Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard

Calgary, Alberta , The Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard was awarded outstanding website at the North American Farmers' Direct Marketing Association's (NAFDMA) Annual Conference held last month in Calgary, Alberta. More than 20 NAFDMA members submitted their websites in competition that judges narrowed to five based on function, design, appeal and stimulus to visit the farm business. The 450 NAFDMA members were then asked to vote for the best. The Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard came out on top. "It is a special honor to be chosen top pick by our peers," said Bill Michaels, co-owner of the Mill. This award is the fourth coveted NAFDMA marketing award for the Mill having previously been honored as newcomer of the year and for their brochures and newsletters. Bill Michaels has attended 10 conferences over the years throughout Canada and the USA. "We have learned a great deal through this organization. Our business has been strengthened not only by all the ideas and education that NAFDMA offers at conferences but also by relationships that have developed with other farm marketers. Having Joe Pine, author of the The Experience Economy, speak to us at this conference from his vast knowledge and insight on the trends in farm direct marketing is an example of how we gain so much from this Association." The Mill recently overhauled its site with the help of Mercury Web Solutions of Albany, NY. "The professionals at Mercury implemented all our ideas into a well-designed site that functions smoothly and permits updating information frequently and effortlessly," said Michaels. "The internet is the driving force for agritourism. Most of our visitors view the site before they come to the Mill." The Mill's website at www.flycreekcidermill.com offers news, events, directions, coupons, history and employment opportunities in addition to basic tour and visitor information. Since its debut the Mill's new website has been receiving a steady flow of subscriptions for future news and special offerings. This coming August the Mill plans to add an on-line store. "Many of our customers who visit from outside our local area wish to restock their homes with many of the specialty products we offer. Thankfully, that service will soon become available so they can experience the Mill tastes all season long.," says Michaels. The Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard, located three miles north of Cooperstown in upstate New York will open for its 151st season on May 11th with daily samplings of their Howe Caverns cave-aged cheddar, fresh fudge, sweet cider, baked goods and a host of Pride of New York products. Visitors can see first hand how cider is made the old-fashioned way with water-wheel power.