Town of Cary Unveils Redesigned Web Site
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 1, 2009
CARY, NC – The Town of Cary unveiled the fifth redesign of its award-winning Web site this week, displaying a fresh look, new features, and easier navigation of more than 55,000 files. The site was revamped to enhance Cary citizens’ online experience; drop-down menus, breadcrumbs, and an increased amount of images and icons were added to help visitors more quickly navigate through the site. Improved organization and a consistent layout aid citizens in finding information, thanks to a new template-driven content management system provided by Active Network.
“This is the first time we’ve taken on an entire redesign of every page of the Town’s Web site since its launch in 1997,” said Public Information Officer Susan Moran. “We believe the new design better meets our citizens’ expectations for a Web site that’s attractive, informative, easy to use, and up to date in both content and style.”
Citizen-focused changes begin on the Home Page of www.townofcary.org, where a new Online Services section makes it easier for visitors to complete tasks such as applying for jobs and paying utility bills. Other home page features include:
• An expanded News section with more headlines and links to the Town’s video files, weekly public notices, monthly “Bud” newsletter, and Cary TV 11 programming line-up;
• A link to the Town’s revamped Electronic Mailing List Service, which now offers citizens the ability to register a mobile device for emergency alerts in addition to the regular headline news they receive in their e-mail inbox. Citizens also have the option of receiving updates on their favorite recreation programs with the Town’s new system, powered by GovDelivery;
• A new calendar that provides meeting information for the Cary Town Council, boards, commissions, and committees;
• Quick Links to the Town’s most popular programs and initiatives; and
• A new “Sunshine” section that puts access to the Town’s public records at your fingertips. From one click on the home page, visitors can view official meeting agendas, read meeting minutes, or learn more about their Council representative.
Known for its robust content, the Town’s Web site remains topical in its focus. Visitors don’t have to know which department handles a program or service to find information about it. Instead, citizens will find information on the Town’s events, initiatives, services, and opportunities organized from A to Z based on their interests, such as New to Cary? and Doing Business.
The Town continues to use Google as its Search provider, and a new Search box has been added to allow users to access this feature from almost any page on the site. Some users may find pages temporarily unavailable through Search, however, while the search engine is updated to reflect the Web site changes.
Preparation for the Web site’s total makeover began in December 2006 when the Town asked for citizen comment on the site through its Web Assessment Survey. Results from the survey and staff research led to the Town’s decision to focus on navigation during the 5th upgrade of the site, and consider the use of content management software. Active Network was selected to provide the Town with the software in spring 2008.
The redesigned Web site was launched internally in late August 2009 to provide an opportunity for testing and review by Town staff, Council, and the Town’s Information Services Advisory Board. During the next 12 months, the Town will increase the number of staff trained to update the Web site to ensure the site’s content is timely, accurate, and relevant.
“In addition to bringing the site’s look and features up-to-date, the content management system creates new efficiencies for Town staff by allowing multiple people to help maintain the site,” said Moran. “With more than 96 percent of our citizens having access to the Web either at home or at work, we know our Web site is a primary means of communication with them, and we are committed to making our online conversation as meaningful as a face-to-face dialogue with our staff.”
Citizens are invited to provide their thoughts on the new site at feedback@townofcary.org.
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PRIMARY CONTACTS:
Deanna Boone, Public Information Specialist, (919) 462-3908
Bill Stice, Technology Services Director, (919) 469-4027
Susan Moran, Public Information Officer, (919) 460-4951
October 1, 2009
CARY, NC – The Town of Cary unveiled the fifth redesign of its award-winning Web site this week, displaying a fresh look, new features, and easier navigation of more than 55,000 files. The site was revamped to enhance Cary citizens’ online experience; drop-down menus, breadcrumbs, and an increased amount of images and icons were added to help visitors more quickly navigate through the site. Improved organization and a consistent layout aid citizens in finding information, thanks to a new template-driven content management system provided by Active Network.
“This is the first time we’ve taken on an entire redesign of every page of the Town’s Web site since its launch in 1997,” said Public Information Officer Susan Moran. “We believe the new design better meets our citizens’ expectations for a Web site that’s attractive, informative, easy to use, and up to date in both content and style.”
Citizen-focused changes begin on the Home Page of www.townofcary.org, where a new Online Services section makes it easier for visitors to complete tasks such as applying for jobs and paying utility bills. Other home page features include:
• An expanded News section with more headlines and links to the Town’s video files, weekly public notices, monthly “Bud” newsletter, and Cary TV 11 programming line-up;
• A link to the Town’s revamped Electronic Mailing List Service, which now offers citizens the ability to register a mobile device for emergency alerts in addition to the regular headline news they receive in their e-mail inbox. Citizens also have the option of receiving updates on their favorite recreation programs with the Town’s new system, powered by GovDelivery;
• A new calendar that provides meeting information for the Cary Town Council, boards, commissions, and committees;
• Quick Links to the Town’s most popular programs and initiatives; and
• A new “Sunshine” section that puts access to the Town’s public records at your fingertips. From one click on the home page, visitors can view official meeting agendas, read meeting minutes, or learn more about their Council representative.
Known for its robust content, the Town’s Web site remains topical in its focus. Visitors don’t have to know which department handles a program or service to find information about it. Instead, citizens will find information on the Town’s events, initiatives, services, and opportunities organized from A to Z based on their interests, such as New to Cary? and Doing Business.
The Town continues to use Google as its Search provider, and a new Search box has been added to allow users to access this feature from almost any page on the site. Some users may find pages temporarily unavailable through Search, however, while the search engine is updated to reflect the Web site changes.
Preparation for the Web site’s total makeover began in December 2006 when the Town asked for citizen comment on the site through its Web Assessment Survey. Results from the survey and staff research led to the Town’s decision to focus on navigation during the 5th upgrade of the site, and consider the use of content management software. Active Network was selected to provide the Town with the software in spring 2008.
The redesigned Web site was launched internally in late August 2009 to provide an opportunity for testing and review by Town staff, Council, and the Town’s Information Services Advisory Board. During the next 12 months, the Town will increase the number of staff trained to update the Web site to ensure the site’s content is timely, accurate, and relevant.
“In addition to bringing the site’s look and features up-to-date, the content management system creates new efficiencies for Town staff by allowing multiple people to help maintain the site,” said Moran. “With more than 96 percent of our citizens having access to the Web either at home or at work, we know our Web site is a primary means of communication with them, and we are committed to making our online conversation as meaningful as a face-to-face dialogue with our staff.”
Citizens are invited to provide their thoughts on the new site at feedback@townofcary.org.
###
PRIMARY CONTACTS:
Deanna Boone, Public Information Specialist, (919) 462-3908
Bill Stice, Technology Services Director, (919) 469-4027
Susan Moran, Public Information Officer, (919) 460-4951
