Tuesday, December 19, 1995 Director of Development's Report ================================ Media Relations --------------- Media relations, formerly handled by NCF's administrative co-ordinator, have been taken over by the Development Office until a publicity committee is formed. Recently, the new NCF phone numbers were extensively publicized, coverage was obtained for the Coming of Age reception and news announcements were sent out about NCF's initiative in connection with the Health Care Reconfiguration Proposals. At the request of the Development Office, Targeted Communications Management is donating its services to send out announcements and releases. Bell Sponsorship Proposal ------------------------- The most positive result to date continues to the offer made by Worldlinks (Bell's internet subsidiary) to provide funding based on the number of subscribers it receives through NCF. Worldlinks is striking commercial distribution arrangements with retailers to promote and distribute its product & service -- the important distinction is that the administrative burden of distribution would be off-loaded to Bell's subsidiary in NCF's case. Discussions have begun with Bell's regional marketing department about the possibility of an affinity arrangement in connection with long-distance billing. A similar proposal is being discussed with Glentel. "Coming of Age" Reception ------------------------- NCF's key partners were pleased with the reception -- the CEOs of Fulcrum, Plaintree and Loran attended; other key partners were represented by senior executives. The event has helped to cement our continuing relationship with these important supporters. All of NCF's sponsors were invited personally as were NCF's information providers and Challenge Fund donors. Although few attended, several acknowledged the invitation. A general invitation to all members was posted in several locations on FreeNet. Media coverage was good. CJOH TV carried it on the news and Rogers Cable sent a camera crew. The Ottawa Sun printed a photo the next day. The Citizen gave it two small mentions, one of them in the "Cheers & Jeers" section. Equipment Donations ------------------- The sponsorship proposal to US Robotics was successful - they are donating 64 14.4 kbps modems with a total value of over $12,000. Online Funding Drive -------------------- The online funding drive will be activated this month using many of the same tools employed in our last campaign (e-mail, cashometer, special funding area menus, etc.). This time a special screen will popup before the main menu with an outline of our new donor incentives and a number of menu options. Government Grants ----------------- The RMOC approved the Challenge Fund report and issued the 1st instalment of $45,000. The final instalment of $5,000 will be issued after receipt and approval of NCF's 1995 audited financial statement. On December 15th a proposal was submitted to the RMOC Economic Development Grants Program for a grant of $48,700 toward a new outreach program called "Bringing Small Businesses to the Net". Depending on funding, this outreach program will introduce small businesses and people considering starting small businesses to the advantages of using the internet starting with FreeNet for rudimentary services. Almost 90% of the population is not connected to an online service of any kind and the vast majority has no concrete, practical knowledge of why they should do so. The program will target entry-level small businesses and give them practical, hands-on assistance in getting started using telecommunications tools. They will be shown how to use e-mail, search tools and web pages - the basic tools needed to gain a competitive edge when starting a small business. The program goal is to train 250 individuals who want to start or are already running small businesses, giving them the tools and confidence to use the Net effectively. In addition to live workshops, an area will be created on FreeNet where the training guide, instructions and other materials will be available for browsing and home study. Finally, an on-line directory will be created for participating small businesses to display information with links to their Home Pages whether housed on the FreeNet system or on remote web sites. A training guide will be developed; outreach seminars will be held in public locations; drop-in clinics and regular workshops will be held at an outreach centre; a special small business area will be created on FreeNet in both Freeport and Web architecture with a directory of the participating local businesses and links to their Home Pages; training will be given in using search tools and creating Home Pages. Participants will be shown where they can obtain more advanced training if needed and where to obtain internet access (more complete than that offered by NCF) from commercial providers. ShowCase Sponsors ----------------- Ten ShowCase sponsorship solicitation packages were sent out to local businesses. Outreach -------- FreeBytes columns were written and submitted to Monitor Magazine for the December and January issues. Four free ads about NCF's new phone numbers and Survival Guide were obtained in the Algonquin Times. A presentation was made to the Credit Union Managers Association - about ten Branches were represented. The Association voted to take out a ShowCase Sponsorship and struck a committee of its members to pursue active involvement in FreeNet by the Association and individual Branches. A meeting was held with the President of the Ottawa-Carleton Learning Foundation and SHL Systemhouse to propose they involve NCF in their "Things for Kids" program. A menu area is now being created to help them solicit surplus and reusable technology for the regional school system. A request was sent to Systemhouse to become an NCF corporate patron. Until recently, the Ottawa Citizen published NCF's dial-up phone numbers on its editorial page. It is likely that the loss of this daily exposure will result in fewer new registrants and guests logging on to NCF. The Development Committee will strike a sub-group to find other means of publicizing NCF on a continuing basis - the sub-group will be asked to investigate obtaining regular Public Service Announcements in a variety of media and finding ways to encourage community groups to publicize their NCF areas offline. We have already recommended that every effort be made by the Administration to get NCF listed in the Bell telephone directory for 1996. Gordon Pearson Director of Development -- Our Community. Our FreeNet. Working together. "go funding" / "go helpers" Gordon Pearson (au167), Director of Development, NCF/LCN