ORLANDO, Fla., SEPT. 8, 2010 \u2014 Global-5 Vice President and COO Matt Hamill said budget shortfalls in states will result in more 511 deployers seeking to generate revenue through their systems, and those deployers are most concerned that the revenue will support their 511 systems. Hamill\u2019s comments were part of his presentation this week to the national 511 Working Group meeting in Dallas.<\/p>\n
Hamill\u2019s presentation was based on the results of an industry survey conducted by Global-5 Communications Aug. 25 \u2013 Sept. 3. The survey revealed that more than 80 percent of deployers want to generate revenue from their systems, but only 1 percent are currently doing so.<\/p>\n
\u201cA lot of people believe their website or phone system is their most valuable asset,\u201d Hamill said. \u201cIn reality, sponsorships on 511 roadside signs can contribute more than 90 percent of a system\u2019s revenue, especially when sponsorship rates are based on standard outdoor advertising industry rates and the traffic counts at sign locations.\u201d<\/p>\n
Building awareness of a state or region\u2019s 511 system is also important to generating revenue. \u201cSponsored 511 roadside signs are excellent marketing, but do not convey the benefits of 511, the 511 website and personalized services,\u201d Hamill said. \u201cMarketing and earned media coverage generate usage, understanding and awareness.\u201d<\/p>\n
About Global-5 Communications<\/strong><\/p>\n Global-5 is the nation\u2019s premiere transportation communications firm providing public relations, marketing\/ multimedia, knowledge transfer, revenue generation services, and technology products to agencies deploying 511, state Departments of Transportation, transit agencies, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), AAA, auto manufacturers, and America\u2019s leading infrastructure developers.<\/p>\n ###<\/p>\n