Focus on the Red Deer Region

 
Business Profile
from Red Deer Express

May 17, 2006

AbundanceNet promotes regional business and attractions

(www.AbundanceNet.com) was created over a year ago by Paul Pettypiece as an internet property development company. At the time, it acted primarily as an agent for an Edmonton-based world-class website design company. Since that time, it has evolved rapidly into an independent venture with two primary services.

One is assisting small businesses, including those that are home-based, develop an effective presence on the internet without having to have a huge budget for website development.

The primary philosophy is that having a website is like having land in cyberspace. A person can rent that land with self-replicating websites or piggy-back onto other established sites. Or a person can own the land with their own domain, giving that owner a great deal more control. Choosing an effective domain name is one of the most important decisions a business can make.

On the one hand, it should be unique but easy for people to remember. On the other hand, it should express the nature or purpose of the company or organization, taking into consideration how their enterprise or purpose could evolve over time. Each page of a website is like putting a building on that land.

Small business, not-for-profit ventures and fledgling entrepreneurs need to have a professional, attractive and purpose-driven website without necessarily having to spend limited funds on fancy graphics, animated flash, costly ecommerce solutions or sensitive database 'back-ends' that need to be protected.

The other side of AbundanceNet is the publishing of online 'special edition' netMagazines. The first was launched last summer. 'Springbrook-Waskasoo Life' (www.SpringbrookWaskasoo.com) is designed to inform current, past and future residents between Penhold and Red Deer of the history, features, news, activities, coming events and future development of the communities around Springbrook and Gasoline Alley.

The second netMagazine was launched in December called 'Focus on the Red Deer Region' (www.RedDeerRegion.com) which highlights the life, culture, attractions and economy of Central Alberta, designed to provide extensive information for current and future residents and visitors.

Community profiles, statistics, news, features, facilities, heritage, business and community directories, coming events, economic opportunities, transportation, accommodations and people of influence are some of the many topics currently highlighted or planned in this 95-page (and growing) site.

'Focus on the Red Deer Region' will be undergoing some cosmetic and structural changes over the next few weeks and months to better organize the mountain of material expected to be on the site over time and to more clearly distinguish the site from other entities that have a similar purpose but different focus.

Chamber of Commerce members receive a 15% discount on the already reasonable rates for advertising on the online feature magazine.

Future projects include netMagazines of a topical nature including health and wellness, financial education, transportation and values-based entrepreneurship.

Paul has lived in Central Alberta for 33 years in Red Deer, Sylvan Lake, Innisfail and now Springbrook.

"I love the city, I love the rural communities large and small, I love the heritage and cultural diversity, I love the wide range of opportunity, I love the dynamics of growth (even when it creates conflict) and I love the natural beauty of the region", states Paul.

With a background in graphic layout and design, publishing, transportation planning, traffic safety, financial education, and photography. Paul feels that creating AbundanceNet has provided the opportunity to blend those interests into a range of beneficial services.

Paul is a member of the Red Deer Chamber of Commerce, the Springbrook Community Association, Central Alberta Regional Trails Society and a member of other local organizations.

Email paul@abundancenet.com. Phone 403-886-2640.