Business marketing Toronto focus

TORONTO - Business marketing practices were discussed during the Thursday luncheon meeting of the city chamber at the North River Avenue Christian Church.

Doug Flesch, owner of Landslide Media and River City Apparel, told chamber members the key to successful business marketing is knowing their business and target market.

"You know your business better than anyone," said Flesch. "The question you should be asking yourself is, 'Where is my advertisement going to be?'"

Flesch also said a business should advertise where it's going to reach the most potential customers, and the media used should reflect where potential customers may be.

"When should you advertise?" asked Flesch. "The answer is any time you can afford it."

A business should advertise during peak seasons for the business to "get the best bang for the buck."

Flesch said making wise choices regarding advertising can result in a profitable venture, and different businesses require different types of media advertising.

In other chamber business:

Karen Mellott, chamber treasurer and light-up night co-organizer, said the chamber's memorial luminaria sale had raised $1,457 for the city unit of the Salvation Army's home heating assistance program. Chamber President Melissa Clark-Tice announced the chamber-sponsored penny drive involving Karaffa Middle and S.C. Dennis schools had raised $1,097 for the Salvation Army.

Mike Biasi, co-organizer, said the city's great Expectations Christmas Parade Dec. 5, coordinated by the Focus in Toronto organization, was a success.

"Every year the parade has grown," said Biasi, adding he was grateful for Focus in Toronto's assistance. "Overall, I think the parade turned out well."

Biasi also said the parade was broadcast live on Jefferson County Cable and would repeat on the network Christmas Eve and New Year's Day.

Parade float winners included Red, White and Blue Christmas by Norm Winstel, first; Pine Grove Methodist Church, second; and Eagle All-Star, third.

Dance/gymnastics winners included Generations of Steppaz, first; Powers Martial Arts, second; and Gem City Dance, third.

Clark-Tice thanked chamber members for their support during her presidency.

(Miller can be contacted at mmiller@heraldstaronline.com.)