$46 MILLION AWARDED TO NEW JERSEY LOCAL HOMELESS PROGRAMS

Funding supports thousands of local homeless housing and service programs

WASHINGTON – U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson today announced nearly $2.2 billion in grants to support thousands of local homeless

assistance programs across the nation. HUD’s

Continuum of Care

grants will provide critically needed support to approximately 6,593 local programs on the front lines, serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness. This is the first of two announcements of Continuum of Care awards.

View a complete list of all the state and local homeless projects awarded funding

.

New Jersey state local homeless housing and service programs will receive $46,031,871. This is an increase of $734,247 from the past year.

“A safe, affordable place to call home is key when creating a path toward opportunity and self-sufficiency,” said Secretary Carson in Ohio, where he made the funding announcement. “The grants awarded today help our partners on the ground to reduce homelessness in their communities and help our most vulnerable neighbors.”

HUD Continuum of Care grant funding supports a broad array of interventions designed to assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness, particularly those living in places not meant for habitation, located in sheltering programs, or at imminent risk of becoming homeless. Each year, HUD serves more than a million people through emergency shelter, transitional, and permanent housing programs.

“The $46 million in grants being awarded today by the Trump Administration marks yet another year of record level of funding aimed at reducing homelessness in New Jersey,” said Lynne Patton, HUD Regional Administrator for New York and New Jersey. “HUD recognizes the importance of supporting New Jersey’s local homeless assistance programs.”

HUD continues to challenge state and local planning organizations called “Continuums of Care” to support their highest performing local programs that have proven most effective in meeting the needs of persons experiencing homelessness in their communities.

In 2019, most of the country experienced a combined decrease in homelessness but significant increases in unsheltered and chronic homelessness on the West Coast, particularly California and Oregon, offset those nationwide decreases, causing an overall increase in homelessness of 2.7 percent.

HUD’s 2019 Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress

found that 567,715 persons experienced homelessness on a single night in 2019, an increase of 2.7 percent since 2018 but nearly 11 percent decline since 2010. The number of families with children experiencing homelessness declined 5 percent from 2018 and more than 32 percent since 2010. Local communities also reported a continuing trend in reducing veteran homelessness across the country—the number of veterans experiencing homelessness fell 2.1 percent since January 2018 and by 50 percent since 2010.

View a complete list of all the state and local homeless projects.

The grants HUD is awarding include the following:

