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CELEBRATING 34 YEARS
Truck Accessories • Tonneau Covers
pg. 24
Cancer Survivors
June 9- June 22
Paint the Community Purple
Support Home of Hope
Cancer Wellness Center
$1 Donation-Ribbon
@participating businesses, retailers & churches
for information 815.288.4673
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405 Elm Ave., Sterling
bruph@comcast.net
815-622-4000
Local Explorer
Updates and
A Good Life Lesson!
by Michael Johnson,
Compass Media President & Local Explorer Creator
It’s been just over 1 year since the Local Explorer app was launched in the
Sauk Valley area. Since then thousands of users have taken advantage of
the locally created content within the app. During this time numerous new
features and programs were implemented, tested and tried. Remember this
is the beta test app for a national platform. As with any new product some
features worked and some parts did not – the storyline of any small business.
But the common theme remains the same just as any other local merchant,
we won’t give up.
At the end of the day that’s the valuable lesson anyone can take away – at
times it’s not the decisions that are made or the choices that were needed to
make, it’s the simple fact that you keep trying regardless of how you feel.
This isn’t an article simply talking about the ups and downs of an app here in
the Sauk Valley. It’s an article you can apply to your own life and situation
regardless of the details. The message is the same, don’t be afraid to try and
don’t be afraid to fail because at times some of the best ideas come from some
of the most cloudy of days. Believe me.
Speaking of best ideas that’s an excellent segue into announcing our new
Local Explorer platform and simplified format! Coming in May 2019 we
are excited to bring new features and functionality that will provide a fresh,
innovation approach to how consumers interact with local businesses. The
biggest feature is our Local VIP program that provides special monthly deals
and specials to exclusive, paid subscribers. Consumers can save hundreds of
dollars per month while shopping at local businesses throughout the Sauk
Valley area simply by being a Local VIP!
Another exciting announcement, we are bringing back our contest platform!
With over 25,000 entries during the first half of 2018 we have realized how
much FUN it is to WIN! Users have the ability to enter all contests regardless
of their Local VIP status. In addition to our local contests we are adding
user submitted contests for photos, ideas and creations to share between Sauk
Valley users. These contests will have prizes from local and national partners
so be ready!
We hope some of the changes and additions to the Local Explorer app will
be beneficial and the Sauk Valley area will find value in your locally owned
and operated app. We will keep plugging along and always appreciate the
support from our neighbors and merchants. Let’s make this happen!
/ROCKFALLSIL
link