News : \'Showcase\' publication to focus on linking Vinton retailers, customers

Showcase: n. A setting in which anything may be displayed to best advantage

The definition of "showcase" above describes the goal that VU Director Nathan Hesson and Monkeytown owner Kurt Karr had in mind when they created the new publication, which began arriving in Vinton area mailboxes Thursday.

Showcase includes several stories about local businesses and events, as well as information about this weekend's Holiday Open House. The effort will combine a printed publication every few months along with a consistent e-mail and Internet information and marketing program designed to link Vinton area merchants with customers in a variety of ways.

The first edition also includes a story about the wind storm of July 11 from the perspective of a local insurance agent who was affected by the damage, along with a history of the local Fareway store, and the impact of working there on its youngest employees.

The publication will also be available to visitors to Vinton during the Dec. 3 Holiday Train Ride.

Showcase also includes a contest for a $250 on-line shopping spree and a clip-out $500 shopping spree. Entries for the $500 prize must be taken to three participating businesses.

Click HERE to enter the $250 on-line shopping spree.

Click HERE to download a PDF version of Showcase to your computer.