2019 Continuum of Care Grants (Tier 1)

State

Number of Projects

Amount

Alaska

30

$ 4,688,499

Alabama

50

$16,187,098

Arkansas

20

$ 4,166,349

Arizona

79

$ 39,667,766

California

761

$ 415,233,197

Colorado

51

$ 31,823,715

Connecticut

148

$ 53,925,797

District of Columbia

34

$ 21,068,602

Delaware

27

$ 7,825,678

Florida

309

$ 87,529,248

Georgia

169

$ 42,721,865

Guam

8

$ 1,119,247

Hawaii

30

$ 12,158,946

Iowa

41

$ 9,364,401

Idaho

27

$ 4,234,119

Illinois

368

$ 114,704,242

Indiana

89

$ 23,770,934

Kansas

40

$ 7,500,169

Kentucky

105

$ 23,141,762

Louisiana

142

$ 50,763,628

Massachusetts

217

$ 76,567,387

Maryland

157

$ 49,879,309

Maine

22

$ 13,121,653

Michigan

274

$ 73,362,763

Minnesota

202

$ 33,500,442

Missouri

135

$ 36,059,327

Mississippi

31

$ 4,892,316

Montana

14

$ 2,529,752

North Carolina

134

$ 26,659,517

North Dakota

18

$ 1,943,050

Northern Mariana Islands

1

$ 13,983

Nebraska

47

$ 8,767,133

New Hampshire

54

$ 7,702,743

New Jersey

223

$ 46,031,871

New Mexico

51

$ 10,506,434

Nevada

50

$ 16,051,105

New York

520

$ 214,895,469

Ohio

284

$ 106,811,990

Oklahoma

59

$ 8,354,106

Oregon

120

$ 37,289,231

Pennsylvania

459

$ 106,088,546

Puerto Rico

55

$ 18,596,380

Rhode Island

34

$ 7,308,810

South Carolina

53

$ 10,509,459

South Dakota

10

$ 1,299,930

Tennessee

119

$ 21,010,778

Texas

206

$ 101,332,807

Utah

48

$ 10,928,741

Virginia

136

$ 29,207,216

Virgin Islands

4

$ 188,753

Vermont

22

$ 4,572,629

Washington

166

$ 72,793,372

Wisconsin

81

$ 24,700,183

West Virginia

55

$ 8,601,585

Wyoming

4

$ 277,357

TOTAL

6,593

$ 2,163,951,389

###

HUD’s mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all.

More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet

at

www.hud.gov

and

https://

espanol.hud.gov

.

OFFICER DOWN: Officer Kaulike Kalama and Officer Tiffany-Victoria Bilon Enriquez Shot and Killed

KAULIKE KALAMA

Officer Tiffany-Victoria Bilon Enriquez

HONOLULU, HAWII (January 120, 2020)–Officer Kaulike Kalama and Officer Tiffany Enriquez were shot and killed on Sunday, January 19, 2020 while responding to a stabbing call at a home at 3015 Hibiscus Drive shortly after 9:00 am.

An elderly woman had filed eviction paperwork against her tenant, who suffered from mental health issues and had been falsely calling 911 repeatedly in recent weeks. The landlord and tenant became engaged in an argument in which the man stabbed the woman.

Officer Enriquez was one of the first officers who arrived at the scene and tended to the victim outside of the home. As she and other officers walked toward the house the man opened fire, killing her. Officer Kalama was shot moments later as he and other officers arrived on the scene. Both officers were shot in areas above their bulletproof vests.

After shooting the officers, the man barricaded himself inside of his home and set it on fire. The flames spread to neighboring homes, destroying a total of seven homes. The man and two women were presumed dead in the fire.

Officer Kalama had served with the Honolulu Police Department for nine years.

Officer Enriquez, age 38,  was a U.S. Air Force Reserves veteran and had served with the Honolulu Police Department for seven years. She is survived by three daughters and one grandson.

RELATED:

Via

Officer Down Memorial page

CNB Crime

Blue Line

CNBNews Tips and Snippets

CNBNews Point of View

BREAKING NEWS

published Gloucestercitynews.net | January 20, 2020

PINE HILL POLICE ALERT: New Freedom Road Project Begun; Expected to Last 10 Weeks

WATSONTOWN-NEW FREEDOM ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT BEGINS MONDAY, JANUARY 20, 2020.  EXPECTED TO CONTINUE FOR 10 WEEKS

PINE HILL, NJ (January 20, 2020)–The Watsontown-New Freedom Road Project is set to begin on Monday, January 20th. It will

include milling, paving and drainage with construction to be set from 7AM-4PM Monday thru Friday.

The length of the project is approximately 10 weeks. The roadway will be opened to allow for normal traffic at approximately 4PM each day. Motorists are asked to use caution in these areas, and note that only local traffic will be allowed on Watsontown-New Freedom Road during construction times.

During the construction times, a detour will be utilized on Watsontown-New Freedom Road between Berlin-Clementon Road and Berlin Cross Keys Road in the Boroughs of Pine Hill and Berlin. Between the hours of 7 am and 4 pm northbound traffic (from Winslow) on Watsontown-New Freedom Road will be detoured down Cross Keys Road towards the White Horse Pike.

No traffic from Winslow towards Clementon will be allowed (LOCAL TRAFFIC ONLY). The detour will go westbound on the White Horse Pike, then westbound on Berlin Clementon Road.

Residents of New Freedom Road, Carriage Stop, New Freedom Village will have full access in both directions on Watsontown New Freedom Rd.

