417Shopping.com
James Reynolds launched 417Shopping.com in mid-May. The Web site posts locally owned businesses’ coupons and special deals at no cost to participating businesses. “I try to target small businesses, the ones you don’t see on every advertisement,” said Reynolds, adding that he has several family members and friends who own businesses and they helped him form the idea. After roughly a month of service, the Web site has 17 clients, including Dickerson Park Zoo, Atlas Security, and Flame and Flair Gift Boutique. Both shoppers and business owners create accounts to use the service. The site also includes the posting company’s bio.

Here is just a quick history overview of 417Shopping.com:

• May 2010: Published 417Shopping.com with the ability to browse and post coupons, deals, promotions, bargains and discounts for local shopping.
• Winter - Spring 2010: Hours and hours of programming and development involved to build the promotion system.
• March 2010: A basic version 1 of 417Shopping.com was published to the domain www.417shopping.com.
• Winter - Spring 2010: Spoke with various local business owners, asking opinions, suggestions, feedback, etc.
• Fall 2009 thru Winter 2009 - 2010: Design and concept started.
• Fall 2009: In Fall of 2009 the idea for 417Shopping was founded by James Reynolds, a local Springfieldian.