Jeff , Eons, Inc. 1

Charlestown - MA United States

The big idea: In 25 words or less, please tell us how this Fast 50 Nominee is helping to address the planet's problems.

Recognizing the void of online social networking options for baby boomers, eons.com has evolved into the largest online community, catering to the specific needs of this important and influential generation.

Please describe how this nominee is using business as a force of positive change. What technology, idea, or strategy is the nominee using -- and what problem, such as global warming, poverty, or pollution, does it address? (suggested length: 100 words)

With more than two-thirds of boomers online, and 50 million adults over 50 online, Jeff Taylor, CEO and founder of Eons.com (and founder of Monster.com), knew there was an opportunity to create an innovative social network specifically for boomers. At eons.com adults can explore their passions, keep in touch with friends, connect with interesting people to share life experiences, and most of all, have fun. With no other comprehensive site in existence, Taylor launched eons.com in 2006 as a social portal. Since launch, the site has transformed from a portal into the largest social network and online community for baby boomers.
Eons believes that social networking for boomers should fuse deep personal connections with critical resources on important topics for this life-stage.
Committed to addressing the needs of boomers on-and-offline, Eons recently launched a section of the site devoted to “conversational health,” combining social networking with vital health topics. Eons facilitates and encourages members to take part in Conversational Health through groups that serve as 24/7 support groups. The groups, such as “Living with Cancer,” “Coping with Diabetes,” and “Quitters Are Winners: Quitting Smoking,” are created by and for boomers.

What are the results, both financial and social? How has the nominee's business performed, and what impact has it had on the problem it addresses? (suggested length: 100 words)

Last year alone, eons.com welcomed more than seven million unique visitors to the site as it continues to grow its online community of more than 700,000 registered members. Eons.com members have created more than 3,500 groups covering topics including dating, retirement, career changes, spirituality, Conversational Health and more. In addition, eons.com developed a social marketing model for advertisers seeking direct engagement with boomers. Interactive “Corporate Headquarters” (HQs) and “Sponsored Groups” are enabling major brands, including Humana, Nationwide, Nintendo Wii and others, to become part of the eons.com community and immerse members in ongoing, topical discussions and activities of value to them.