> ** What's new blog **hidden
** What's new blog **hidden
| This is a blog (web log) to let you know what's new on the website. We'll keep it updated as often as possible, probably daily, as the website is updated on a daily basis. |
January 2008 and beyondSorry, we've decided to discontinue keeping a log of website updates as there are just too many to list!(Posted 2/8/2008 by admin) |
Nov and Dec 2007Kept Red Rose Fair info up-to-date as the fair came and went.Added news items and calendar items Updated the featured items on the home page Added descriptive text to home page Refined links in header (Posted 12/15/2007 by admin) |
October 2007Updated photos associated with each museum and gallery on the Windsor > Things to Do > Museum and Gallery pageAdded Grand opening and Business After Hours photos Rearranged and added new "Businesses Fueling Minds" progra info for 2007, with donation capability online Added news items Uploaded Windsor Today episode 8 to YouTube and linked to it Moved August news items to Past Article Archive Added weather grahpics/forecast to home page Added 55% off 2008 ad campaign page and orderability, featured it on the home page, added it to the calendar and the sale page. Revised Red Rose pages with udpated information (Posted 10/1/2007 by admin) |
September 2007Updated Featured Items on the home pageAdded news articles Added new members Added and approved calendar items Updated software to IG 3.01 (Posted 10/1/2007 by admin) |
August 2007Organized and added updated Red Rose Tea Fair info for 2007Updated sales page Added Windsor 375 Windsoropoly page with online ordering capability (all board sponsorship spaces and game itself) Added more summer concert photos Approved (and edited) submitted calendar items (Posted 8/7/2007 by admin) |
July 2007Reorgazizeed Chamber eNews issues from 2006 into a 2006 Chamber eNews directory.Added new features to the home page (new members, membership benefits) Added 'rainout' message to home page with weather link for 2 concerts as needed Added photo galleries for Gold tournament 2007, Cirone Studios After Hours, Membership After Hours, Pierre the Intern, and 360 FCU Breakfast Changed features on the home page Added Email Advertising to the home page features Added Auto Sort for Chamber eNewsletters by date with most recent first Relabeled "Special services" field on member directry listings to "Vistitor Info" Start of the new membership payment form: http://windsorcc.org/Join/testsignupform/ Added rainout message for concert to the home page, the concert page and the calendar item page. Added rescheduled date for concert Approved events as needed (Posted 7/1/2007 by admin) |
June 2007Updated the Red Rose Vendor and Attendee registration forms, and event informationAdd After Hours (June 20) to home page features Add non members to nonmember list Add additional services pages to the About Windsor section including gas stations, grocery stores, etc Updated Resources > Employment job postings Reorganized the Business After Hours Photo gallery in order by year for easier browsing. Added Cirone as business after hours host to featured items on home page Removed Cirone from home page Revised Resources > recycling based on feedback from CL&P Updated featured items on home page - removed Annual Dinner, added Membership benefits, moved Passport to main feature Added 'postponed' info to home page, annual events > concerts page and concert calendar item page - re:Glamour Girls concert being postponed due to rain Added webcam which takes still pictures every 10 minutes and automatically updates on the website - not visible to the public yet Moved Summer concert page from News to events>annual chamber events, added security so original events>annual>concerts page is hidden from the public, but remains intact for subpages sponsor a concert and 2006 info. (Posted 6/2/2007 by admin) |
May 2007Featured upcoming After Hours and Shad Derby Blood Drive on home pageUpdated featured items on home page to the Golf Tournament, and lesser features: Annual Dinner, Passport program, and Business Breakfast photo gallery Updated Passport pages for 2007 registration and requests Added new members, emailed new members Added map link to directory page and member listings Updated the Windsor>Entertainment section with updated info and photos Updated Passport program info with 2007 participating attractions and restaurants, added security so passport advertising info is hidden till next year Added ecommerce for the summer concert sponsorships, addedd new concert series info to the events > annual chamber events page Reorganized the photo galleries for Business Breakfasts by year, then by month into separate galleries for easier viewing Edited and added to the Summer concert series information, band info, and sponsorship info (Posted 5/22/2007 by admin) |
April 2007Reprogrammed Auction template to allow Auction Stats to be calculated automatically (for site administrator's eyes only) by Live/Silent, by Beneficiary, and by category with number of items and value of items.Added auciton item photos Revised auction descriptions, titles, etc as needed Added Photos of Candlewood Suites grand opening ot the Grand Opening Photo gallery Added News items, moved old news items to Past Article Archive Approved events for calendar Updated Sales Updated member directory info Updated home page to feature the May Business Breakfast, Passport Advertising and Windsor Sales. (Removed Auction, Grand Opening and Business After Hours features.) Updated home page to feature Shad Derby Blood Drive, added logo to Business After Hours, added Annual Dinner. Removed Windsor Sales (Posted 4/5/2007 by admin) |
