The next 425 Launch Forum — an Edmonds Chamber program aimed at promoting and fostering entrepreneurship — will feature an expert panel discussion on how to use text and mobile technologies to promote your business. The forum will be Wednesday, May 23, starting at 5:30 p.m. in the Brackett Room, third floor of Edmonds City Hall, 121-5th Ave. N.

The proliferation of smartphones provides businesses with new opportunities to be more relevant and helpful to consumers. Text messaging and mobile social media are rapidly becoming key to promoting business and getting the word out on events and special offers.

Panelists includes Michele Graves, Edmonds Community College Public Information Officer; Jeremy Baker, Owner of JTB Internet Marketing and Greg Urban, Owner of Ideas Unfold.

Graves is a communications specialist and journalist with 15 years experience in writing and editing, publications, media relations, Web content, and new media. She is the voice behind the college’s e-newsletter, blog, and Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, and Pinterest accounts.

Baker, owner of JTB Internet Marketing, helps businesses build databases of targeted groups of customers who are interested in receiving updates & special offers/coupons via text messaging which results in new customers & increased frequency of transactions.

Urban, owner of Ideas Unfold, specializes in Web design, photography and graphic design. He works with client on various aspects of marketing, including branding, building brand loyalty, visual marketing services and graphic design.