Today, the North Central Washington Economic Development District (NCWEDD) announced it is the exclusive provider of the 468 Insider platform across Chelan, Douglas and Okanogan counties. To support Shop Local initiatives and tourism, the 468 Insider platform from 468 Communications allows municipalities and other organizations to maintain branded mobile apps that reward users for visiting places in the community. The NCWEDD will demonstrate the NCW 468 Insider platform at the 3rd Annual NCW Regional Tourism Summit on February 11, 2019 in Wenatchee, WA.“The 468 Insider platform is an exciting companion resource to the work advanced by both the area chambers of commerce and the Route 97 Road Trip Touring Program partnership with the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association” said Karen Francis-McWhite, Executive Director of NCWEDD. “A regional app makes it easier for visitors and residents alike to explore, earn points, and gamify their experience of NCW...a bit like geocaching. North Central Washington business owners and cultural sites have the benefit of a shared marketing and data collection platform.” 468 Insider apps are named and branded by the municipalities or organizations that deploy them. Communities can easily set up, manage and dynamically update information within their apps through a user-friendly online control panel. Assigning points to each location in an app creates incentives for users to visit those places. App administrators can then identify Rewards locations where users can redeem their points for value when they make purchases. Analytics tools in the administrator’s control panel provide information such as where visitors are from and what places they visit. “In an increasingly digital and mobile world, communities and organizations need to place a premium on presence,” said Tim Fry, President of 468 Communications. “468 Insider apps create incentives around presence, which will ultimately reward visitors and residents for investing in the local economy.” The 468 Insider platform can be used to support tourism and shop local efforts, like the soon-to-launch NCW Insider, as well as other purposes like the history-focused Washington State Insider. Platform development is available now for any Central Washington community or organization to use for deploying their own app. Those interested in more information, including pricing, should contact Karen Francis-McWhite or attend the 3rd Annual NCW Regional Tourism Summit on February 11th.
About the NCWEDD The NCWEDD is responsible for regional economic development strategy and planning and collaborates with various private and public agencies to accomplish this goal. The NCWEDD brings together the private and public sectors in a partnership necessary to provide a coordinated strategy and an ongoing economic development program for the region. About 468 Communications
468 Communications helps organizations be more present with their communities through creative storytelling and practical use of technology. Sandcastle Web Design & Development is the technology partner working with 468 Communications to bring the 468 Insider apps to life. For more information on 468 Insider, visithttp://468insider.com.