Address/Location

Pine Hill Police Department

48 West 6th Avenue

Pine Hill, NJ 08021

Contact

Emergency: 9-1-1

Non-emergencies: 856-783-1549

10 Ways You Can Bring Your Family Closer Together

Gloucestercitynews.net(January 20, 2020)–Your family is the cornerstone of your life. It’s a unit that’s always there for you when you’re down, struggling at work, or just in need of some socialization. While it isn’t always true that “blood is thicker than water”, your family is predetermined for you and can’t be changed, so getting along with them is advantageous to you. With that said, being close with your family – and accommodating their foibles – isn’t always easy. Here are ten ways you can become closer to your family.

1. Take some family photos

There’s nothing like a family photoshoot to remind you how much you treasure and cherish your loved ones. This will create brand new memories for you and allow you to see what you all look like together, which isn’t necessarily something you may be able to experience otherwise. We recommend checking out

Pixa Prints

if you’re looking for something to put your family photoshoot on once it’s done; they offer prints on calendars, mugs, and phone cases, amongst other things.

2. Be there for them

It’s not really possible to foster a positive family attitude if you’re never there. Conversely, if there’s a member of the family you need to talk to about absence, it’s a good idea to have that conversation and not let the subject fester. Make time for your family. You might need to clear a space in your schedule, but it’s well worth it to make sure you’re building quality memories with the people you love. This won’t always be easy, but it’s a necessary step.

3. Let arguments happen

When we say arguments here, we’re not referring to the huge, earth-shattering rows we’ve seen some families have. Those aren’t healthy, and

knowing the difference

between healthy arguments and unhealthy, toxic relationships is very important. That said, if something is brewing between you and your family, it’s a good idea to have the conversation. Keep calm and make sure everyone is on the same page, then proceed in a straightforward, emotionally open manner.

4. Do fun things together

What do you love doing? Is there any way you could get your family in on that activity? Sharing your hobbies with people you love is one of life’s many joys, and there’s no reason you can’t extend that philosophy to your family. If your hobby really is a strictly solo racket, then you might want to try taking up a new hobby that can involve your loved ones. Great examples include sports, tabletop gaming, travel (

such as visiting an escape room

) and walking. Doing fun things together will only strengthen your bond!

5. Create a set of values

It might sound old-fashioned, but creating a set of family values by which you and your family can live can actually make you feel closer to them. Think about it: you’re establishing an ethos that defines your in-group and makes you feel like you’re really part of the “tribe”, so to speak. Of course, you should make sure your family values are strictly positive; it doesn’t pay to have a combative or aggressive family “mission statement”, so be happy and upbeat.

6. Travel together

Some might say that traveling with your family is a surefire way to fall out with them, but those people are cynics. If you accord your family the space they deserve, traveling with them can be a rewarding, exciting experience that gives you all shared memories to discuss. Pick a destination everyone wants to go to; you don’t want your shared family holiday to turn into one person’s fantasy. Some compromise may be required here, but it’ll be worth it!

7. Set a good example

If you’re the head of the household – no matter who you might be – then it’s incredibly important to set a good example. If you’re trying to foster certain behaviors in your children or you want your significant other to do something, then you don’t demonstrate that behavior yourself, that’s not a very strong incentive. Make sure to lead by example at all times; it might feel exhausting at the time to stick to that strict moral code, but it’ll pay off in the long term.

8. Create a family schedule

Have you ever seen those family planners that include a column for each family member and slots for what those family members are doing? It’s a great idea for you and your family to try using one of those, not least because you can use it as an excuse to schedule some much-needed family time. When you create time for you and your family, you need to stick to it, so having a schedule can be a great incentive to do that. After all, if it’s on the schedule, it must be cast-iron, right?

9. Allow for some freedom

With all that said, it’s still important to give your family space and freedom. Allow them to do what they want with their time and don’t be too offended if, on free days, they’d rather spend their time alone than with you. It doesn’t mean they don’t love you; rather, it simply means they want some space and time to themselves, and you need to respect that. Your family doing their own thing will just make the time you do spend together all the sweeter since you’ll know it’s what they want.

