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May 7, 2007

Spot the ads: Springetts company touts high-tech marketing tactics

CHARLES SCHILLINGER
The York Dispatch

A new Springettsbury Township-based business has something to fill that empty, boring spot on the wall in bars, restaurants and gyms. The Spot Media Group is filling places where people hang out with high-tech flat panel television screens that have a slide show of advertisements. The screens will also have a scrolling ticker that, depending on the location, lists community events and local weather.

It's not necessarily a new idea, said one of the company's founders, David Maday; however, wireless technology has made it easier and more feasible for a business. The only wire required for the television is a power outlet.

"We had to be able to offer competitive pricing for advertisers," said Cammi MacCall, the marketing and sales director. She explained that while there are no other businesses like The Spot, it has to compete with newspapers and radio and television stations for a company's advertising revenue.

Jason Kaun approached David Maday last year about setting up television screens showing advertisements in the York Galleria. The idea worked well enough that the pair -- who own two separate businesses, but met each other through the York County Chamber of Commerce -- decided to start The Spot.

Eight places so far: So far, the company has set up 32-, 42-, and 47-inch LCD televisions in eight locations. Maday said the plan is to have 30 in place by the end of the year.

"We have had people really interested in this, including investors," said Maday. "But we want to do this right and not expand too quickly."

The television screens cost nothing to the establishments where they are set up, Maday said, and in return, the business gets a "nice-looking" television that catches customers' eyes as well as free advertising on the televisions.

The Spot uses wireless technology to update advertisers' commercials and the scrolling ticker information. The company has also hired an employee to design still and animated advertisements.

Maday said he sees the opportunities for what is broadcast increasing once the company gets a better feel for what people want to see. Adding local sports and business news, for instance, is a possibility.

"Technology has gone so far that we can put a lot of neat things up there, but we just want to see what people think first," he said.

While they are currently looking for more locations in York, the plan is to expand the reach of the business into the Harrisburg and Lancaster areas as well.

Reach Charles Schillinger at 505-5431 or cschillinger@yorkdispatch.com.

TVs in place

The Blast, 90 Grumbacher Road, Manchester Township
York Ice Arena, 941 Vander Ave., York City
Strictly Fitness, 2880 Carol Road, Springettsbury Township
Dunkin' Donuts, 2175 S. Queen St., York Township
Department of Economic Development/Redevelopment Authority, 49 E. Market St., York City
White Rose Bar & Grill, 49 N. Beaver St., York City
The Athletic Club, 1785 Loucks Road

For more information about the televisions, call The Spot Media Group at 852-SPOT or visit www.advertiseonthespot.com.

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