TheBuzz
TheBuzz
The Web site of an international bicycle parts company at Shimano.com has more of a Hawaii connection than just the 25 statewide dealer listings from Hanalei to Hilo. Local firm
exports Web talentThe site was designed and launched Monday by Honolulu's StarrTech Interactive, a division of StarrSeigle Communications Inc.
"For this launch we implemented a database where users can view all the different components that Shimano offers -- there's over 300 components in the data base," said Assistant Web Developer Karen Hamada.
Senior Account Executive Dawn Astley said the site was developed following a visit from the company's newly formed Web development team based in Irvine, Calif.
The team's mission, she said, is to "unify the online marketing efforts of all (Shimano's) development offices," in Japan - where Shimano is based -- Australia and North America, including Canada.
"The visit to our office was at the tail end of a monthlong trip they'd been taking, visiting all the different offices around the world," Astley said.
In addition to doing business, hale and hearty StarrTech types took the Shimano marketers bicycling along the bike path to Sandy Beach and Waimanalo.
The initial plan was to ride around Kaena point, but Astley said, "that's a bit too adventurous to take clients on, so we thought we'd stick to something a little tamer."
She said since the Hawaii visit was the last stop on their trek, "We thought we'd have a good time with them and do something fun."
"They're a fun group of people," Astley said, "dedicated to what they do, and passionate about what they do -- they're the leaders, and so are we, so it's a natural fit."
Moving from mainstream
Faye Yorck is moving to highly targeted media. She leaves her job as director of marketing and creative services at KGMB TV at month's end for a new job as marketing and sales manager at Hotel Guest Services Corp.The company produces in-room video magazines featuring attractions and activities for guests at various Oahu hotels. "I like it because it's still television," Yorck said.
Erika Engle is a reporter with the Star-Bulletin.
Call 529-4302, fax 529-4750 or write to Erika Engle,
Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., No. 7-210,
Honolulu, HI 96813. She can also be reached
at: eengle@starbulletin.com