FREEPORT — Want to know more about what businesses in Freeport are offering? Where to get the best takeout pizza? What hotels are nearby?

There’s an app for that.

The Freeport Merchants Association has launched the Freeport App, which can be downloaded for free from iTunes.

The association’s executive director, Myra Hopkins, said this offer of the latest in marketing technology will benefit residents, travelers and businesses.

“This opportunity puts the Freeport Merchants Association and its entire membership at the leading edge of what seems to be an explosion in mobile capability,” Hopkins said.

The association comprises 130 businesses, including shops, restaurants and hotels. Membership fees help keep services such as a comprehensive map and the Web application free to travelers and residents.

“Mobile devices are becoming more and more powerful and ever more present. As this medium expands, so does the marketing impact and opportunity that is offered by it,” Hopkins said.

Having seen travelers on the streets of Freeport this summer with smart phones in hand, Hopkins said the Freeport App will enhance their experience.

For example, she said, if someone is looking for the best place to order a pizza to go, they can pull up the application, search the dining function and find the restaurant, menu and phone number immediately.

The Freeport Merchants Association partnered with Pulp+Wire and Mowbi, two Portland-based design, Web and mobile firms, to facilitate the creation of the application, which was launched two weeks ago.

Members of the association have a page in the mobile website that acts as an enhanced listing, complete with color and template options and company information.

“You will have the Freeport experience at your fingertips,” she said.

In addition to the business listings, there are options such as text clubs for text-message marketing or mobile invoicing, allowing businesses to create and send invoices to customers electronically.

The Freeport App can be downloaded via iTunes on the iPhone, iTouch or any Web-browsing phone.

 

Staff Writer Emma Bouthillette can be contacted at 791-6325 or at: ebouthillette@pressherald.com