Press Release
Family Launches EcoCoupons to Support the Health of the Local Economy and the Environment, One Coupon at a Time
December 8, 2009 -- Santa Cruz, CA -- On December 12, Santa Cruz resident Eric Ressler and his parents launched EcoCoupons, an online service that uniquely offers coupons that are paperless and "on demand" from a wide range of local businesses. Visitors to www.ecocoupons.org can select just the coupons that they want, when they want them, and either send them to their mobile phone or other mobile device, or print them out.
The 24-year-old Ressler's inspiration for EcoCoupons grew out of his frustration with the overstuffed recycling bin in his Santa Cruz apartment. It was January 2009, the recession was in full swing, consumers were spending less and looking for deals, and many local stores were struggling. "It just hit me: in this age of technology, why can't we use the Internet to connect businesses and consumers in an efficient and environmentally positive way? EcoCoupons incents people to shop local, and lets them do something good for the environment by conserving paper one coupon at a time," said Ressler
EcoCoupons has been endorsed by the Santa Cruz Downtown Association. "EcoCoupons is a win-win for local businesses and shoppers. It's a great value for the exposure merchants receive compared to other promotion options, and the site makes it easy for shoppers to find what they are looking for," said Chip, executive director of the Downtown Association. "Businesses in Santa Cruz are enthusiastically integrating new marketing and advertising media that is web and social-network based. EcoCoupons brings a unique and polished product to the community that matches up with both consumer expectations for environmental responsibility and business needs for “sticky”, cost-effective connections with their customers," said Bill Tysseling, executive director of the Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce.
Many local merchants have already signed on, and will be offering a wide variety of products and services starting December 12, including New Leaf Community Markets, El Palomar, Eco Goods, Hoffman's Bakery Café, Asana, Whole Foods, The Crepe Place, Cypress Lounge, and Yogizmo. For $10 per month, businesses can post as many coupons as often they want and have complete control over the content. Coupons can be created, changed or removed within a matter of seconds, and results are easy to track. "New Leaf is excited that there is now a local, eco-friendly coupon option to promote our great specials to the community," said Sarah Owens, marketing director, New Leaf Community Markets.
Before founding EcoCoupons, Eric ran a graphic and web design firm for four years. His skill in these areas is reflected in the attractive and technologically advanced ecocoupons.org web site he has built on his own. But the development of the business has been a family affair. "My dad, who is a manager at high tech company, has given me sound business advice. My mom, who is in the education field, is very creative and has been a great sounding board." Eric's girlfriend has also played an important role. "Molly is an environmental studies graduate of UCSC, and I credit her with opening my eyes about lifestyle choices that protect the environment, leading to the idea of paperless coupons," he said. Once EcoCoupons is established in Santa Cruz, the team will work together to introduce the service in other California cities.
Press Release written by BondMarCom.