Video Company Aims to Help Sparta Small Business

Written by Michael Daigle

Helping the small business owner fend off the large chain competition may seem like a no-brainer, but before the Sparta Township Council would act on Patrick Southerland's pitch for web-based video advertising they wanted him to get the support of the local businesses. 

Southerland, founder of a company called Vidoovy, said the video advertising program was designed to offset the loss of business suffered to small downtown’s like Sparta's to big box stores. 

"Stores like Wal-Mart created new access to products and services, but took business away from downtowns,” Southerland said.

His plan offers small businesses a way to personally promote their business, its  history and products to an online audience.

The cost of the services ranges from $495 to $1,495, Southerland said. He displayed a website set up for West Orange. Southerland said a site for Montclair will be online soon, and he has two Morris County towns ready to start, with two others discussing the proposal.

Southerland said he needs 10 to 15 businesses on board to make the venture viable in Sparta.

If the council approves, Southerland would be able to place a link on the township’s website promoting the advertising plan. In exchange, the township could  be able to promote 10 municipal sites -- buildings, parks and the like -- for free.

Mayor Gilbert Gibbs and Councilman Jerry Murphy suggested that Southerland first take his program to the Chamber of Commerce and the township’s economic development council to gauge potential support.

Councilwoman Christine Quinn also invited Southerland to the next meeting of the communications subcommittee to explain the idea.

Quinn wanted to push forward on the idea, but Gibbs said before the township committed to allowing a website link, Southerland needed to determine if there was enough local business interest to proceed. Gibbs invited him back to a council meeting once Southerland spoke with the local business groups to determine the level of support.