Assante Design & Kocak Wordsmiths Ink, of Syracuse, collaborated with Salient Link, of Buffalo, to launch SayYesSyracuse2010.com, a free social networking website celebrating Syracuse and the Central New York region.

The project began in the middle of this winter complete with that economic gloom that hangs over even a normal upstate winter. As creative professionals the partners wanted to send some positive economic vibes out and see what bounced back.

Paul Kocak of Kocak Wordsmiths Ink had this concept, which he brought to assante design. Kocak was looking to return a favor to Assante, who had featured brief commentaries on marketing by Kocak on its website.

“I felt confident that leonard’s was the best shop to really make this thing shine in terms of graphic design.” Assante brought in Salient Link, who he knew from other website projects.

Salient Link added important interactive features that enable the website to be smooth, easy and welcoming for users. They all agreed on a site that was free of ad clutter with a life of its own.

The goal was to boost civic pride while promoting Syracuse and its surroundings as a land of economic opportunity with an inexpensive cost of living complete with many natural virtues. The plan also showcases the area as a creative hub.

Assante said, “naturally we want to use our own creative talents as an example. If it gets any of us work, fine. If it draws people to the Syracuse area, great. If it merely serves as a social networking venue to celebrate Syracuse, fine again.

In addition they wanted to have a loose parallel with the Say Yes to Education initiative in Syracuse, which is a national model.

Kocak Wordsmiths Ink, assante design and Salient Link consider it to be their contribution to the community.