10. Don’t force anything

Some family units are, by nature, closer and more co-dependent (in a good way) than others are. That’s fine; you don’t need to work hard to make your particular family unit resemble another one, nor should you force a particular set of values if they’re not desired. Instead, create an organic, happy family that doesn’t feel forced or artificial, and you’ll quickly realize that you’re closer to them than you are to almost anyone else in the world.

Camden County College and Rutgers University–Camden Form new Premier Partnership

(Gloucester Township, NJ) – Camden County College and Rutgers University–Camden have formed a new Premier Partnership that aligns the two schools to provide the residents of Camden County and South Jersey a unique opportunity to earn both a Camden County College associate degree and Rutgers baccalaureate degree on the Blackwood and Rutgers–Camden campuses.

“This innovative partnership makes higher education more affordable for Camden County College graduates by providing a direct, cohesive route to a Rutgers–Camden bachelor’s degree on our Blackwood campus for under $30,000,” said Camden County College President Donald A. Borden. “We are building upon the proven relationship between the two schools to provide students with greater access to a range of educational opportunities.”

This Premier Partnership will feature dual admission to Rutgers–Camden and Camden County College, seamless transfer of all associate-level credits and joint student advisement by dedicated Rutgers and Camden County College staff.

“We want every South Jersey family to have access to the lifetime of opportunity offered by a world-class Rutgers–Camden degree, and our Premier Partnership with Camden County College does exactly that,” said Rutgers University–Camden Chancellor Phoebe A. Haddon. “Students who enroll in Camden County College become part of the Rutgers–Camden community, and we are committed to working with those students to support their success.”

Camden County College graduates enrolling in Rutgers–Camden degree-granting programs offered on CCC’s Blackwood campus will receive an exclusive third-year guaranteed scholarship. The Rutgers–Camden baccalaureate pathways for the Premier Partnership include Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees in Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Liberal Studies, Political Science and Psychology.

In addition, Camden County College students will be eligible to receive Rutgers–Camden identification cards and Rutgers email accounts, along with being granted access to the university’s student organizations, library and fitness center. Rutgers–Camden also will waive their application fee. Students will also have access to a dedicated Premier Partnership lounge and a dedicated Rutgers counselor on the Camden County College campus.

“This agreement brings the most recognized community college in the region together with one of the most respected universities in the country to benefit local students,” said Camden County Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli, Jr. “This opens new doors for students that may not have considered the possibility that a Rutgers degree was in their reach.”

Applications will be accepted beginning in spring of 2020, with full implementation of the Premier Partnership anticipated for the fall 2020 academic semester.

10 Ideas For Unforgettable Winter Breaks

Gloucestercitynews.net(January 20, 2020)–Winter can be a very difficult season for a lot of people. There’s the ever-present seasonal affective disorder (or SAD), of course, but there are many more reasons to feel fed up with the colder months. Chief among them is the struggle to find a decent place to go on holiday. For obvious reasons, travel is often cheaper in the winter months, but many people just don’t know where they should go. We’re here to help. Here are ten ideas for unforgettable winter breaks you and your family can try.

1. São Tomé and Príncipe

Despite their incredible vistas, these small African islands don’t really enjoy a lot of visitors. That’s a shame, because they’re an unspoiled paradise that only those truly dedicated to travel can enjoy. The downside is that tourism in these islands is mostly luxury, so if you don’t have a decent wad of cash then you may not be able to enjoy them. Still, there’s lots to see, and if you want to visit during the hottest months, you’re best off going during January, February, and March.

2. Switzerland

The tail end of winter is the best time to visit Switzerland; everyone else goes during January or February, since that’s when winter is at its peak. March is still a wonderful time to visit Switzerland, though, and since it’s less busy, you’ll have your pick of the ski slopes. We’d recommend you head to

Matterhorn Diamonds Ski School

for a truly all-inclusive, special experience in Switzerland. Their tuition is second-to-none and they cater to all skill levels.

