http://econdev.rickwhittington.com/index.php en rick@rickwhittington.com Copyright 2012 2012-04-21T03:18:10+00:00 http://www.econdevwebsites.com/news/rwc-redesigns-economic-development-website-for-stafford-county-virginia/ http://www.econdevwebsites.com/news/rwc-redesigns-economic-development-website-for-stafford-county-virginia/#When:03:18:10Z We recently wrapped up work on a new website for Stafford County, Virginia Economic Development. Stafford County’s goals for their new website included better visual appeal, improved user experience, updated and expanded data and a single, cohesive focus on economic development (the old website also included extensive information on tourism in the County).  Here’s how we helped Stafford County Economic Development achieve its vision: Improved site architecture First, we proposed separation of economic development and tourism content. This would allow the economic development website to focus on its business attraction, existing business and workforce development programs and ultimately make it easier for site selection consultants and prospective businesses to find the information that is most relevant to them. Tourism will gain a separate, dedicated website that resides at a unique domain name. We also worked with Stafford’s project team to reorganize the website architecture to make navigation easier and content more organized and cohesive. Updated and expanded content RWC and Stafford County Economic Development strategized about where and how to improve content throughout the website.  The IEDC data set was used to guide content updates/content creation to ensure the most critical topics and supporting data were included. Fresh, custom design, with emphasis on Stafford County’s unique selling points A more visually pleasing layout with dynamic content was created in order to tout Stafford County’s benefits. Rather than using generic stock images, the website makes use of photos of the people and businesses of Stafford County. This helps prospects get a better sense of the unique spirit and identity of the Stafford business community. Data moves beyond dry facts and figures; now the numbers have context. New functionality New functionality enhances the value of the website for prospects. Features of note include: A data center/proposal builder: A number of key documents (e.g., transportation map; tax rates; community profile; educational attainment data; etc.) resides on the website in a dedicated “data center” section. Prospects can select documents and generate a custom report. The documents are compiled into a single, uniformly formatted PDF that can be downloaded within seconds. Internal staff members can also use this data center as a proposal generation tool to help save time when preparing prospect proposals. Real estate listing system with GIS integration: The real estate section of the website pulls in all real estate listings in Stafford County from Virginia’s “Virginia Scan” real estate system on a nightly basis. The listings are searchable, and information is displayed within the economic development website in an easy-to-use, tabbed interface. The listing system also integrates with Stafford County’s GIS system to provide easy, “one-stop” access to GIS parcel IDs and other critical site data. Featured Development Areas section: Stafford Economic Development can feature detailed information about designated development areas around the county.  Illustrations, maps and detailed information are listed, and related news and real estate listings related to each development can also be included. Responsive design/development: The website automatically adjusts to fit the screen size it’s being viewed on. The website reformats itself for a computer screen, tablet and smartphone. Before After Visit website »   2012-04-21T03:18:10+00:00 http://www.econdevwebsites.com/news/hanover-county-virginia-overhauls-economic-development-website/ http://www.econdevwebsites.com/news/hanover-county-virginia-overhauls-economic-development-website/#When:02:23:39Z We recently worked with Hanover County Economic Development to redesign their website. This project marks some of our most exciting and groundbreaking work yet. Both RWC and Hanover County Economic Development envisioned a website unlike any other. Presenting site selection consultants and prospective businesses with information about operating costs and available real estate is important. Equally as important is presenting a unique and memorable brand. The new website tempers data and facts with compelling copy and visual elements that add a human touch and give a distinct, local flavor. Highlights of the redesign include: A personalized approach to site selection Along with information about featured real estate developments and existing business resources, the Hanover County Economic Development homepage showcases interviews with and original photography of successful local businesses. These stories describe Hanover’s business climate, while also giving the site a unique, personal feel. Brand/message development We also worked with Hanover County Economic Development to create the tagline “Innovate. Prosper. Grow.” This tagline is a prominent feature of the homepage and ties together with the copy and photography to assert Hanover County as a first-rate location where businesses thrive, and innovation, prosperity and growth are the norm. Industry landing pages  To help Hanover County Economic Development recruit companies in five key areas (retail destination; health care; advanced manufacturing; supply chain management and logistics; professional services), industry-specific landing pages were created. Now Hanover County Economic Development can direct consultants to these dedicated resources, and also reference these pages in other marketing efforts. News & events publishing system Hanover County Economic Development staff can use the website to push news and events out to existing businesses as well as prospects. Map room A “map room” features a collection of informational maps that can be enlarged or downloaded.  GIS integration The site links to the county’s GIS map, and it also incorporates GIS real estate search via SiteLoGIStics technology by Timmons Group. Searchable business database The website includes a business directory of thousands of businesses in Hanover County. Searches can be performed by company name, industry or NAICS code.  