HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-14-2012 South Bend Launches New Website SOU TA 8F
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CITY OF SOUTH BEND
PETE BUTTIGIEG, MAYOR
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 13, 2012
Contact:Debra Johnson,Director of Communications
Phone: 574-235-5853
SOUTH BEND LAUNCHES BRAND NEW W EBSITE
User-Friendly Website Part of Overall Revamped Technology Approach
SOUTH BEND Mayor Pete Buttigieg along with Force 5 Media and the City of
South Bend's Website Development Team unveiled anew city website on Thursday.
The website redesign is part of a larger,long-term initiative to enhance technology and
efficiency throughout the City administration.The new website promotes the City as an
exciting place to live and a friendly place to conduct business.
"We want the citizens of South Bend to have a new and improved experience on the
website,whether it's paying the monthly utility bill or finding something fun to do," said
Mayor Buttigieg. "The site will speak to a number of different audiences. It will
reintroduce our residents to the community and its benefits and also promote resources for
business growth, student living, government services, and people who want to visit our
community."
The City has designed and launched an interactive and visually appealing website. The
site allows for better communication and an enhanced user experience while highlighting
the most visited areas of the website, such as City departments, services,business
licensing/permitting,and more.
"As a brand development and marketing firm in South Bend, we understand the
importance of a great first impression! We are pleased to have been on the development
team for such an important project,"said David Morgan,Partner and Executive Director
at Force 5 Media. "The web site shows that the city is forward thinking—concentrates on
our residents,while opening doors to businesses and students alike. It's going to be a great
portal for a great city."
The new website,highlights the major departments of the city, provides links to
important community attractions,and sets the stage to add additional information as the
city continues its branding efforts. The website will not replace good customer service,
1400 COUNTY-CITY BUILDING- 227 W.JEFFERSON BOULEVARD-SOUTH BEND,INDIANA 46601
PHONE 574/235-9261 FAx 574/235-9892
SOU TA 8F
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1865
CITY OF SOUTH BEND
PETE BUTTIGIEG, MAYOR
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
but rather supplement it adding quick access to needed forms and city information
while promoting the brand of the city.
The Website Development Team was led by Jitin Kam in the Department of Community
and Economic Development. City officials met regularly with Force 5 Media to plan the
website and the City also held public sessions with the South Bend Common Council and
smaller focus groups with various community stakeholders to gather input. The process
was public and positive and resulted in a good outcome.
The website launch is another step in Mayor Buttigieg's commitment to leverage
technology throughout the City administration. Earlier this year,the City made the
transition to VOIP phones for better quality. The City is currently in the middle of a
transition to Microsoft Outlook e-mail and scheduling software. It's the first overhaul of
this system since the City started using e-mail. Additionally,the City is working on the
development of a 3-1-1 customer service line to expedite calls to various departments and
to address problems and relay important information.
The new website,which will be live on Friday morning, can be found at
www.southbendin.gov.
1400 COUNTY-CITY BUILDING- 227 W.JEFFERSON BOULEVARD-SOUTH BEND,INDIANA 46601
PHONE 574/235-9261 FAx 574/235-9892