3. Germany

If you’re looking for somewhere magical and nostalgic to holiday during the winter months, we’d strongly recommend Germany. There, you can find some of the most incredible Christmas markets around. Berlin’s offering is particularly special, but the Frankfurt market (which also makes an appearance in Birmingham during the run-up to Christmas) shouldn’t be missed, either. Combine this with some truly spectacular views and Germany becomes an unmissable winter holiday destination.

4. New York, USA

There’s plenty to do in New York during the winter months. For a start, the city looks absolutely spellbinding covered in snow. New York gets around twenty-five inches of snow per year, so you’re pretty much guaranteed to see a beautiful snowfall if you head to the city in November or December. As for activities, you’ll find jazz festivals, lantern events, and flower shows to visit while things are a little chilly. Big urban centres can still be wonderful places to go in winter!

5. Australia

Since the northern hemisphere winter is southern hemisphere summer, Australia offers a sun-soaked experience for you if you’re tired of the usual snow, rain, and sleet that your winters are battering you with. Sydney is particularly beautiful during December and January; the sun glinting off the world-famous opera house is a sight to behold. Naturally, there’s also a thriving beach culture in Sydney, so get yourself down there if you want to sunbathe.

6. Iceland

True winter-heads definitely need to experience Iceland winters at least once in their lifetime. Obviously, Iceland is absolutely freezing during the winter, and it’s pretty much dark for the entire day during December. Despite this, Iceland is the best place you can go to see the shimmering aurora borealis, and it’s a truly stunning sight you won’t be forgetting in a hurry. Reykjavik is a bustling urban centre without any of the crowding you might find in other cities, so head there for an immersive Iceland experience.

7. Canada

Another wonderful place to pursue some skiing (although we still think Switzerland has the best slopes), Canada is a popular tourist destination during the winter months, and for very good reason. The beautiful Lake Louise completely freezes over during winter, making it an ideal destination for a chilly stroll. Naturally, there’s plenty to do in the cities too, but Canada boasts some of the world’s most beautiful and striking landscapes. Winter is the best time to experience these landscapes in our opinion.

8. Norway

Like Iceland, Norway offers a dark and chilly but still beautiful experience if you’re looking for somewhere to head in winter. Norway is more famous for its mid-spring months than its winters, but if you’re a poetic soul, this gorgeous country’s tundras and fjords will give you plenty of food for thought when the dark sets in. Of course, since Norway gets plenty of snow, you’ll also find lots of skiers and other winter sports enthusiasts in Norway.

9. Japan

During the winter months, most of Japan’s massive tourist destinations find themselves completely deserted, so winter is the perfect time to head over to Japan and do a spot of sightseeing. None of these destinations lose any of their characteristic beauty or historical significance just for having a little snow on them, so what have you got to lose? You’ll also find bustling centres like Tokyo and Osaka just as busy as you would during summer.

10. Estonia

Few places in Europe are as thoroughly picturesque as Estonia during the winter months. You’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere that looks more like a scene from a postcard than the capital city of Tallinn. It’s not just gorgeous views, though; Tallinn also boasts plenty of history, so if you’re of an academic mind, you can spend hours exploring its many alleyways and basking in the atmosphere of an ancient city covered in powdery snow.

Military Caregiver Champions Recruited by Hollywood Legends

(NAPSI)—Academy Award winner Tom Hanks is rallying the nation behind America’s military caregivers with help from the legacy of a legend, Bob Hope. Hanks launched the Military Caregiver Champion program with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation to fund resources for the 5.5 million Americans voluntarily caring for a loved one who was wounded, made ill or injured through military service. Hope’s daughter, Linda Hope, was the first to join the campaign, donating $1 million on behalf of the Bob and Dolores Hope Foundation.

Tom Hanks, Linda Hope and Senator Elizabeth Dole want to help honor the people who care for ill or injured veterans. You can, too.

“My dad, Bob Hope, dedicated so much of his life to connecting members of our military to the nation they served and their loved ones waiting at home. He would be so proud to join another passionate entertainer like Tom Hanks in making that same connection between America’s military caregivers and the country that owes them such a debt of gratitude and support,” said Hope.