When it’s time to update this database, Hanover County can use Executive Pulse and other data sources and import it into the website in minutes. Multiple real estate search tools Prospects can search for real estate three ways: using the county’s GIS real estate search tool;  using the state’s “Virginia Scan” search system;   or using the website’s custom real estate directory. The custom real estate directory allows Hanover County Economic Development staff to set featured sites or buildings and then publish a profile about each property. The profile can include photographs, a description and documents for download like topographic maps, brochures, plats, master plans and more. There are also technical aspects of the project that are of note: A web-based content management system Hanover Economic Development staff can update the new website using a web-based content management system. This user-friendly system lets staff members update the site at their convenience, totally in-house. Responsive design The website was developed with all visitors in mind, including mobile audiences. One website is flexible enough to adapt to multiple computer screen sizes as well as tablets and smartphones.  Edwin Gaskin, the Director of Hanover County Economic Development, and all of his staff are very happy with the redesign: “Our goal is to brand Hanover County as a great place to do business and to provide a resource for existing businesses. Rick Whittington Consulting’s concept and execution really exceeded our expectations. Rick and his team were able to advise us on what content needed to be included and how that content was best presented to our target audience. Their experience with the site selection community helped us tailor both our message and how it is presented. I can’t underscore enough the value of their economic development knowledge and experience.” Visit website » 2012-04-05T02:23:39+00:00 http://www.econdevwebsites.com/news/louisa-county-virginia-unveils-new-economic-development-website/ http://www.econdevwebsites.com/news/louisa-county-virginia-unveils-new-economic-development-website/#When:01:31:25Z Rick Whittington Consulting recently launched a new website for the Louisa County Department of Economic Development. Louisa County is a rural county in central Virginia with a population of 33,000. Louisa’s economic development staff recognized that updating their website with new features, maps, GIS and more was critical. “Websites are the number one marketing tool in today’s global economy, providing quick global reach, real-time information and updates from anywhere in the world” noted Andy Wade, Director of Economic Development for Louisa County.  Along with a fresh design, the website boasts new functionality: Sites & Buildings Database Economic development staff can publish detailed listings for featured sites and buildings. Staff members can also upload numerous supporting documents (master plans, plats, broker brochures, aerial photography, topographic maps, utility access maps, environmental studies, etc.) for each listing. Custom Report Builder Businesses and site selectors can create customized reports within seconds. Prospects select the documents they need from a master list. Selected documents are then compiled into a single PDF that can be downloaded and shared with key stakeholders and decision makers. “Companies by Industry” Directory The directory allows prospects to easily discover key industries and companies “at a glance.” Companies are listed by sector/industry. Key details about each company (number of employees, product, service/specialty, location, point of contact, etc.) are available in each profile. Full-Featured GIS The website integrates with Louisa County’s Web LoGIStics software for full-featured GIS, ensuring that the website is a complete resource containing critical site selection data. Mobile-Friendly Design The website has been optimized for use on mobile devices. It automatically detects when a visitor accesses the site from a mobile device, and reformats to suit the screen size of smartphones, tablets and other devices. This ensures that the website is still easy to read and use on mobile devices. Custom Content Management System The website is on a content management system (CMS). The CMS allows non-technical staff members to be able to update the website easily. Louisa County is thrilled with the result and the experience. “Working with Rick Whittington Consulting has been an absolute pleasure,” Wade said. “Their customer service is as good as it gets, and their pre-existing knowledge of economic development is priceless.” Visit website » 2012-01-10T01:31:25+00:00 http://www.econdevwebsites.com/news/greene-county-tennessee-launches-new-economic-development-website/ http://www.econdevwebsites.com/news/greene-county-tennessee-launches-new-economic-development-website/#When:15:49:31Z We recently completed work on a new economic development website for the Greene County Partnership in Greene County, Tennessee. Promoting Greene County as a prime location for business expansion and relocation is one of the Partnership’s core responsibilities. Having an up-to-date, information-rich website is essential for marketing a locality. Business consultants and site selectors typically start their location searches online. They must be able to access accurate business data as quickly and as easily as possible. The new economic development website has an updated homepage design that clearly highlights Greene County’s strategic location and commercial real estate listings.  