`
December 30, 2003
GovPro Newsletter
Tuesday, December 23, 2003 Volume 2, Issue 51
Welcome to the GovPro Newsletter brought to you by the Penton Government Media Group. Look forward to news, resources, product and supplier information, and links relating to the government market.
If this message was sent in error or you wish to unsubscribe, see the unsubscribe information below.
Sponsored by Team Marketing
CONTENTS
Electronic Town Crier Alerts Citizens John and Jane Q Go Online Funds to House Homeless 25 and Counting News of The Weird Win a Digital Camera and MP3 Player
FEATURES
ALERT RAISES GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATION TO A NEW LEVEL
Some have called it an electronic town crier. Others say its the next generation of electronic service technologies since the creation of the Blacksburg Electronic Village in the 80s. However you dub it, BlacksburgAlert is making waves and giving a whole new meaning to government to citizen communication.
In September the Town of Blacksburg, VA, rolled out an innovative government communication tool called BlacksburgAlert.
In essence, BlacksburgAlert is an emergency notification system that sends coordinated information to multiple communication devices simultaneously. Telephone data is provided to the town by local carriers Verizon and NTC Communications and in the event of an emergency, every Blacksburg citizen with a listed landline telephone number is notified. Through a cooperative agreement with neighboring university Virginia Tech, the town is also able to communicate quickly with its student population. For those without listed telephone numbers, there is a personalized option that allows citizens to request emergency notices by way of e-mail or other communication device.
The benefits and the efficiencies of a system like BlacksburgAlert are tremendous, says Community Relations Manager Heather Browning. In the event of an emergency, we not only have the ability to instantly communicate with our citizenry, but to share information with the media, other government agencies, volunteer organizations, and the like.
In Blacksburg, officials have taken an innovative emergency notification system, powered by Tele-Works FirstResponder software, and turned it into a communication power tool. BlacksburgAlert has a subscriber service that allows users to select specific types of public notifications theyd like to receive and how theyd like to receive them.
Through BlacksburgAlert, a single message is automatically translated for e-mail, telephone, fax, TTY, cell phones, and pagers, based on each subscribers personal preferences. The ability to communicate with all devices in a single step and to leverage the technology for enhanced community services 24/7 is a unique attribute of BlacksburgAlert.
Since September, the number of BlacksburgAlert subscribers has grown by leaps and bounds and exceeded every town expectation. Citizens are signing up to receive notices about transit service, parks and recreation, public safety, public meetings, community events, online services, traffic events, trash and recycling, and Friday afternoon eNews. As the system evolves, the town has plans to tie BlacksburgAlert into their GIS system to allow for greater flexibility in information distribution.
In Blacksburg we operate under the premise that information sharing and providing for an informed citizenry is just as much a municipal service as any other, says Browning. BlacksburgAlert allows us to demonstrate that commitment, and to cater the service of information distribution to our citizens needs.
While BlacksburgAlert provides the instant ability to notify the citizens of Blacksburg of an emergency, the town has, and will continue, to integrate the system into its own network of internal communication. This is one Town Crier that has a story to tell.
For more information on BlacksburgAlert, visit: http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.7jne.2.4644.5bxn
For more information on Tele-Works FirstResponder, visit: http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.7jne.3.4645.5bxn
WEB GAINS GROUND WITH PUBLIC
The web is gaining significant ground as a preferred means of getting government information and services, according to a new report of the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). The report shows that e-government users' likelihood to recommend the online channel, a pivotal indication of whether the channel is taking hold, is healthy even among sites that get only fair ratings for overall satisfaction.
The e-government satisfaction report was released as part of an ACSI special report on federal agency performance. The ACSI is produced by the University of Michigan and their partner for the e-gov scores, customer satisfaction firm ForeSee Results.
"E-government is just about ready for prime time," says web analyst and ForeSee Results CEO Larry Freed. "Some government sites are already rivaling the private sector in terms of user satisfaction. Others have kinks to work out, but the user-driven approaches used by the best sites are clarifying the path forward for others and helping to break the log jam."
The ACSI report shows user satisfaction scores with 36 e-government sites and 30 overall government agencies. Scores ranged widely, but the study showed that the percentage of sites scoring well overall is improving. The ACSI uses a scientific model for calculating satisfaction, which takes into account user ratings of various aspects of site performance and their degree of impact on future behavior such as return visits. Some government sites are even outperforming private sector sites, a development that shows how far e-gov has evolved in the past few years.
One of those aspects, likelihood to recommend, is considered pivotal to increased usage of the online channel. Sites that scored 70 or above on the ACSI's 100-point scale had an average "recommend" score of 81, and even those scoring below 70 still registered a respectable "recommend" average score of 72.
