Pampering the Press

At a recent groundbreaking ceremony, Paramount Homes, Asbury Park, N. J., gave press members something they could really work with — clipboards emblazoned with the builder/developer's new community logo and phone number.

This take-home gift not only served as a handy way to take notes and quotes during the event, but also reminded reporters of the community and contact number long afterwards. The press materials were clipped to the clipboard.

According to Carolyn Villani, vice president of sales and marketing for Paramount Homes, "It's important for us to do everything we can to make it easy for journalists to report accurately on our communities."

Paramount Homes, developer of the 157-unit North Beach Asbury Park condo community on the ocean, was one of three builders who participated in the event. The builder benefited from the ensuing publicity and registered nearly 2000 prospects.

This success has led to an expedited construction schedule — nearly a year early — for the community's second phase.