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Mobile Web Application Helps Boost Local Business in NYC Community

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100705/MOBILEMETEORLOGO )

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The new site enables visitors to easily get information about the many stores, restaurants and bars on Fifth - like addresses, phone numbers and URLs. It also links to the BID's Twitter feed and displays its blog entries. And, the site can be bookmarked and saved to smartphones' homescreens - just like an iPhone app - so that it can be used time and again: http://parkslopefifthavenuebid.com

Formed largely to bring more business to Fifth Avenue, the decision to optimize the BID's site for smartphones was a "no brainer" according to BID Consultant, Mark Caserta.

"I knew our site was almost illegible on iPhones, and when I heard about Mobile Meteor, I immediately thought it could bring our business directory right into the hands of consumers who were walking Fifth Avenue," says Mark.

"Now, our site and business directory is simple and easy to use on a smartphone."

Denis Hurley, founder of Mobile Meteor (MobileMeteor.com), says making a site reader-friendly and interactive on smartphones is key to driving local business.

"You can walk down any street in Brooklyn and see the increasing popularity of smartphones. That's why it's so important to ensure your business can connect with those who use them," explains Denis.

"This is the crux of what we do. Our mobile web application goes into action whenever a smartphone user visits the BID's own site, and it works on all of the smartphones out there. It offers a rich, interactive experience...all on the go. And, our social media integration makes it easy for the BID to connect with new customers, get them into local businesses, and keep them coming back."

After a difficult couple of years, Mark thinks the BID's new mobile-optimized site will make a difference.

"2009 was hard for businesses in the city, but the small, independent bars, stores and restaurants on Fifth really felt the pain. Our job is to do everything we can to bring more business to Fifth, and we're confident our new mobile-optimized site will help."

Mobile Meteor provides a service that helps small businesses develop and maintain a presence on the mobile web. See the BID's site in action: http://bit.ly/5thAve

SOURCE Mobile Meteor