Web visitors can easily navigate through the website to find key data such as demographics, operating costs and incentives. There is also expanded information about transportation and infrastructure, workforce training and development, community partnerships and quality of life. Other features of the new website include: New maps that detail the location of roads, rail, airports and industrial parks. An integrated real estate listing and mapping system that can be easily updated by Partnership staff. The Partnership is pleased with the results. “We’re committed to helping local businesses thrive and creating jobs in our community. This new website is a step in that direction,” said Tom Ferguson, CEO of the Greene County Partnership. “Rick Whittington Consulting did a great job articulating our vision. Their knowledge of how economic development organizations work made them a partner, not just a vendor.” Before After Visit website » 2011-11-23T15:49:31+00:00 http://www.econdevwebsites.com/news/tjped-website-receives-honor-at-iedc-annual-conference/ http://www.econdevwebsites.com/news/tjped-website-receives-honor-at-iedc-annual-conference/#When:03:03:40Z Thomas Jefferson Partnership for Economic Development (TJPED) recently received an Honorable Mention for Excellence in Economic Development Award for the redesign of their website, www.tjped.com in the category of General Purpose Website for communities with populations of 200,000 - 500,000. The honor was presented at an awards ceremony on Tuesday, September 20 during the IEDC Annual Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Excellence in Economic Development Awards Program annually recognizes the world’s best economic development programs and partnerships, marketing materials, and the year’s most influential leaders. The program honors organizations and individuals in 28 categories for their efforts in creating positive change in urban, suburban, and rural communities. Rick Whittington Consulting, a website design, development and marketing strategy firm located in Richmond, Virginia, designed and developed the website. "We recognize Rick Whittington Consulting for providing successful strategies to promote new standards in economic development in this period of global recovery,” said Dennis Coleman, IEDC chair. About the International Economic Development Council The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is the premier membership organization dedicated to helping economic development professionals create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities and improve the quality of life in their regions. Serving more than 4,500 members, IEDC represents the largest network of economic development professionals in the world. IEDC provides a diverse range of services, including conferences, certification, professional development, publications, research, advisory services and legislative tracking. About TJPED The Thomas Jefferson Partnership for Economic Development is a 501(c)6 non-profit, public / private partnership formed in 1995 to help create new jobs and investment in the Greater Charlottesville Region.  TJPED has recently integrated staff and resources with the Central Virginia Small Business Development Center and the Piedmont Workforce Network to expand its services for existing businesses, entrepreneurs, job seekers and employers. About Rick Whittington Consulting Rick Whittington Consulting is a website design, development and marketing strategy firm located in Richmond, Virginia. The firm works with economic development and tourism organizations to plan and create effective websites that get tangible, measurable business results. For more information, visit www.EconDevWebsites.com or www.rickwhittington.com. 2011-09-24T03:03:40+00:00 http://www.econdevwebsites.com/news/richmond-world-view-redesign-launches/ http://www.econdevwebsites.com/news/richmond-world-view-redesign-launches/#When:03:06:53Z We’ve just re-launched the Richmond World View website for Greater Richmond Partnership. The website is an informational resource for international companies seeking information about relocation or expansion to Richmond, Virginia.  The new homepage includes a map to orient visitors and shows latest news, a social media feed, video content and links to country-specific brochures. Richmond World View is the fourth website that we’ve created for Greater Richmond Partnership, and the fourth that runs on their content management system.  In fact, with one login, GRP can update all four of their websites.  Roughly 50% of content on Richmond World View, including news, is taken directly from the Greater Richmond Partnership website. Before After Visit website » 2011-09-10T03:06:53+00:00 http://www.econdevwebsites.com/news/regional-partnership-for-economic-development-website-launches/ http://www.econdevwebsites.com/news/regional-partnership-for-economic-development-website-launches/#When:03:56:41Z A new website was launched for The Regional Partnership for Economic Development, a regional economic development organization representing the Tri-Cities area of northeast Tennessee and two counties in Southwest Virginia. The new website’s purpose was to provide a more updated design while making content easier to find.  The organization also needed a way for non-technical staff to update the website on a regular basis. Early results are positive.  Website traffic is up over 200%, and people are viewing more pages than on the old website. Before After Case Study » Visit website » 2011-06-01T03:56:41+00:00 http://www.econdevwebsites.com/news/grp-website-honored-at-aiga-award-show/ http://www.econdevwebsites.com/news/grp-website-honored-at-aiga-award-show/#When:03:58:05Z The Greater Richmond Partnership website earned another award recently, this time for its superior graphic design. The website received distinction for outstanding graphic design at the AIGA Grade 6 award show, held in Richmond, Virginia on April 28, 2011. 2011-05-11T03:58:05+00:00 http://www.econdevwebsites.com/news/mamac-megasite-awarded-grant/ http://www.econdevwebsites.com/news/mamac-megasite-awarded-grant/#When:04:28:40Z Congratulations to Greensville County, Virginia for receiving a $6.6 million dollar grant for its MAMaC mega-site, picked by McCallum Sweeney Consulting as one of the best industrial sites on the East Coast. This site, once fully-developed, could bring jobs to an area of Virginia with some of the highest unemployment rates in the state. View this video on the CBS 6 website See the website we developed for the project at www.mamacva.com. 2011-02-10T04:28:40+00:00 http://www.econdevwebsites.com/news/richmondjobnet-featured-on-mashable/ http://www.econdevwebsites.com/news/richmondjobnet-featured-on-mashable/#When:04:14:00Z Earlier this year, we developed the RichmondJobNet program website for the Greater Richmond Partnership, and the program is getting attention in national media outlets.  Today, it was featured in Mashable.com's article "5 Ways Cities Are Using Social Media to Reverse Economic Downturn." The website includes ties to Twitter and Facebook, and automatically tweets new job listings that the website sees. The website's job engine is also used to power the Facebook page. 2010-12-16T04:14:00+00:00