New Web site features Tarboro's best

TARBORO – One of Eastern North Carolina's more historic towns is attempting to market itself in a 21st century economy.

Town leaders witnessed a demonstration Monday of Tarboro's new Web site, which will feature streaming promotional videos and new online town services.

The site was designed by Circumerro Creative Media Agency of Jackson Hole, Wyo., for $44,000 and will be launched later this month.

"This Web site contains very deep, rich information that will be attractive to visitors," said Circumerro Creative Media Agency owner Latham Jenkins, who is also Councilman John Jenkins' son.

Councilman Melvin Muhammad previously had challenged the potential conflict of interest in awarding a design contract to a councilman's son, but the board approved the contract, regardless. Two other companies submitted proposals during the bidding process.

Latham Jenkins, who grew up in Tarboro, said the new Web site offers a well-crafted message that provides visitors with information through words as well as strong visuals.

Four promotional videos were filmed for the Web site, highlighting Tarboro's history, business atmosphere, tourist attractions and comfortable lifestyle.

The Web site was constructed for maximum search connectivity, Jenkins said Monday. If someone does a search on canoeing in North Carolina, for example, Tarboro's new site should pop up.

In addition, each of the promotional videos have been posted on youtube.com, a popular video networking site. After being posted for less than two days, more than 110 users already had viewed the promotional videos.

"If we were to compare this Web site to that of similar towns that Tarboro would be competing with," Jenkins said, "I would say that those towns are being substantially out marketed right now."

The new Web site also will allow residents to pay utility bills online and post information on an interactive forum.

When the site is officially posted, it will replace the town's current Web site at www.tarboro-nc.com.