Eternity Web Development is a Vermont Web Design Company in South Burlington VT. We Specialize in Web Site Design, Web Hosting, and Graphic Design.

'Doing good' can be good for business

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Posted By: Mollie B. B.

‘Doing good’ can be good for business

By Karen Bartomioli, The Lakeville Journal

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From TCExtra.com

NORTH CANAAN — Business experts often say that lean times are the last time to scrimp on advertising. And advertising is not complete these days without an Internet presence. But it’s got to be eye-catching and easy to use. That means a custom design, often by a company such as Eternity Web Development — started by North Canaan’s own Michael Lannen.

After graduating from Housatonic Valley Regional High School in 2000, and earning the rank of Eagle Scout with Troop 22 in North Canaan, Lannen headed off to Champlain College in Burlington, Vt. He already had a strong background in computers: He helped with the computer networking at the high school in Falls Village. He has set up systems for local concerns such as the Douglas Library, Sand Road Animal Hospital, Camp Sloane and Robin Hood Radio.

“In college, we had to do internships with nonprofits,” he said. “So I was working with nonprofits and companies during college. By the time I graduated, I had the contacts I needed to start a business.”

Lannen said  he knew there were many small businesses in the Burlington area, as well as in northwestern Connecticut, who either did not understand the importance of having a Web site, thought it was too expensive, or simply did not know where to begin.

“Everything is custom designed,” said his dad, John Lannen, who has recently signed on to be a company rep in this area. “And it’s very affordable.”

Lannen said he is proud of his son — and takes some credit for inspiring the giving spirit that has gained Michael and his company unexpected fame.

When a Vermont Web and e-mail provider (Silicon Dairy) went under, small businesses and nonprofits all over the Burlington area were left not only without their Web sites, but also without a vital source for e-mail communication.

“They were given 30 days notice. The company shut down five or six days early. They knew me already,” Michael Lannen said.

He and his staff of six were able to quickly re-establish online communication for nonprofits such as COTS, which helps the homeless find shelter; they use the Internet to publicize their fundraising events.

A local youth center, which uses its Web site to organize events and volunteers, was back up — with an improved Web site — in 24 hours. And Eternity Web did it all for free.

As the Lannens work to foster a client base here, Michael continues to do a lot of pro bono and deeply discounted work.

“We can’t do as much as we’d like, but we look at the cause. If it’s a good one, we take them under our wing.”

© Copyright 2009 by TCExtra.com

Eternity Web President Michael Lannen with his father, John Lannen,
at the Tri-State Chamber Trade Festival on March 22, 2009.
Photo Credit: Karen Bartomioli