[August 12, 2011] New column to focus on digital media and technology Tweet Aug 12, 2011 (The Sun - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Digital media and new technology don't have to be intimidating or overwhelming. That's the message Jennifer Vanston wants to convey to readers of her new column, "Digital Candy," which will premiere in Sunday's Yuma Sun. "It will be a fun, lighthearted piece," said Vanston, who is Sun Media's interactive manager. The column is especially aimed at small- and medium-sized businesses that are struggling to survive in today's economy. "With today's high unemployment, we have to start using the media tools that are already there, they're there and they're low cost," she explained. Implementing digital media into a marketing plan is attainable with very little cost and training, she noted. "In a way, it can seem overwhelming, and people tend to be intimidated. They'll think, 'Oh my gosh! One more thing I have to learn.'" Not only does she hope to remove the mystique and allay fears, she wants to "present it in a way that's not condescending." The column will "take on Yuma technology in fun new ways," and Vanston will be open to questions. "I want to provide fun little pieces of technology that can be of benefit -- like a little piece of candy, one piece at a time, instead of eating the whole box at one time." Aside from her column, Vanston will conduct a digital and social media seminar on Sept. 30. "I'm happy that the Yuma Sun is helping the community by giving hands-on knowledge on how to use the new media tools available to help their businesses grow," she said. "We have a challenging economy and we need to help build it from within." Vanston's background in business marketing and technology includes an undergraduate degree from Flagler College in Florida and an master of business administration from the University of Phoenix, where she now teaches business and marketing. She has been teaching for almost 10 years. Previously she owned an advertising firm and worked in the entertainment industry. Her interactive marketing experience includes working with DreamWorks, Sci-Fi Channel and Disney. "I even won an ADDY Award on 'Dinotopia,' which was a Hallmark movie." Her interactive experience also includes working with websites and webgames. Vanston later focused on nonprofits and education. "I felt like doing a greater good," she explained. She worked on Park City, Utah's website and with the 2001 Olympics. When her husband, Alex, a Marine, was transferred to Hawaii, she worked with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Vanston is convinced she's meant to be involved with interactive technology. She jokes that she's never been able to get away from it. Even while living in Sri Lanka during a post-college three-year stint in the Peace Corps, in a village where nobody else spoke English, she found herself working with the only two computers -- hooked up to generators -- that were available in the region. She also taught English to all ages and business skills to young adults. She met Alex when she was evacuated from the village during riots. He was a Marine security guard, and they became engaged. "He had one more tour and invited me to Africa," Vanston said. They spent four years in Zambia, where she taught computers in an international school in Lusaka and worked with Habitat for Humanity. Vanston then returned to her home state of Florida, where she taught high school history, economy and computers for a couple of years. "I figured if I could handle 180 kids a day five times a week, there's nothing I can't do," she quipped. At this time, Vanston decided to enter the business world. She and her husband moved to Utah and Vanston got a "great job" at an advertising firm. Her husband went back to the Marines as an officer, and they were transferred to Hawaii, where they spent six years. He was then transferred to Yuma, where they hope to stay for a long time. The family includes a son, 3-year-old Nathan, and a daughter, 5-year-old Seylon. "We will be staying in Yuma. I like it," Vanston said. The heat is not a problem for her. "I was born in Florida, I lived in Sri Lanka, Africa, Hawaii. I'm pretty used to the heat. My blood is more reptilian. I'm meant to be in the heat." Vanston also likes that Yuma has "tons of things to do." "It's great for spending time outdoors. We like boating, Jeeping, geocaching, hiking, camping." Mara Knaub can be reached at [email protected] or 539-6856. To see more of The Sun or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.yumasun.com/. Copyright (c) 2011, The Sun, Yuma, Ariz. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For more information about the content services offered by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services (MCT), visit www.mctinfoservices.com. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]