Military caregivers provide $14 billion of unpaid care to veterans every year. They devote their lives to their loved ones, often sacrificing their own health, jobs and financial security.

“As Senator Elizabeth Dole says, our military caregivers are hidden heroes and I am honored to have the spirit of Bob Hope helping us support them,” said Hanks. “There has never been, nor will there ever be, a greater ambassador between the military community and us Americans than Bob Hope.”

All Americans are invited to become Caregiver Champions. Supporters will receive a Caring Tag, which reimagines the honored symbol of the military dog tag and includes the name and story of a military caregiver.

All administrative costs have been sponsored. One hundred percent of donations will support the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s resources for caregivers.

“We cannot take away the injuries or the illnesses but we can ensure our caregivers do not walk this difficult journey alone,” said Hanks.

To become a Caregiver Champion, visit

www.hiddenheroes.org/champion

.

PUROTRADER™, Offers to Pay LSU Tigers QB Joe Burrow\’s Legal Fees for Puffing while Working

PuroTrader™ founder and entrepreneur, Pierre Rogers, believed LSU quarterback, Joe Burrow, had the right idea when he chose to celebrate the Tiger’s National Championship victory over Clemson with a stogie Monday night.

Joe Burrow smoking a cigar (image courtesy of LSU)

As CEO of the world’s premier cigar trading exchange, Rogers announced that support of the Heisman Trophy winner’s right to smoke, he will make a meaningful contribution to any unjust legal fees and penalties if he gets arrested for illegally smoking the infamous cigar inside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome locker room. Rogers says, “The best thing about smoking a cigar is it makes you sit down and enjoy the moment.” Joe Burrow did exactly that.

Joe Burrow and his teammates who were puffing away after the game were told numerous times that smoking was not permitted, however they laughed off and ignored the warnings. The locker room can be seen all over social media, filled with ecstatic Tigers players dancing and singing, celebrating their 42-25 win, along with visible smoke. Even LSU alumni, Odell Beckham Jr. can be seen getting in on the fun festivities, minus the cigars.

While no arrests have been made yet, if charges are brought against the known to be quirky Burrows, Pierre Rogers and PuroTrader™ will be by his side. There is certainly no mystery of what the smoking gun is in this case, no pun intended.

About Pierre Rogers:

Pierre Rogers is a successful venture capitalist, international keynote speaker, and the CEO and founder of both Yahyn and Puro Trader, the largest peer to peer wine and cigar platforms in the world.

About PuroTrader

: PuroTrader was created by two aficionados to bring more transparency and access to the global cigar market. The aim of the site is to educate connoisseurs, stimulate conversation and more importantly monitor market trends within the industry.  With the upcoming launch of Yahyn Q1 2020, they will bring this same passion to the wine market.

New Brunswick facility offers a medically monitored inpatient detoxification program

New Brunswick,New Jersey (PR MediaRelease) January 9, 2020–

SOBA New Jersey, a premier addiction treatment center, announces the opening of its new state-of-the-art drug and alcohol detox facility in New Brunswick. The grand opening will be commemorated with a ribbon cutting and open-house event on January 9, 2020, from 2 to 5 p.m. The facility will officially open on January 15, 2020.

The new facility, located at 23 Duke Street, is home to a medically monitored detoxification program. The detox facility provides withdrawal management and helps individuals to recover from habitual drug use in a safe, welcoming, and clinical environment. The program works to manage the withdrawal process as addictive substances begin to clear from the body, and withdrawal symptoms, which are often severe, begin to manifest. Clients are carefully monitored and appropriately treated in order to go through the detoxification process as comfortably as possible.

“We are thrilled to be opening our new detox facility in New Brunswick,” said Isaac Glasman, Owner of SOBA New Jersey. “For those seeking recovery, it can be a challenge to find treatment that provides a lasting, successful sobriety. SOBA New Jersey remains steadfast in our commitment to continuing to fight addiction and the opioid epidemic, and we are proud to be at the forefront of treatment and recovery in our community.”

