With the economy slumping, one man is trying to help Whidbey Island businesses harness the Internet to boost their business.

Ryan Hansen, a one-time student at Skagit Valley College, Whidbey Island Campus, recently launched a new Web site, Oakharborbiz.com, to provide help for businesses and a forum for owners to swap ideas about electronic business, or e-business.

“It’s kind of spreading the knowledge,” Hansen said about his Web site. Currently the site contains information and registration for a seminar. That event, which takes place Monday, Oct. 20, at 5:30 p.m. at Hayes Hall Room 137 of the Whidbey Campus, will provide information about online marketing and how to use the Web without the jargon.

Topics presented during the seminar will include learning how to increase online sales and Web site exposure; introduction to blogging; and providing information about Google and Yahoo.

He said the idea of starting a Web site and holding a seminar came about through talking with business members in the community.

Before returning to Whidbey Island in August to be closer to family, Hansen worked at developing Web sites and online marketing strategies in Southern California.

He is still consulting and is providing the technical information to local businesses as more of a service to the community. He said the seminar is free to the public and is being co-sponsored by Thrive Community Fitness in Oak Harbor.

For more information and to register online, visit www.oakharborbiz.com.

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