March 2007Revised home page featuresMoved January news to past article archive Added new news Approved submitted calendar events Updated auction items Added Windsor Feud 2007 photo gallery Revised Passport pages with new info and featured the Passport Advertising page on the home page (removing the website advertising and cartridge recylcing links and moving the Feud features down) (Posted 3/15/2007 by admin) |
February 2007Added 2007 Auction info, moved 2006 info to separate section.Updated Winsdor Feud page, moved 2006 teams to the 2006 Feud photo gallery page. http://windsorcc.org/Events/photogallery/windsorfeud2/windsorfeud2006/ Added a Windsor Feud donation page Moved older news items to archives or appropriate sections of site, added new news items Approved new calendar items Updated home page Created and added new icon to indicate restaurants with online menus to download Updated Windsor Feud info (moved 2006 Feud info to separate page) will update Feud page with 2007 winner info and add photo gallery photos when available. Moved Restaurants, Lodging, and Shopping pages to the About Windsor section. (Posted 2/8/2007 by admin) |
January 13 - 26Edited, added and aligned photos for the You Asked for It Business Series - Newsletter and Events pageAdded online ordering for above Added info to calendar item for above Moved older news items to relevant sections (About the Chamber, Museums, Member Profiles, etc) Compressed and uploaded Episode 6 of Windsor Today tv show. Featured same on home page (Posted 1/16/2007 by admin) |
January 1 - 12, 2007Approved and edited submitted calendar itemsRevised site's two templates Moved older news items to Past Article Archives Moved several menu items from Join the Chamber to About the Chamber Added a Calendar link to the Events and Visitor Info menu Added news article with downloadable flyer Added new page for 2007 You Asked For It Business Series info (Posted 1/10/2007 by admin) |
December 1 - 31, 2006Approved calendar itemsReworked featured items on home page weekly Re-structured directory to pull industry-speicific listings out onto the About Windsor pages automatically Added 2006 photos to photo gallery for Carol Sing, Torchlight Parade, Jim Burke's Statewide Award, and Businesses Fueling Minds Added news items as needed, and moved older new to Past Article Archive Added more Torchligt photos, news, and calendar items Updated sales page Added America's Schools Recycling program page, added to featured items on home page, added icon in right column nav bar, added sign up form for businesses to become drop off locations. Revised links in the Windsor Feud section to photo galleries Revised links to the Gift Certificate program and participant page links from the 'Join' section. Updated the Gift Certificate participants list (thanks Jane!) Updated sales page again (removing Christmas specials) and adding new items (Posted 12/14/2006 by admin) |
November 19 - 30Added Toy Drive icon and page to site - will keep udated as toys are donated.Added spacing to the Holiday Shopping Extravaganza page so it shows up nicer on the home page. Added the Toy Drive and Photo gallery - Business After hours, and the Windsor Feud to the featured items on the home page. Revised Page Highlights template to retain spacing of original page. (Posted 11/30/2006 by admin) |
November 12 - 18Revised Events / PhotoGallery section to make finding photos easier (categorized by annual chamber event name, then by year)Added more Chili Challenge 2006 photos Created new page template for Past Events to allow for articles and an unlimited number of photos Approved events Changed main home page photo to Fall pic Removed Renewals from home page right column, added Toy Drive graphic and new toy drive page with list of needed items. (Posted 11/13/2006 by admin) |
October 15 - November 11It's all a blur!Updated news Updated Windsor Today with current show info, added current show video Added calendar items Updated Featured items on the home page Added Halloween and Red Rose Tea Fair photo galleries Worked on a new format for pulling member info out of the database onto particular pages (restaurants, shopping, etc) etc (Posted 11/10/2006 by admin) |
October 10 - 14Moved older news to past article archivesAdded new chamber renewals to 'home page text' column from last few Chamber eNews issues Added to Chamber eNews for Monday's issue Approved and revised submitted calendar items (Posted 10/14/2006 by admin) |
Oct 1 - 9Approved new calendar eventsRevised Windsor Today information Moved site to new server for higher security (Posted 10/10/2006 by admin) |
Sept 21 - 30Updated news itemsUpdated Page Highlights for home page Added calendar items Updated directory (Posted 10/2/2006 by admin) |
Sept 18 - 20Re-ordered the online avertising and email advertising information and order forms under the Join the Chamber > Benefits section so each section is clearly identified and explained.Made Chili Challenge the main featured item on the home page Moved Windsor Today to a smaller highlight Moved older news into the past article archive (Posted 9/20/2006 by admin) |
Sept 7 - 17Added Passport winners and photoChanged featured articles on home page Added several News items and photos Updated member directory and related pages (shopping, restaurants, lodging) (Posted 9/17/2006 by admin) |
