WSI Equips Chamber of Commerce with Search Toolbar to Help Charities

Cheshire, United Kingdom, February 29, 2008 --(PR.com)-- Local charities in the Cheshire, Ellesmere Port and North Wales (CEPNW) areas have become the direct beneficiaries of a corporate partnership that will raise charity funds simply by encouraging Internet users searching online to use a free customized toolbar. The Chester Ellesmere Port North Wales (CEPNW) Chamber of Commerce has utilized the services of their WSI Internet Marketing Consultant to provide a search toolbar on their website, which individuals can download for free. Each time the toolbar is used to search for information online, a donation is raised for the local charities supported by the Chamber.

One of the stated aims of the CEPNW Chamber is to be a catalyst that engages businesses and desirable business practices in the community to develop the social economy and create sustainability within social enterprise. One way this is achieved is by encouraging interaction between the broad business community and local charities, many of whom are also Chamber members. To further this aim, the Chamber has worked with WSI, the world’s largest Internet consulting group to launch the Chamber Toolbar.

WSI has a strategic partnership with BenefitBar LLC to equip people all around the world with the power to make a difference without spending a dime or making any extra effort. Through the vast network of over 1500 WSI Internet Consultants in 87 countries around the world, businesses and organisations are offered a free, customized search toolbar to promote their own website and support a charity of their choice. By installing and using this innovative Web browser toolbar created by BenefitBar and powered by Yahoo! Search, Web surfers can now contribute to local Chamber charities.

Andrew Wooles, WSI Internet Marketing Consultant serving Cheshire says, “WSI seeks to form partnerships with other organisations that want to give back to the community. Through our partnership with BenefitBar LLC, we offer individuals and organisations the opportunity to make a difference to their community by simply changing the way people search the Internet. With the launch of the CEPNW Chamber Toolbar, each time the toolbar is used by an online user to search for something on the Internet, a donation (could be as little as half a penny each time) is raised for a local charity. The members of the Chamber have already started downloading the Chamber toolbar to raise funds for the charities they support in the region.”

BenefitBar is a patent pending copyright protected Internet based technology keeping organisations in front of their Internet audience 24/7.The toolbar encompassing the organisation’s logo is installed as part of the supporter's Web browser, and it remains visible while he or she surfs the Web in a non-intrusive way. In addition to advertising revenue, both the search and e-commerce components, as well as potential donation, all offer ongoing fundraising and revenue generating opportunities.

Set-up costs and all support for creating a customized toolbar are covered by BenefitBar. There is no cost to the organisation and no cost to the audience who downloads the custom toolbar. There is no spyware, adware or pop-ups and it is network-secure. The toolbar is available for Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox browsers.

Dave Roberts, CEPNW Chamber Membership Manager says, "Working closely with a range of public and private sector organisations, we help find the answers or the support businesses are looking for, whether that is through the specialist services of our partners, members, or through our many services. Our partnership with WSI has helped us further our vision to contribute to the local community as we invite our member organisations to download and spread the word about our Charity Toolbar. We believe that together we can make a difference – one search, one click at a time."

About WSI – we simplify the Internet: With a network of over 1500 offices in 87 countries, WSI is the leading provider of Internet solutions to small and medium sized businesses the world over. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, WSI provides affordable Internet related services and technologies that deliver maximum return on investment for businesses. With the support and cooperation of its customers, franchise network, employees, suppliers and charitable organizations, WSI aims to help make child poverty history through its global outreach program. For more information about WSI’s offerings and business opportunities, please visit our website at www.wsimarketing.com.

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