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Berkshire Chamber Launches New Web SiteStaff reports
05:16PM / Monday, February 18, 2008
PITTSFIELD — The Berkshire Chamber of Commerce has launched a new Web site this week to handle the growing number of visitors and members searching for information about Berkshire County.
Christina Barrett, marketing director for the chamber, said the old site had averaged 15,400 visits a month, or 522 visits a day. She said the business directory portion of the site is becoming increasingly popular with more than 10,000 visitor referrals to chamber members since early January 2008.
The new site, developed and designed by Boxcar Media LLC, parent company of iBerkshires, is more user-friendly the older one with better search capabilities and optional upgrades for members. It also has an online registration that allows members to register for more than one event, has shopping cart features and sponsorship opportunities.
The site has a simplified design to enhance interactivity, with information sections specifically for members and visitors. The goal was to make the site easily navigable for members and others and features scenic views of the Berkshires.
The new site will allow the chamber to update important information on www.berkshirechamber.com such as upcoming networking events, newsletters, event photo galleries, and up-to-date member business information. A fully searchable online directory of member businesses has also been enhanced through the implementation of new web-based software created especially for membership organizations, such as chambers of commerce.
Members can access an improved members-only subsection through a secure username and password assigned by the chamber. The members-only area will allow users to update company information, individual information, and post news releases and events to provide increased exposure for member businesses.
The new software integration means that information will be automatically updated across the site. The content management system creates a centralized point of data entry that makes it easy to maintain and update information on the Web site, and keep it accurate throughout the chamber organization.
The login for members secures personal information, offers the ability to opt in and out of e-mail lists, and has account maintenance and referral statistics. Employees can be registered for events with a few simple clicks. In addition, an e-mail will be sent to all attendees three days prior to the event.
The Berkshire Chamber contracted with Boxcar Media's Agency BCM in North Adams to create a new and feel for the site as well as to enhance its functionality for visitors.
"They are a great organization and we were glad to help them out with this project," said Rob Adams, vice president of sales and marketing for BCM. |
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