Combining an array of the best treatment resources, including personal experience, principles of Eastern and Western medicine, clinical trial findings, and various alternative treatment approaches, SOBA has crafted a multidisciplinary treatment program that facilitates recovery. Each client receives a customized care plan based upon individual needs, where they explore a treatment path to fit their individual recovery goals, overcome addiction, and learn to live a healthy life.

Go visual with a new outdoor LED sign for your business

It’s all about being visual

Gloucestercitynews.net(January 20, 2020)–It is usually said that an image is worth more than a thousand words and nowhere is this truer than when it comes to advertisement. Then it is all about the visual!

If you hope to grow your business, regardless of what that business is, you need a good marketing strategy to make sure you are being noticed by potential customers. There is currently a multitude of options when it comes to marketing platforms as well as strategies and that’s why you need to conduct some marketing research before you get going.

One such platform, that usually is a sure-fire way of drawing attention to whatever marketing message you are trying to convey, are

outdoor led signs for busines

s

. Opting for an outdoor LED sign as a part of your digital marketing strategy will increase your chances of reaching new potential customers.

By choosing a strategic placement of your LED sign or banner you have the opportunity to really engage with the public. Perhaps your business is located inside a mall or you are targeting commuters on their way to work. Revert back to your marketing strategy and then let your ambitions for the future lead the way.

Don’t get distracted when creating a distraction

A good marketing plan should contain different elements, all with the same goal, i.e. increase your ROI as well as creating a strong brand for your business. A strong brand, often also including a catchphrase which embodies the core of your business is key to being successful.

Unless you have this competence yourself you are wise to bring in the services of professionals. Creating a marketing strategy that will promote your brand and business in the most favorable way is not as easy as it sounds and often you need the input from someone with experience.

Of course, you should be heavily involved in the process but one of the hardest things to do is to “kill your darlings” and that is where someone with less of an emotional attachment serves a purpose. It’s also easy to get distracted in these processes, ultimately focusing on things that are not relevant. Enlisting the help of a marketing professional will be one of the soundest business decisions you will ever make.

Once you have the outline of a marketing strategy in place it’s time to start looking more closely at some of the different elements it should entail.

Go digital or go home

This might sound like a harsh statement to make but it is in fact truer than not. All contemporary marketing strategies need to entail a section covering digital marketing efforts and platforms.

Today almost everyone has access to and uses some sort of social media for instance and that is why it is critical that your marketing strategy contains targeted efforts in this arena. By knowing where your potential costumers go to find information, you are one step ahead in the game of advertisement.

However, a digital marketing strategy can also include for instance LED signs and banners. Online sites such as

VisualLED

as an example provides easy to use LED signs and banners perfect for getting noticed. By opting for the usage of such high technological alternatives you stay relevant and in touch with potential customers.

Investing in an LED sign or banner is not complicated and thanks to advancements made in this field there are options available that allow you to effectively assemble and operate as well as carry out smaller maintenance services on your own. This might sound like a tall order but it really isn’t and you have several alternatives available as well in terms of sizes and features.

It all really depends on what your needs are and how you envision your business conveying its message. Once you have created your brand as well as your catchphrase it’s all about making sure it reaches the public in the best way possible. You want to make an impact and you want to make sure your potential costumers feel that there is value in your message. Outdoor LED signs and banners can be placed strategically depending upon your needs and thanks to features such as being weather resilient there really are no end to the possibilities.

Stay relevant by staying visual

LED signs and a digital signage software from

Rise Vision

really are the perfect way for you to display your marketing message for your business. Make digital advertisement part of your overall marketing strategy and you will be amazed at the difference it makes for your ROI.

Use the knowledge of professionals and let them guide you when you are creating your brand. By staying visual you stay relevant, effectively encouraging potential customers to engage with your business.

The LED signs and banners that are available today will make your next marketing campaign a breeze and since you are able to update them easily yourself, you also have the possibility of being flexible when it comes to promoting new and exciting messages.