I'm pleased to announce that Dominion has responded favorably to VAFP's
application for a grant to assist in implementing the information
kiosk project across Virginia's State Park System. Dominion has awarded
VAFP a grant of $300,000, payable in two installments of $150,000 each.
The information kiosk project will be implemented initially during April
and May. Kiosks will be available to park visitors by the beginning of
the 2007 Park Season.
On December 10, 2006, I sent you a message describing the kiosk project,
why it is so important, how it is to be funded, and how each of you can
help to successfully implement and fund the project by simply making
local organizations and businesses aware of the advertising
opportunities available.
The December 10 message is shown in its entirety below. Please read it
again and take the suggested actions to help successfully implement this
very important initiative. If you have questions, please let me know.
December
10, 2006<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns =
"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
To All
VAFP Members:
We need your help in implementing a
very important initiative.
As you
may know, the Department of Conservation and Recreation has
contracted with Imperial Multimedia to develop and install a
groundbreaking interactive visitor information system in 31 of
Virginia�s 34 state parks. The system will be installed by the
spring of 2007 and will be available to park visitors 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week.
The
system uses a weatherproof, vandal resistant, touch screen,
interactive kiosk to provide park guests with specific information
about the park and the surrounding localities. In that regard, local
businesses will, for a fee, be able to advertise on the kiosk and/or
become a listed sponsor.
Here�s
where we need your help. VAFP has agreed to become a strategic
partner with DCR and Imperial Multimedia in helping to implement the
visitor information program by asking our members to make the kiosk
program known to potential advertisers in the localities surrounding
each park. We now need you to follow through with that agreement and
help us meet our partnership commitment.
We
believe strongly that the system is unique, innovative, and will
enrich a visitation experience in many ways, including making
visitors aware of those local amenities outside the park that choose
to participate in the system. Thus, in our view, the system provides
a win � win opportunity for all participants and our partnership
agreement is directly in keeping with VAFP�s stated mission.
You can
familiarize yourself with the system by visiting www.vaparks.net
Pertinent information is provided on several different subjects, so
please be sure to click on each of the toolbars provided at the
website.
Each park
manager has been tasked by DCR with developing a list of potential
advertisers. We ask that you begin your efforts by simply getting a
copy of that list, contacting those businesses, telling them �a
little� about the program, giving them a hard copy brochure
(available from your park manager), and referring them to www.vaparks.net
for more complete information about all aspects of the program,
including the kinds of ads available and the respective costs.
In considering your potential contacts, please
also seek opportunities to speak to groups such as the local Ruritan
Club, Kiwanis Club, etc. And, please supplement the list of
businesses provided by your park manager with your own ideas about
potential advertisers once you�ve gained familiarity with the
program and what it provides.
You may
also find it useful to mention that the Virginia State Park System
entertains more than seven million visitors per year with a growing
attendance and generates more than $160 million annually in economic
impact for the state and local economies. You can get similar
information about your park (number of visitors and economic impact)
from your park manager. These local numbers may be the ones that
�make the difference� for your local businesses.
Thanks
for your support and effort !??..Johnny