"E-government has reached the tipping point," says Anne Kelly, director of the Federal Consulting Group, which administers the ACSI for government agencies. "Several factors are spurring what the latest ACSI numbers suggest are the arrival of a more sophisticated and valuable e-government. President Bush's Management Agenda is getting serious attention. The Office of Management and Budget is demanding that agencies demonstrate a strong business case, especially with respect to citizen input and feedback, to gain approval for new IT investments. Web development groups have sprung up throughout the government, replacing the often ad-hoc, if valiant, efforts of web staff working in a vacuum."
Among the highest-performing sites on the user satisfaction scale were information sites operated by the National Institutes of Health: http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.7jne.4.464q.5bxn
and the the women's health issues site: http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.7jne.5.464r.5bxn
. "These medical information sites are really helping show the way," says Freed. "They mimic the commercial sites in terms of experience, but they add a non-bureaucratic, customer-driven approach many would have not thought possible of the government."
According to Freed, users show signs of preferring government medical-information sites over the private sector.
"With all of the scams and spam and just plain made-up medical information swirling around the Internet, the reliability and credibility of government is very comforting to people," says Freed. "Strong sites organized how users want--and not how bureaucrats or experts want--plus the stamp of the government is a powerful formula."
General agency sites did less well, partly because they have a more difficult job--serving a wide range of audiences with often--conflicting sets of needs and expectations.
Government portal sites perform on par with private-sector portals, the ACSI suggests. "Government portals do better when they get user direction on how to organize," says Freed. "Portals have one of the toughest taskslots of information is the name of the game for them. But sites like FirstGov http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.7jne.6.464s.5bxn make a respectable showing, and they improved over time based on user-driven development. In some ways, the private sector has something to learn from these sites, just as part of the government sites' success is a product of their borrowing general look and feel ideas from the for-profit world."
TEAM MARKETING
What could be better than a card printer with the newest technology at only $1,495.00? With the purchase of an SP 35 card printer, Preface ID Card Design software will be included free of charge! The SP 35 card printer is ideal for issuing employee badges, student ID cards, membership, or access control cards. This printer delivers excellent image and card quality, while optimizing ribbon usage. Team Marketing Co. has been a DataCard Group reseller since 1996. 1715 W. High St. Piqua, OH 45356. Call: 800-344-9054 or visit: http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.7jne.7.2vrp.5bxn
NEWS
POLICE TEST NEW MOUNTED PATROL
The Minnesota-based St. Paul Police Department rented a Segway electronic scooter from Rochester Alternative Vehicle Enterprises and is currently testing the vehicle for use in patrols, special-event security, and parking enforcement, according to police representative Paul Schnell.
Minnesota's Bloomington Police Department is also testing two Segways for use in the Mall of America, because the vehicles can reach anywhere within the mall in a few minutes. Law enforcement officers in Florida, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut as well as college patrol officers are already reporting success using the Segway in daily operations.
The electric vehicles quickly and silently allow officers to chase suspects at up to 12 miles per hour, and they are gyroscopically balanced. Opponents of Segways cite taxpayer cost as one reason to avoid using the vehicles, but one police officer points out that the devices cost less than police Harleys and squad cars.
Source: The National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC)
RECORD $1.27 BILLION TO HELP HOMELESS
Thousands of local programs that house and serve the homeless are being awarded nearly $1.3 billion in grants announced by Housing and Urban Development Acting Secretary Alphonso Jackson.
The announcement is also part of a larger federal strategy being embraced by state and local leaders to end long-term or chronic homelessness for persons who are mentally ill, addicted, or physically disabled. To date, more than 60 states, cities, and county governments are developing their own 10-year plans to end chronic homelessness. This is also the third consecutive year funding for homeless assistance has increased to record levels.
MINT CELEBRATES HALFWAY POINT OF QUARTERS PROGRAM
U.S. Mint Director Henrietta Holsman Fore welcomed Delaware Congressman Michael Castle to the United States Mint facility in Philadelphia to mark the halfway point of the 50 State Quarters Program. It is estimated that more than 130 million Americans, nearly one in every household, collect the 50 State Quarters coins.
The 50 State Quarters Program is a 10-year initiative (1999-2008) commemorating each of the 50 United States in the order they ratified the Constitution or were admitted into the Union. Under the program, U.S. quarter-dollar designs change five times each year. More than 21 billion state quarters have been minted since 1999. The Delaware quarter was the first one minted. In October 2003, the Arkansas quarter became the 25th quarter launched into circulation. The Michigan quarter will be introduced on January 26, 2004.
