Local businesses and educators will have the first of three opportunities to brush up on their ‘e’s’, as Wrangell School District and the Chamber of Commerce host a pair of technological experts to come to improve people’s e-commerce and e-marketing skills.
The specialists are part of a $23,000 grant through the Association of Alaska School Boards, the organizing body for schools across the state. Called the Consortium for Digital Learning Initiative, the program strives to enable modern entrepreneurial methods in school districts around the state.
What makes Wrangell’s participation in the initiative unique is its inclusion of the local business community.
“We pulled the Chamber in,” explained Patrick Meyer, Wrangell school superintendent. To his knowledge, Wrangell’s schools are the first to invite the local chamber of commerce to participate in the initiative.
Representing the Chamber of Commerce for the project is Cyni Waddington. She said the business group has been looking forward to a project like this, with the various opportunities it presents for the local economy.
There will be a pair of workshops held on Oct. 21 and 22, at Evergreen Elementary’s computer lab from 7 to 9 p.m.
“It’s going to be a good turnout,” Waddington predicted. The workshops will be geared toward helping those new to online marketing, who may also be reticent to start. “Anybody can show up, and really learn something.”
She said there will be no fee to attend, and people are invited to bring along their laptops and personal electronic devices if they like. Lacking that, the consultants will also have equipment of their own on hand.
Waddington had the opportunity to see the program in action in other communities. “A lot of it is marketing,” she said, making use of online sites such as Etsy to sell products. The information can be of particular benefit to small businesses and start-ups.
During the day of the 22nd, Meyer explained the specialists will be meeting with faculty and staff at Wrangell’s schools, helping them integrate these skills in the classroom and for themselves. Roving substitutes will help free up teachers’ time during school hours to allow them the opportunity to consult with the initiative’s two presenters.
In the coming months there will be two more follow-up visits scheduled, with the intention of supporting progress made at the first workshops.
“It’s the start to a lot of great things,” said Waddington.
“I think it just really opens up a lot of opportunities,” Meyer agreed, possibly bringing in additional business to the community and further diversifying its economy. “The sky’s the limit.”
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