WV's MountainMade Creates Subsidiary To Re-Launch E-Commerce
MountainMade, a non-profit supporting West Virginia's artisans, has spun off a for-profit operation to manage the foundation's retail stores, ecommerce and marketing efforts. The new MountainMade Inc. has retained WELD, a digital marketing agency, to re-develop its online storefront and augment marketing outreach to shoppers interested in handmade Appalachian art and creations.
Thomas, W.Va. (Vocus/PRWEB ) September 9, 2009 — The MountainMade Foundation announces the creation of MountainMade Inc., its wholly-owned for-profit subsidiary. In creating the for-profit entity, MountainMade Foundation is spinning off its successful retail operations at the Country Store and Artisan Gallery in Thomas and at Stonewall Resort and its eCommerce website.
MountainMade's gallery is located in Thomas, West Virginia.
MountainMade Foundation will continue to actively support its mission “to create an expansive and vibrant mix of the arts, arts education and business expertise that nurtures artisans, fosters community, expands arts participation and stimulates economic development in West Virginia.” The Foundation’s studio education program will continue to grow and adapt its course offerings in response to student interests.
MountainMade Inc. (MMI) will expand its retail operations and seek opportunities to generate additional revenue by engaging in other activities which will provide funding for the Foundation activities through dividends. MMI will have the ability to obtain funding from additional sources and provide additional economic development opportunities for the artisans.
In 2008, MountainMade began the process to develop and implement a plan for its long-term sustainability. Working with the Appalachian Tourism Group LLP from Appalachian State University and Mythology Marketing, a consulting and outsources services provider delivering advanced marketing solutions to growth-minded organizations based in Charleston, WV, MountainMade developed a Business and Marketing Plan.
As part of that plan, MMI has retained WELD, a digital marketing agency headquartered in Oak Hill, to direct its Internet outreach and online sales growth. WELD will create a new, exciting, interactive website scheduled to launch in mid-to-late October. WELD will manage MMI’s presence on social networks, giving MMI access to potential new customers.
Since 2001 MountainMade has generated over $3.5 million in revenue by selling West Virginia-sourced fine arts and crafts. This announcement will lay the foundation for exponential future growth.
MountainMade Foundation considers the creation of MMI as the means by which it will become self-sustaining, further its exempt purposes and develop a strong artisan base in West Virginia. The creation of the for-profit subsidiary is a natural evolution for the MountainMade Foundation.
MountainMade Foundation is a 501 c 3 non profit. For more information, please visit MountainMade.com, or contact General Manager Becky Henderson at (304) 463-3355.
###
Bookmark -
Del.icio.us |
Furl It |
Technorati |
Ask |
MyWeb |
Propeller |
Live Bookmarks |
Newsvine |
TailRank |
Reddit |
Slashdot |
Digg |
Stumbleupon |
Google Bookmarks |
Sphere |
Blink It |
Spurl
|
