Published: May 06, 2008 11:21 pm         

Newspaper introduces ‘Al the legal Alien’

The Register-Herald is “out of this world,” and the newspaper has an alien to prove it.

“Al the legal Alien has landed in Beckley to spend his $1,800 economic stimulus check,” said Chuck Jessup, advertising director at The Register-Herald. “He is subscribing to The Register-Herald to look for stimulus check deals that are being advertised in the newspaper.”

Jessup said the newspaper’s coordinated marketing campaign will feature the alien each day on Page 2.

“Beginning Friday, we will be offering one-fourth page, full-color ads on Page 2 each day to show where the legal alien has been spotted spending his stimulus check,” he said.

Economic stimulus checks started reaching southern West Virginia households this week. The Register-Herald hopes those checks will boost consumer spending.

“We want to help maximize businesses opportunity to gain additional sales created by these rebate checks,” Jessup explained.

Many retailers are hoping for a boost in consumer spending as well. Some have yet to announce any special promotions and Jessup says they need to advertise now.

“As these checks hit households, it’s likely more companies will announce ad campaigns and special deals as the weeks go by to try to convince shoppers to spend,” he said. “We want any business with a stimulus check deal to get the word out by advertising in the best newspaper on the planet. We can help you give shoppers a reason to spend their rebate money with you.”

Jessup said the first sighting of the alien will be at The Register-Herald’s booth during the 15th annual Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce Business Show.

“Al will be on hand for a ribbon-cutting ceremony during the chamber-only Business After Hours event on Wednesday,” Jessup said.

The 15th annual business show is set for today and Thursday. It is considered one of spring’s top events and takes place at the Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center.

Today’s opening features the popular Business After Hours — for chamber members only — from 4:30 to 7 p.m.

The show, which features products and services offered by local entrepreneurs, is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday.

For advertising information regarding the economic stimulus checks, stop by the newspaper’s booth at the business show or contact Jessup at The Register-Herald’s advertising department at 255-4487.

— E-mail:

fpace@register-herald.com