1. http://www.lancastereaglegazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2012208100307
CARROLL -- Small independent business owners usually don't have the advertising
budget of a large national chain. Therefore, getting the word out about their businesses
sometimes can be difficult.
But Kelly Persichetti has found a way to help.
She started a website, For OhioBuyOhio.com, in May where any independent Ohio
business can advertise.
"As the owner of a small executive retained research consulting firm (The Persichetti
Group), prior owner of Fairfield Plumbing and Mechanical in Carroll, and previous co-
owner of Persichetti's Gourmet Pizza and Italian Deli in Pickerington, I understand
firsthand some of the challenges and expense associated with marketing and
advertising for an independent business, particularly when you're sharing space and
competing with national chains, franchises and big-box retailers," she said.
Persichetti said 83 percent of consumers want to support independent businesses but
don't always know where to find them.
Businesses can join the new website for $189 per year and reap a wide variety of
services.
"The listing on FOBO offers an extensive business summary, the upload of a business
logo or related image, mapping to a business address, site links, social media
connections, and business members can download the FOBO logos for use in their
additional advertising," Persichetti said. "FOBO business members can also modify their
listing directly online at any time during their annual membership."

2. Once clients' annual membership expires, they will not be automatically renewed for
another year. Instead, they must reregister each year. Persichetti said that is to ensure
clients provide up-to-date information to the website.
Consumers can find a businesses by several ways, including typing in a keyword or
checking a particular category.
Persichetti said she spends virtually every hour of every day promoting her new
website.
"I'm getting the word out and it seems to be received well," she said.
The site has about 10 customers now. Persichetti said there is no limit on the amount of
clients the site can handle. There is also no limit on the type of businesses that can use
the site. For example, it now hosts diverse clients, from an accounting firm to a winery.
jbarron@lancastereaglegazette.com
740-681-4340
Twitter: @JeffDBarron