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Hello Alaska,
I'm a little off today. I am all about this time of year, but for one reason or another the Christmas spirit just hasn't caught up with me yet. However, nothing gets the yuletide juices flowing like a good shopping trip. In my case, it was online to look for a seafood gift package for some out of town relatives. Naturally your boy used the #1 resource on the planet and after typing "SEAFOOD" into the search engine, I was pleasantly surprised at the number of businesses that popped up. Not only that, but even more impressive was that over 20 communities around the state were represented. The fact that The Latitude 62 Lodge/Motel in Talkeetna was on the list threw me for a loop, until I read their company profile and saw that they offer "fresh Alaskan Seafood". That little tidbit got them a hit! I have to admit that I used the words "seafood gift packs" in my first search and only two businesses popped up, Prime select seafood inc and Copper River Fine Seafood Inc. Again, both listed the availability of gift packs in their company profile and got a hit off that information. Neither of the two vendors had the three words "seafood, gift & packs" together anywhere in their profile, but we try to make our computer program as smart as the average consumer to help them find our local businesses quickly and efficiently.
Consumers usually have very specific needs and want to shop where those needs are met. If your company profile is very broad, please use the keyword section to include additional specific terms and phrases that will increase the chances of a keyword search match. In my opinion it is better to be listed in error on several searches (see the Latitude 62 Lodge above and heck, why not visit them and try out their seafood? BTW, their site is www.latitude62.com) than not at all in the ones that count.
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Submitted by my good friend Julie is an insider tip about a website called Groupon! (www.groupon.com) Those of you that are familiar with the site can now officially consider yourselves "insiders". The website is city and offers a daily special by a local business. "Triggers " are put in place by the business that activate the special once a certain number of interested participants click the "buy" button A few days ago the discount was a $15 coupon for $7 by the Anchorage restaurant "Ginger". Yesterday's featured a local dentist, who offered $69 screenings, which included x-rays. Today, the Denali Winery is offering a staggering $375 discount on their wine making package.
I haven't snooped around the site very much, but every indication is that it is professionally run with unconditional refunds if consumers aren't satisfied with their purchases. There are several links to testimonials and National stories about the website. I assume that Groupon would create a page for a community if they were confident that they would be able to offer local specials from that city continually. For right now it is only available in Anchorage, but I expect other Alaskan communities to follow along.
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You Christmas shopping procrastinators may want to consider visiting the:
Christmas Village
This Saturday, December 18th from 10am-8pm at the Dena'ina Center
It will feature over 200 vendors selling a wide assortment of gifts for everyone on your shopping list.
ADMISSION IS FREE
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Christmas at the Reindeer Farm in Palmer
Every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Christmas Eve, Noon-9:00pm
Admission of $7 per adult and $5 per child 3-11, toddlers free, will include:
- Reindeer Tour-Feed and pet Santa's Reindeer before the big day!
- Christmas Lights Choreographed to music. You can't miss it!
- Additional Activities: Photos with Santa's sleigh and Reindeer
- Hay Rides
- Hot Chocolate and Roast a S 'More!
Call 907-745-4000 or visit www.reindeerfarm.com for more information
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One more plug for the Garden Snaps Map!
2011 will be the third year of the popular Garden Snaps Map. Because it is the third year they decided to mix it up & change it up. They're are going green but not too green, going virtual but not too virtual, all of which will result in customers getting greater visibility by participating on the map and website. Check them out at www.gardensnapsmap or contact them at: gardensnaps@gmail.com for information about getting in on the 2011 version.
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"tis the season to give and here is a nice offer from the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Anchorage that will help both the needy and your pocket book.
In partnership with the Food Bank of Alaska, the hotel is participating in a food drive. For every 1 item of food you donate, you will receive 5% off of one of our Standard Rooms at Rack Rate. Donate 10 items of food and receive 50% off your room!!
This offer is available until January 31, 2011. Max of 10 items and 3 night hotel stay. Additional donations welcome!! Call 907-433-4100 for details and reservations.
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