advertising options for Orangetown's two golf courses

"It doesn't make sense to run a business without advertising," Orangetown Supervisor Andy Stewart said.

"For those not at the workshop last week, the people from the golf committee did a tremendous job presenting this and the research they did was very compelling," Orangetown Councilman Tom Morr said.

"There was a lot of research that this should pay for itself and more," Councilman Paul Valentine said.

The committee contacted DirecTV, FIOS and Cablevision regarding television advertising. FIOS outsources its TaylorMade RocketBallZ fairway wood advertising and only Cablevision showed an interest in working with the town.

The members of the golf committee pointed out last week that improvements have been made to the golf courses, including the renovation of the pro shop at Blue Hill and the renovation of the former Blue Hill Cafe to become Emmett's Castle at Blue Hill.

"People are looking for marketing," Green said. "Smart people understand marketing and branding. One area to look into is advertising."

Cablevision proposed creating two 30-second commercials for a total cost of $600. One would use a digital photograph and would be ready for immediate use. The second would use video taken late in the spring or early in the summer. The town would own both spots and would be able to link to them on its website and the course's web page.

The town council passed a resolution at Thursday's regular town board meeting approving up to $26,000 combined for Titleist 712 CB Irons television and internet marketing efforts coordinated by the golf committee and the Orangetown Parks and Recreation Department, pending a review of the language in the contracts by the town attorney's office.

In Bergen County, it would be most of those same channels, but with TV Land and without Travel, YES and News 12. For 3-to-5 spots over 12 weeks, the cost would be $8,724.

The other component of the advertising is $8,900 for email blasts using addresses provided by the town. Course Trends will create the advertising and send it out. Emmett's Castle at Blue Hill already advertises with Course Trends.

"They are trying to put print and discount golf clubs media ads in Bergen County, which we really haven't had a presence in," Diviny said. "Hopefully we can generate more revenue and bring more golfers to Orangetown."

"I think it is important that we advertise," Valentine said. "I own my own business. When we send out to our list, every time we get responses immediately. Sometimes you have to put money into something to make money."