History
Message from the CEO:
“We’re all in this together, right?” I asked myself on March 1st 2007. As I stood in a convenience store in Whitehall, MI, I witnessed a dynamic new media partnership between a vendor and a distributor. Above the beverage cooler hung a 32” LCD television playing a Budweiser commercial from the 2007 Super Bowl. As I continued to watch, I began to laugh out-loud as familiar favorite began to play; The Budweiser Frogs, Wazzuuup, The Clydesdale Donkey, and The Swear Jar, one of my personal favorites. It became clear that this LCD TV was installed for the sole purpose of promoting Budweiser products at the point of sale. Brilliant! Before I knew it, I had spent 15 minutes with 10 people, who I don’t know, watching TV ads at a gas station! Curious to find out more about this partnership, I asked the attendant for more information.
She informed me that the TV was owned by Budweiser and has a DVD player hidden in the ceiling tiles, playing a continuous loop of commercials. The DVD has commercials clear back to the late ‘80’s. She then began to tell me about the downside; the constant need to reset the DVD player, getting the ladder out, removing the ceiling tile, etc. She said it’s a great idea, but more headache than what it’s worth.
As I pondered this statement, I thought their might be a better way to deliver this message. “What if I could help companies through a digital television network delivered via internet protocol?” “Why stop there? Why not help community businesses partner to promote one another?” “What if I could use wireless communication?” “What if we could promote community events?” “If the airtime was shared, I could significantly reduce the cost for each advertisement, right?” “We’re all in this together, right?” Question after question began to surface. The groundwork for GLN was built, the idea had spawned.
On January 1st, 2008, Great Lakes Narrowcast was born. A community based, wireless digital signage network was created. Local area businesses could partner displaying content for self-promotion, as well as content to promote their dentist, their insurance agent, their hardware store, local weather, blood drives, high school sports schedules, and more. The list continues to grow exponentially. Today, we have over 50 network displays supporting four major community networks across Indiana and Michigan. We have contracted three more community networks for 2009, with plans to be throughout both states, and several more by year end.
Without the support of our location partners, the GLN network would not be possible. We thank each of you for your continued support, and patience, as we grow this incredible new media. We also can’t thank our advertisers enough for their belief in our media and the viewers we reach. Today alone, we will generate over 250,000 impressions, providing our viewers with today’s weather, upcoming events, and deals they can use as they travel throughout their day. It is my belief that advertising can be used effectively if it is relevant and non-intrusive. I strive to find new content for our network that both informs our viewers and benefits them financially. I welcome suggestions and new ideas; my email is listed on our contact page. Feel free to send me your thoughts.