NEWS OF THE WEIRD: Bizarre but true stories about real people. http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.7jne.8.4646.5bxn
WE'RE GIVING AWAY A SAMSUNG DIGIMAX 35 DIGITAL CAMERA AND MP3 PLAYER! Tell us about your planned purchases of mobile communications equipment and systems for 2004. Your valuable input will help us understand current usage and future needs in the marketplace. http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.7jne.10.3wpr.5bxn
EVENT
Plant to attend the 10th National Clean Cities Conference, celebrating A Decade of Drive, in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, May 2-5, 2004. This years focus includes alternative fuels, hybrid vehicles, idle reduction technologies, fuel blends, and fuel economy. For more information, visit: http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.7jne.11.43xv.5bxn
LINKS MSA offers Respirators, Head/Eye/Face/Hearing and Fall Protection, Portable Gas Detectors and Mining/Emergency/Specialty Equipment on GSA schedules. Visit GSA Advantage!, http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.7jne.12.464t.5bxn
or call MSA at 1-888-837-2158. Crown Equipment designs, manufactures, distributes, services, and supports material handling products that provide customers with superior value. http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.7jne.13.3fvh.5bxn
Ford offers the widest variety of trucks built for commercial applications. Everything from E-Series cargo vans and wagons to Super Duty F-Series trucks and chassis cabs. Be sure to visit your local Ford dealer. http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.7jne.14.3f0s.5bxn
Custom-designed Meyer snow plows fit exact vehicle frame and weight specifications for exceptional performance in all applications. Visit: http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.7jne.15.2hqf.5bxn
Safety Storage, the first choice for custom and pre-fabricated hazardous storage buildings. http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.7jne.16.2nuv.5bxn
C & H Distributors provide a fast, efficient way to purchase shelving, cabinets, packaging and shipping products, or office furniture. Visit: http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.7jne.17.1jex.5bxn
You may qualify for a FREE Magazine Subscription
Complimentary subscriptions to Government Product News, a product-driven resource, and Government PROcurement, editorial targeting the public sector purchasing professional are available to those who qualify.
To subscribe to Government Product News visit: http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.75qj.15.1jf8.5c17
To subscribe to Government Procurement visit: http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.75qj.16.1jf9.5c17
Copyright 2003 Penton Media, Inc.
Welcome to the GovPro Newsletter brought to you by the Penton Government Media Group. Look forward to news, resources, product and supplier information, and links relating to the government market.
If this message was sent in error or you wish to unsubscribe, see the unsubscribe information below.
Sponsored by Team Marketing
CONTENTS
Electronic Town Crier Alerts Citizens John and Jane Q Go Online Funds to House Homeless 25 and Counting News of The Weird Win a Digital Camera and MP3 Player
FEATURES
ALERT RAISES GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATION TO A NEW LEVEL
Some have called it an electronic town crier. Others say its the next generation of electronic service technologies since the creation of the Blacksburg Electronic Village in the 80s. However you dub it, BlacksburgAlert is making waves and giving a whole new meaning to government to citizen communication.
In September the Town of Blacksburg, VA, rolled out an innovative government communication tool called BlacksburgAlert.
In essence, BlacksburgAlert is an emergency notification system that sends coordinated information to multiple communication devices simultaneously. Telephone data is provided to the town by local carriers Verizon and NTC Communications and in the event of an emergency, every Blacksburg citizen with a listed landline telephone number is notified. Through a cooperative agreement with neighboring university Virginia Tech, the town is also able to communicate quickly with its student population. For those without listed telephone numbers, there is a personalized option that allows citizens to request emergency notices by way of e-mail or other communication device.
The benefits and the efficiencies of a system like BlacksburgAlert are tremendous, says Community Relations Manager Heather Browning. In the event of an emergency, we not only have the ability to instantly communicate with our citizenry, but to share information with the media, other government agencies, volunteer organizations, and the like.
In Blacksburg, officials have taken an innovative emergency notification system, powered by Tele-Works FirstResponder software, and turned it into a communication power tool. BlacksburgAlert has a subscriber service that allows users to select specific types of public notifications theyd like to receive and how theyd like to receive them.
Through BlacksburgAlert, a single message is automatically translated for e-mail, telephone, fax, TTY, cell phones, and pagers, based on each subscribers personal preferences. The ability to communicate with all devices in a single step and to leverage the technology for enhanced community services 24/7 is a unique attribute of BlacksburgAlert.
