Port Authority looks to actively market the area

COSHOCTON -- Port Authority Director T.J. Justice received approval last week from the Board of Directors to pursue an advertising campaign putting the county's name in front of more than 2,500 site selection consultants every couple of months.

After meeting with someone who works in the field, Justice learned mailing campaigns sending a pen or similar advertising item and periodic e-mails with items such as community newsletters are good reminders of a name.

"We just want to get our name in front of these site selection consultants," Justice said.

The Schooler Family Foundation grant last year specified a line item of $50,000 for marketing, for both Coshocton and Knox counties, Justice said.

A Web site -- coshknox.com -- will serve as a joint landing page for the Port Authority and Area Development Foundation of Knox County.

The board approved printing calendars that will share photos from both counties, plus mouse pads that will be sent out around the first of the year. The grant will also be used for postage.

American Electric Power awarded a $2,000 grant which Justice said will be used to update the Port Authority Web site.

"We don't receive phone calls like you would 10 years ago," he said. "Today, if someone wants to learn something about you, they go to your Web site. It's important we keep it fresh."

It's been about two years since the site was redesigned.