The Kenai Peninsula Tourism Market-ing Council and North Star Destination Strategies have partnered to develop a regional “brand” for marketing the peninsula to visitors, residents and businesses in 2007 and beyond. A survey has been developed to determine the area’s strengths, weaknesses, challenges and opportunities. It can be found at www.kenaipeninsula.org. The survey can be completed online and submitted electronically. For more information, call KPTMC at (907) 262-5229. For more information about North Star Destination Strategies, go to northstarideas.com.
Safety needed by Internet shoppers
With holiday shoppers turning to the Internet, the Better Business Bureau is urging caution. “Savvy online shoppers who look for merchants and Web sites they can trust, who take steps to protect their privacy and the security of their financial transactions, and who heed their instincts will reap the many benefits of online shopping,” said Steve Cole, president and CEO of the council of Better Business Bureaus. The BBB offered the following tips:
• Make sure your computer is equipped with updated spam filters, anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and a secure firewall.
• Shop smart. If you’re tired or distracted, you may want to postpone shopping until you are “cyber-aware.”
• Check the merchant’s reputation, look for feedback comments from other customers or conduct Web searches. Check with the BBB for information about the retailer’s marketplace record at www.bbbonline.org.
• Don’t do business with retailers that do not provide a physical address and contact telephone number. Look for such details as shipping and handling charges, delivery time, warranty or guarantee offered, privacy policies and cancellation/return policies. Be sure to print a copy of the confirmation page.
• Look for an “s” in the https:// or in the lower-right corner for the “lock” symbol before paying. If you are unsure, right-click anywhere on the page and select “Properties.” This will let you see the real URL (Web site address) and a dialogue box will reveal if the site is “not encrypted.”
• Read the site’s privacy policy.
If someone e-mails you unexpectedly requesting personal information, be suspicious. Legitimate businesses do not send e-mails claiming problems with an order or account in order to obtain financial information. Telephone the contact number on the Web site where you make your purchase to ask if there is a problem with your transaction.
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