Since September, the number of BlacksburgAlert subscribers has grown by leaps and bounds and exceeded every town expectation. Citizens are signing up to receive notices about transit service, parks and recreation, public safety, public meetings, community events, online services, traffic events, trash and recycling, and Friday afternoon eNews. As the system evolves, the town has plans to tie BlacksburgAlert into their GIS system to allow for greater flexibility in information distribution.
In Blacksburg we operate under the premise that information sharing and providing for an informed citizenry is just as much a municipal service as any other, says Browning. BlacksburgAlert allows us to demonstrate that commitment, and to cater the service of information distribution to our citizens needs.
While BlacksburgAlert provides the instant ability to notify the citizens of Blacksburg of an emergency, the town has, and will continue, to integrate the system into its own network of internal communication. This is one Town Crier that has a story to tell.
For more information on BlacksburgAlert, visit: http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.7jne.2.4644.5bxn
For more information on Tele-Works FirstResponder, visit: http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.7jne.3.4645.5bxn
WEB GAINS GROUND WITH PUBLIC
The web is gaining significant ground as a preferred means of getting government information and services, according to a new report of the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). The report shows that e-government users' likelihood to recommend the online channel, a pivotal indication of whether the channel is taking hold, is healthy even among sites that get only fair ratings for overall satisfaction.
The e-government satisfaction report was released as part of an ACSI special report on federal agency performance. The ACSI is produced by the University of Michigan and their partner for the e-gov scores, customer satisfaction firm ForeSee Results.
"E-government is just about ready for prime time," says web analyst and ForeSee Results CEO Larry Freed. "Some government sites are already rivaling the private sector in terms of user satisfaction. Others have kinks to work out, but the user-driven approaches used by the best sites are clarifying the path forward for others and helping to break the log jam."
The ACSI report shows user satisfaction scores with 36 e-government sites and 30 overall government agencies. Scores ranged widely, but the study showed that the percentage of sites scoring well overall is improving. The ACSI uses a scientific model for calculating satisfaction, which takes into account user ratings of various aspects of site performance and their degree of impact on future behavior such as return visits. Some government sites are even outperforming private sector sites, a development that shows how far e-gov has evolved in the past few years.
One of those aspects, likelihood to recommend, is considered pivotal to increased usage of the online channel. Sites that scored 70 or above on the ACSI's 100-point scale had an average "recommend" score of 81, and even those scoring below 70 still registered a respectable "recommend" average score of 72.
"E-government has reached the tipping point," says Anne Kelly, director of the Federal Consulting Group, which administers the ACSI for government agencies. "Several factors are spurring what the latest ACSI numbers suggest are the arrival of a more sophisticated and valuable e-government. President Bush's Management Agenda is getting serious attention. The Office of Management and Budget is demanding that agencies demonstrate a strong business case, especially with respect to citizen input and feedback, to gain approval for new IT investments. Web development groups have sprung up throughout the government, replacing the often ad-hoc, if valiant, efforts of web staff working in a vacuum."
Among the highest-performing sites on the user satisfaction scale were information sites operated by the National Institutes of Health: http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.7jne.4.464q.5bxn
and the the women's health issues site: http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.7jne.5.464r.5bxn
. "These medical information sites are really helping show the way," says Freed. "They mimic the commercial sites in terms of experience, but they add a non-bureaucratic, customer-driven approach many would have not thought possible of the government."
According to Freed, users show signs of preferring government medical-information sites over the private sector.
"With all of the scams and spam and just plain made-up medical information swirling around the Internet, the reliability and credibility of government is very comforting to people," says Freed. "Strong sites organized how users want--and not how bureaucrats or experts want--plus the stamp of the government is a powerful formula."
General agency sites did less well, partly because they have a more difficult job--serving a wide range of audiences with often--conflicting sets of needs and expectations.
Government portal sites perform on par with private-sector portals, the ACSI suggests. "Government portals do better when they get user direction on how to organize," says Freed. "Portals have one of the toughest taskslots of information is the name of the game for them. But sites like FirstGov http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.7jne.6.464s.5bxn make a respectable showing, and they improved over time based on user-driven development. In some ways, the private sector has something to learn from these sites, just as part of the government sites' success is a product of their borrowing general look and feel ideas from the for-profit world."
TEAM MARKETING
What could be better than a card printer with the newest technology at only $1,495.00? With the purchase of an SP 35 card printer, Preface ID Card Design software will be included free of charge! The SP 35 card printer is ideal for issuing employee badges, student ID cards, membership, or access control cards. This printer delivers excellent image and card quality, while optimizing ribbon usage. Team Marketing Co. has been a DataCard Group reseller since 1996. 1715 W. High St. Piqua, OH 45356. Call: 800-344-9054 or visit: http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.7jne.7.2vrp.5bxn
NEWS
POLICE TEST NEW MOUNTED PATROL
The Minnesota-based St. Paul Police Department rented a Segway electronic scooter from Rochester Alternative Vehicle Enterprises and is currently testing the vehicle for use in patrols, special-event security, and parking enforcement, according to police representative Paul Schnell.
