be made and the site launched by the end of August, as planned.

“We are excited to present our work on Monday night to Town council and staff, ” Jenkins said.  “The town’s residents have been so supportive through this processs of building the site’s content and I am grateful.  I believe the site represents the town for all it’s great qualities it offers and it will be a real marketing asset for the community.  As a community marketer, I applaud Council and staff for their forward thinking”.

Jenkins shot 10 hours of video that has been boiled down into four three-minute segments. Tarboro’s Dee Harper wrote the copy; Tarboro’s Bill Goode took some photos.  “We think we have a good site that speaks to any newcomers considering moving to Tarboro,” Jenkins said.  “We want to reach out to them.”