Promoting Entrepreneurship in Northern Virginia with Project NOVAGATE

While the U.S. has emerged to some degree from a debilitating recession in 2009, layoffs and downsizing have remained a reality in the Northern Virginia region, and unemployment nationwide continues to hover around double digits.  As a result, the government is continuing to look for new ways to spark growth in local economies. One of these initiatives recently put into place is the GATE program. GATE stands for Growing America Through Entrepreneurship and Project NOVAGATE is an initiative specifically targeted for the Northern Virginia region.

Project NOVAGATE is the centerpiece of a collaborative effort between the U.S. Department of Labor, the Virginia Community College System and the SkillSource Group, Inc. The SkillSource Group focuses on workforce development and was faced with the challenge of creating an orientation video for Project NOVAGATE that would get the word out about the program, and also be easy to understand.

The SkillSource Group worked closely with TriVision Studios to develop and produce the orientation video. TriVision brought a unique perspective and closeness to the subject matter, as a company with their own roots in Northern Virginia. The final piece not only had to be clear and concise, but also reflect the local economy visually. TriVision traveled to several on-location video shoots to capture scenes of small businesses in action, as well as several dramatizations videotaped at a local SkillSource center. These were all mixed together in post production at TriVision’s studio in Chantilly, VA. The end result was a successful blend of both orientation content and appropriate visuals, clear enough to understand, and familiar enough for viewers to relate to.

Ultimately, Project NOVAGATE’s goal is to encourage those over 45 who have been laid off from their job a chance at entrepreneurship. Successful applicants will receive education and training to help make their dream a reality, and in turn, contribute to the local economy.

To read more about SkillSource Group and Project NOVAGATE, please visit them on the web at www.myskillsource.org. To watch the Project NOVAGATE orientation video produced by TriVision, please click on the thumbnail on the left.

Branding a Corporate Image for Washington Mortgage Group

Since its inception in 2005, Washington Mortgage Group has quickly become a recognizable name amongst mortgage lenders in the Washington, DC metropolitan region.  Run by a staff of professional and highly experienced loan officers, and offering a variety of loan programs which are backed by an established network of lenders, Washington Mortgage has been able to earn a respectable reputation and a growing list of clientele within a relatively short time frame.

From the beginning, Washington Mortgage put forth accelerated efforts in its marketing agenda. With help from TriVision Studios, the mortgage company was able to do this effortlessly and effectively. TriVision not only created the Washington Mortgage Group corporate logo, but also provided design and printing services for its business cards, business stationery, postcards, signage, and various promotional items. In addition, TriVision did the design and development of the Washington Mortgage website, as well as the production of its TV commercials.

To visit Washington Mortgage Group on the web please go to www.washingtonmg.com. To watch one of its TV commercials produced by TriVision, click on the thumbnail on the right.

Top 5 Gadgets of 2009

Everybody loves gadgets. Whether it is a $30 armband device for your iPod or a $425 home theatre sound system, there is something to serve everyone’s needs.  Here is a list of the most popular and highest-rated gadgets for the 2009 holiday shopping season.

	Western Digital WD TV HD Media Player
	This device is one of the easiest ways to play HD movies, listen to digital music, hook up with USB drives and camcorders and other mass media devices. With full HD playback, photo/video/movie viewing, HDMI connections and tons of other great features, the Western Digital WD was one of the top media player devices this holiday season. It is an inexpensive way to bring just about any media to your TV screen without the need of a computer or tons of extra hook-ups. Approx. Price: $90.00
	Apple iPhone 3GS
	The iPhone took the mobile world by storm, and the 3GS is the latest installment in the line of its hardware. The “S” is for speed, and this is Apple’s fastest, most responsive device in the iPhone line. With a built-in video camera, voice control, longer battery life and overall improved performance, the 3GS iPhone was a sure hit on everyone’s shopping list this holiday season. Approx. Price: $200 (Varies based on accompanying service plans and storage size)
	Android Phones: Motorola Droid & HTC Hero
	Google Android phones were the focus of attention this holiday season following the highly-publicized launch of the Motorola Droid, which was essentially being billed as the greatest phone ever created. They’re fast, they’re powerful, and they have an overwhelming wealth of features. The Droid (Verizon) and HTC Hero (Sprint) are the market leaders and the heavy hitters this winter. Approx. Prices: Too varied to say.
	LG BD390 Network Blu-Ray Player
	Blu-Ray players are consistently growing in demand as televisions get better, crisper, brighter pictures and stores continue to offer more Blu-Ray titles at better prices. It’s a reality – DVDs are slowly but surely being pushed away and consumers are expected to upgrade to a medium that better reflects the capability of their viewing hardware. This year, the LG BD390 is a huge must-have. This particular networked player can connect directly to Netflix and YouTube, streaming video straight into your TV via Ethernet or wireless without the need of any other equipment. With full HD 1080p output and Dolby TrueHD sound, it’s a brilliant machine that will suit your Blu-Ray needs for years. Approx. Price: $360
	Panasonic SC-BT200 1000W 7.1 Channel Blu-ray Disc Home Theater Sound System
	With 1000 watts of sound output and a Blu-Ray player that also plays DVDs and CDs, this is everything you will need for an amazing home theater system. It includes things like a universal iPod dock, SD memory input and the ability to access the internet for streaming content without a PC. It’s the best bundle of its kind, especially for the price, and is the most complete package for bringing the full effect of a movie (or any other media you may have) into your living room. Approx. Price: $425

Why You Should Update Your Website

As the New Year approaches, people often think of resolutions and self improvement goals. A goal that needs to be on every company’s list should be a focus on their website. This is the perfect time to update and revitalize your website in order to capture and retain user interest. With the short attention span of online shoppers on an accelerated rise, the need to have a high-performing regularly maintained website is more essential than ever.

Although most businesses do think having a website is necessary, many often do not put much effort in maintaining their website and keeping it up to date. As a result, many corporate websites that display out of date information end up looking like they were designed before the Internet was even invented.

The question is does this all matter? How important is it to have an updated website as long as the main information for customers to find you and access essential information such as contact details is up-to-date and accurate?

What people often do not realize is the role a website plays in creating a first impression on the company’s brand and image. A professional and striking website just like any other aspect of your brand identity can send powerful and immediate messages to the customer about your business or organization.

On the other hand, an out-of-date website can easily cast a negative impression on your business and suggest that you do not have the resources to maintain your website. Most people who are not impressed by a company’s website, often do not have that immediate “confidence” in your products or services, thus most likely they will move on to the next company on their search list.

A well-maintained website sells you to your customers while an out-dated website can do more harm than good. Some tips in keeping your website up-to-date include writing blogs (company news, special offers and expert tips from your industry), periodic web revitalizations and design changes, and using social media to inform customers about your updates.

To see how our web solutions team at TriVision Studios can help your organization achieve your goals to success by improving your website, please contact us at 1.866.600.5528 or design@trivision.tv.