Minnesota's Bloomington Police Department is also testing two Segways for use in the Mall of America, because the vehicles can reach anywhere within the mall in a few minutes. Law enforcement officers in Florida, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut as well as college patrol officers are already reporting success using the Segway in daily operations.
The electric vehicles quickly and silently allow officers to chase suspects at up to 12 miles per hour, and they are gyroscopically balanced. Opponents of Segways cite taxpayer cost as one reason to avoid using the vehicles, but one police officer points out that the devices cost less than police Harleys and squad cars.
Source: The National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC)
RECORD $1.27 BILLION TO HELP HOMELESS
Thousands of local programs that house and serve the homeless are being awarded nearly $1.3 billion in grants announced by Housing and Urban Development Acting Secretary Alphonso Jackson.
The announcement is also part of a larger federal strategy being embraced by state and local leaders to end long-term or chronic homelessness for persons who are mentally ill, addicted, or physically disabled. To date, more than 60 states, cities, and county governments are developing their own 10-year plans to end chronic homelessness. This is also the third consecutive year funding for homeless assistance has increased to record levels.
MINT CELEBRATES HALFWAY POINT OF QUARTERS PROGRAM
U.S. Mint Director Henrietta Holsman Fore welcomed Delaware Congressman Michael Castle to the United States Mint facility in Philadelphia to mark the halfway point of the 50 State Quarters Program. It is estimated that more than 130 million Americans, nearly one in every household, collect the 50 State Quarters coins.
The 50 State Quarters Program is a 10-year initiative (1999-2008) commemorating each of the 50 United States in the order they ratified the Constitution or were admitted into the Union. Under the program, U.S. quarter-dollar designs change five times each year. More than 21 billion state quarters have been minted since 1999. The Delaware quarter was the first one minted. In October 2003, the Arkansas quarter became the 25th quarter launched into circulation. The Michigan quarter will be introduced on January 26, 2004.
NEWS OF THE WEIRD: Bizarre but true stories about real people. http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.7jne.8.4646.5bxn
WE'RE GIVING AWAY A SAMSUNG DIGIMAX 35 DIGITAL CAMERA AND MP3 PLAYER! Tell us about your planned purchases of mobile communications equipment and systems for 2004. Your valuable input will help us understand current usage and future needs in the marketplace. http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.7jne.10.3wpr.5bxn
EVENT
Plant to attend the 10th National Clean Cities Conference, celebrating A Decade of Drive, in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, May 2-5, 2004. This years focus includes alternative fuels, hybrid vehicles, idle reduction technologies, fuel blends, and fuel economy. For more information, visit: http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.7jne.11.43xv.5bxn
LINKS MSA offers Respirators, Head/Eye/Face/Hearing and Fall Protection, Portable Gas Detectors and Mining/Emergency/Specialty Equipment on GSA schedules. Visit GSA Advantage!, http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.7jne.12.464t.5bxn
or call MSA at 1-888-837-2158. Crown Equipment designs, manufactures, distributes, services, and supports material handling products that provide customers with superior value. http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.7jne.13.3fvh.5bxn
Ford offers the widest variety of trucks built for commercial applications. Everything from E-Series cargo vans and wagons to Super Duty F-Series trucks and chassis cabs. Be sure to visit your local Ford dealer. http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.7jne.14.3f0s.5bxn
Custom-designed Meyer snow plows fit exact vehicle frame and weight specifications for exceptional performance in all applications. Visit: http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.7jne.15.2hqf.5bxn
Safety Storage, the first choice for custom and pre-fabricated hazardous storage buildings. http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.7jne.16.2nuv.5bxn
C & H Distributors provide a fast, efficient way to purchase shelving, cabinets, packaging and shipping products, or office furniture. Visit: http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.7jne.17.1jex.5bxn
You may qualify for a FREE Magazine Subscription
Complimentary subscriptions to Government Product News, a product-driven resource, and Government PROcurement, editorial targeting the public sector purchasing professional are available to those who qualify.
To subscribe to Government Product News visit: http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.75qj.15.1jf8.5c17
To subscribe to Government Procurement visit: http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.75qj.16.1jf9.5c17
Copyright 2003 Penton Media, Inc.
