Our Community Networks LLC (“OCN”) builds and manages local and regional online community portals that enable people to post classifieds, announce events, promote their business, and exchange other information -- in other words, to connect locally. It differs from other community portal businesses in that it uses a distributed, multi-partner architecture. The company’s specialized software is attached to local organizations’ websites and then interconnected, enabling community information to be shared no matter what website “door” the user enters through.
Through this multi-partner approach, these portals are created "of, by and for" the community. The system is designed to favor locally-owned, independent businesses. In addition, OCN is donating a minimum of 20% of profits to its non-profit portal partners.
OCN is building its first community portal in New York State’s Hudson Valley. There is an active website: Our Hudson Valley Network, also known as Carl's List. Upon proof of concept, the company will scale nationally under the same brand. Revenue is generated through local advertising.