Melissa Klepacki, Founder

Identifying the true potential of social media can be challenging in this day and age of constant, real-time, information. But when local businesswoman Melissa Klepacki instead was inspired by the power of such outlets as Facebook and Twitter, she created a wholly unique and personal way of connecting with her community: PrincetonScoop.

The area’s first social media marketing and advertising agency, PrincetonScoop rapidly has become the online voice of Princeton, educating consumers on the deals and happenings in the area. With targeted social media messages, PrincetonScoop inspires and influences consumers on what to do, where to be, and what to buy.

The idea for PrincetonScoop first surfaced in April 2009 when Klepacki—the founder, an entrepreneur and a mother of two — had difficulty learning about the goings-on in her community.  “I kept hearing about these amazing events the day after they happened, and was asking people where they found out about them,” she says. “No two people ever cited the same source, and most just said they had heard it from ‘someone else.’” She quickly saw the need for one collaborative, knowledgeable outlet for Princeton and its surrounding towns, and PrincetonScoop was born. The core team was founded with designers from Howard Design Group, business executive Nancy Weinstein, and lawyer Jared Witt, and the company was officially launched as PrincetonScoop that fall. Then, in December 2009, Klepacki brought on writer and magazine publishing professional Jennifer Henderson to oversee the editorial content.

Via the social media services Twitter (@PrincetonScoop) and Facebook (search “PrincetonScoop”), the company connects with more than 4,300 people in the area on a daily basis. Reaching even more locals via a Web site (princetonscoop.com), a daily blog, and weekly e-mail newsletters, the company aims to connect with consumers wherever they already interact with the Web. Although currently focused on Princeton and the surrounding towns, PrincetonScoop is already in the midst of plans for expansion to other areas in the Northeast.