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In the sleek headquarters of CGI Digital in downtown Rochester, a hand-drawn map of Thomaston, Connecticut, hangs prominently in Bob Bartosiewicz’s office — a daily reminder of where he came from and how far his vision has traveled. The company created the faded map in its early days as “Community Graphics,” and it represents more than nostalgia. It embodies a business philosophy that has evolved from paper to pixels while maintaining a steady focus on America’s often-overlooked communities.
As digital platforms increasingly connect users globally while disconnecting them locally, Bartosiewicz, the 2024 Global Recognition Award winner, has built an empire heading in the opposite direction. HelloNation, originally launched in small-town America, now connects over 7,000 communities nationwide, highlighting local stories often overlooked by major tech platforms.
From Hand-Drawn Maps to Digital Community Hub
Bartosiewicz’s journey began in 1989 with a simple concept: creating illustrated promotional maps showcasing community businesses and other area attractions. As internet use surged, he reinforced his community-centered outlook by shifting to digital content, embracing video as the dominant medium for online engagement.
“We developed video initiatives for cities and chambers of commerce, allowing us to market and sell video to local businesses early in the digital revolution,” Bartosiewicz explains.
This evolution did not merely adapt to technology. It represented a fundamental commitment to local economic development at a time when digital marketing increasingly prioritized global reach over community connection. While Silicon Valley focused on connecting strangers across continents, Bartosiewicz built platforms connecting neighbors across streets.
Today, CGI Digital’s newest venture, HelloNation, aggregates community-centric content into a single hub, empowering each municipality to share its story with a broader audience. The platform’s reach extends across all 50 states, offering virtual city tours that attract prospective tourists and residents.
The Philosophy of Persistence
Bartosiewicz’s focus on community development stems from his upbringing in a small town in Thomaston, Connecticut, where he absorbed his parents’ valuable lessons about hard work. This foundation shaped his signature business philosophy: “We will be different, and if our ‘different’ is better, we win.”
What separates him from typical tech entrepreneurs is his rejection of the “move fast and break things” mentality. Instead, he embraces a methodical three-part process: a moment of insight, refinement, and execution.
His favorite quote, attributed to Calvin Coolidge, reveals much about his operational philosophy: “Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.”
This persistence manifests in Bartosiewicz’s leadership method. He dedicates early mornings to focused team meetings, constantly analyzing market trends and identifying improvements. His daily routine involves organizing marketplace psychology, client needs, and employee dynamics, creating a cohesive framework that drives company direction.
Community Economics as Business Strategy
Investigating HelloNation’s economic underpinnings reveals a sophisticated business model that simultaneously creates multiple forms of value. Unlike platforms that extract value from communities through advertising or data mining, HelloNation’s perspective centers on mutual benefit.
The company provides free video programs to municipalities, generating revenue exclusively from local businesses that purchase enhanced listings and promotional packages. This model addresses a critical market failure: the disconnect between civic pride and commercial opportunity.
In practical terms, HelloNation’s viewpoint has delivered measurable results. According to industry data, municipalities partnering with CGI Digital report an average 18% increase in economic development inquiries, translating into new businesses, residents, and community tax revenue.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, when approximately 22% of small businesses closed permanently nationwide, Bartosiewicz expanded community support. CGI Digital provides free business listings to help struggling enterprises maintain visibility. This initiative cost the company an estimated $3 million in potential revenue but strengthened community relationships.
“We believe in the partnership between businesses and local people and are doing what they can to strengthen and build those relationships,” Bartosiewicz states.
Strategic Partnerships Drive Expansion
A key component of HelloNation’s growth strategy involves institutional partnerships. Unlike competitors who pursue individual clients, Bartosiewicz secured endorsements from influential municipal organizations, including the US Conference of Mayors, the National League of Cities, Better Business Bureaus, the National Association of Counties, and the Chambers of Commerce.
CGI Digital did not develop these relationships overnight. This reveals how CGI Digital spent approximately eight years cultivating these partnerships before launching HelloNation at scale, demonstrating Bartosiewicz’s long-term perspective on business development.
The partnership strategy yields significant competitive advantages. Municipal endorsements create barriers to entry for potential competitors while providing HelloNation with credibility that would otherwise require massive marketing expenditures to establish.
The Community Impact Imperative
Beyond commercial considerations, Bartosiewicz demonstrates genuine concern for community well-being. HelloNation’s content celebrates diversity and uniqueness, helping towns recognize and promote their distinctive qualities.
Bartosiewicz mentions, “Our focus is on celebrating diversity and the uniqueness that makes places proud. This slant addresses the growing challenge of community fragmentation in an increasingly digital world.”
The platform’s videos deliberately have a “sensitive tone, recognizing current hardships but focusing on hope for the future.” This careful balancing act has helped municipalities navigate complex social issues while maintaining community cohesion, a service that extends beyond typical marketing.
The Future of Digital Localism
While social media algorithms often sort users into ideological bubbles, HelloNation focuses on geographic communities and shared local identity. This represents a countermovement to digital globalization.
HelloNation’s community-first model offers a blueprint for how digital platforms can enhance rather than erode local connections, potentially reshaping how Americans interact with technology and their communities.
In an age of increasing digital fragmentation, Bob Bartosiewicz’s persistent focus on community development through HelloNation may provide what many Americans increasingly seek: a sense of belonging in the places they live.
Greg Grzesiak is an Entrepreneur-In-Residence and Columnist at Grit Daily. As CEO of Grzesiak Growth LLC, Greg dedicates his time to helping CEOs influencers and entrepreneurs make the appearances that will grow their following in their reach globally. Over the years he has built strong partnerships with high profile educators and influencers in Youtube and traditional finance space. Greg is a University of Florida graduate with years of experience in marketing and journalism.
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