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{mosimage}As a nonprofit, the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation has always struggled financially with finding ways to effectively market and promote the locally owned small businesses the organization represents. However, after Chris Johnson, Executive Director of the DSDC viewed a recent television talk show about YouTube and its impact on society; he figured he had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Today, video junkies and internet surfers can tune in and catch up on the business spotlighted for the week and any other events happening in downtown Smithfield. Thanks to YouTube and one other person.

"I really owe it to Oprah," jokingly states Johnson. "I am a big fan of the show and tape it daily so I can watch it when I come home from work. One of her more recent shows was on the growth and popularity of YouTube. As I was watching some of the crazy stuff such as a bulldog riding a skateboard, I thought to myself, "Why can't I promote Downtown Smithfield businesses on this?"

So with digital camera and tripod in hand, Johnson hit the streets of Smithfield and produced his first YouTube video. Scott Gandolph, owner of Gandolfo's New York Deli, is the first business to be spotlighted. 

"I have been around Chris long enough to know he is can come up with some crazy stuff," claims Gandolph. "When he walked in with a camera and told me about what he wanted to do, I told him, "Hey, let's give it a shot" 

To keep things fresh, Johnson hopes to produce and spotlight a small business each week. The newly posted, as well as archived videos will be posted on the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation's website at www.downtownsmithfield.com. YouTube viewers can key in "Smithfield, NC" under search to locate the video.

"We have a great business climate here in Smithfield and I hope it becomes a hit where citizens will tune in each week to see which business is spotlighted next," continues Johnson. "Small businesses struggle with getting their message out to the customers. And thanks to Oprah, this is just one more way of spreading the great news of what's happening in Smithfield across the globe!"

To learn more about the nonprofit Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation and business opportunities, individuals may call Chris Johnson at 919-934-0887, or visit www.downtownsmithfield.com for more information.