KOSBE Web Site for Small Business Owners Updated to Include B2B and Minority Business e-Directories

Kingsport, TN, September 19, 2008 --(PR.com)-- The Kingsport Office of Small Business Development and Entrepreneurship (KOSBE) has substantially enhanced its web site to include a custom illustrated profile avatar named ‘Melissa’, Business to Business e-Directory, Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Online Directory, Listing of Help Wanted and Professionals for Hire, Listing of Available Retail/Commercial Property not listed in the MLS, Listing of Small Business Franchising Opportunities, and eSchool of Entrepreneurship online curriculum.

“I know that Melissa will not appeal to everyone,” said Aundrea Wilcox, Executive Director of KOSBE. “Our web site is designed especially for entrepreneurs that consider themselves self-servers and self-starters --people who like to explore a bit on their own and investigate unknown waters a little before jumping in. We have implemented Melissa to make surfing our web site more enjoyable and, in fact, more productive. Melissa will help new and returning visitors get to the new content on our web site much faster --thus shortening the amount of time visitors spend window shopping.”

The primary responsibility of Melissa is user support and customer service. The avatar is present, visible, and available 24/7 to users requiring technical assistance. She responds to frequently asked questions from users and remotely assists users with problems. Melissa stays up-to-date and familiar with available help resources from SBA and the State of Tennessee’s Economic and Community Development Business Enterprise Resource Office (BERO), in order to pass on new information to users, and directs online inquiries to appropriate KOSBE staff and volunteers as necessary.

Jeff Hostetler, Director of Marketing for Tele-Optics and KOSBE’s Volunteer Council Chair, says it is getting harder and harder to reach target audiences by email because everyone is more knowledgeable about SPAM and they block a great number of incoming email from strangers on a daily basis. “The ability to actually get through the online virtual wall requires being a customer intimate organization. We believe that Melissa will be valuable in helping us get closer to our clients, and the memorable online experience will keep our visitors coming back.”

The mission of KOSBE is to actively assist in the establishment of new small businesses and the growth and development of existing small businesses. The Business to Business Directory and MBE Online Directory are real-time databases of goods and services that are available locally and offered by clients of KOSBE who are currently in business. The directories, which can be accessed from the Tools and Resources web page at www.kosbe.org, will help consumers and business buyers and contracting representatives quickly find suppliers, and contact local small businesses about contracting or outsourcing opportunities. KOSBE asks that clients check their directory listing carefully for accuracy. If any changes need to be made, clients should send an email to melissa@kosbe.org.

The Kingsport Office of Small Business Development & Entrepreneurship is a non-profit economic development organization that represents a partnership between the City of Kingsport and the Kingsport Area Chamber of Commerce.

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