August 27 - Sept 6Compressed and cropped images for the Business Breakfast photo gallery.Added a photo gallery for the Concert on the green, compressed and cropped photos for inclusion. Changed home page features - added bot of the above photo gallery links, moved Passport down till we announce the winners, removed sales page. Added calendar items Updated sales page (Posted 9/6/2006 by admin) |
August 21 - 26Created new page for News > Chamber renewals.Linked "Home Page Text" page to News > Chamber Renewals Reduced Home Page Text page to just show week 6 renewals at normal font size Deleted free text link Pizchala Added ecommerce forms for Red Rose Tea events and vendors, reorgized the Red Rose info and pdf download registration forms, Added photos and details Added news item, calendar items (Posted 8/22/2006 by admin) |
August 15 - 20Activated the Windsor Today banner for inclusion in rotation.Deleted Concert on the Green and Town wide Sidewalk Sale from the Home page featured items. Added Windsor today and Chili Challenge to the Home page featured items. Added News items, moved old items to Past Article Archive (Posted 8/20/2006 by admin) |
August 9 - 14Added Tea Cup Auction page under the Red Rose Tea Fair section to show prizes as they come inAdded member renewals to home page for week 5 Added a classified ad to the Resources > employment section Added the Windsor Today TV show page with three contact forms (ask a business development question, ask a tech question, and answer the trivia question). Added Windsor Today banner, but will not make it active till August 18 as it says "Thursdays at 7:00pm" and the first show is scheduled for August 24. (Posted 8/14/2006 by admin) |
July 28 - August 8Updated home pageAdded events to the calendar Added new renewals to the home page Added 3 news items Moved one Connecticare news item from News to Benefits Added Registration forms for vendors and attendees to the Red Rose Fair page (Posted 8/8/2006 by admin) |
July 15 - 27Added "we deliver" brown bag icon to restaurants that deliverAdded news, moved old news to past archives Approved calendar events waiting for approval (Posted 7/27/2006 by admin) |
Juy 12 - 14Added two past issues of the "What's Going on in Windsor?" email newsletter in pdf format to the Eents > What's Going on in Windsor? page.Added Metro Hartford to Membership Renewal online payment page Changed Passport photo on home page from the Vassallo girls to the Abbott family with their Passports Added special hidden page whose text appears in the blue box on the home page. Added Early Renewals. Added "Tips for a Successful Sidewalk Sale" (Posted 7/12/2006 by admin) |
July 2 - 11Added Concert on the Green to Chamber Annual EventsAdded payment links for concert sponsorship Added payment links for Sidewalk Sale signs and flyer ads Updated Sales page Added new members Updated Restaurants, Lodging, About Windsor (Services, Financial, Healthy, Moving) pages with new member info (Posted 7/11/2006 by admin) |
June 27 - July 1Revamped join > benefits > advertising > online advertising section to be more clear. Removed sample imagesAdded automatic summary of news to default framework (all pages except home page) Updated the home page with new featured items Added items to Chamber eNews for Monday's issue Corrected some links to the shopping, coupon, and gift certifcates pages Extended automatica upcoming events to 7 days instead of 3 (Posted 7/1/2006 by admin) |
June 25-26Revamped the banner ad system for easy maintenance.Also changed them from randomly loading a different banner each time a page loads to one banner per day per section. Created a page that shows all member listings at once for easier printing See www.windsorcc.org/listings.htm Added "Update Your Listing" link to the individual member listing pages. (Posted 6/26/2006 by admin) |
June 17 - 24Added text from the Passport on all 13 participating restaurants as a new page in the Passport setion (Events / Annual chamber events / Passport)Added Open House pictures from Spring Street and J. Morrissey Updated calendar with events and photos Revised online membership application / renewal form, the Update Your Listing form, and the paper application. (Posted 6/22/2006 by admin) |
June 10 - 16Entire site content simplified into five main categories, making site navigation easier and clearer, deeper content more accessible. New graphic of nav bar.Reorganized content for above Revised logo ad placement from right column to bottom horizontal to maximize use of space, and to avoid very long page lengths. Moved banner ad from bottom to top to give our sponsors more exposure. Updated sales page, consolidated annual dinner / annual awards info Added Testimonials page to the 'About the Chamber' section and to the online advertising page at Join the Chamber > Benefits > Advertising & Promotion Opportunities > Website Sponsorships (Posted 6/16/2006 by admin) |
June 4 - 9Revised Restaurant list (on the site and the pdf file)Scanned and added downloadable menus for Taste of India, Family Pizza, and Keney Golf Course Great Room. Updated the Sales page (Posted 6/7/2006 by admin) |
May 26 - June 3Reorganized the Annual Dinner award information into more easily accesible chunks, clearly labeled by year.Moved April News into appropriate sections of the Past Article Archive Added new News Updated the Sales page Added Passport Advertising page and sent email to membership, added to Featured items on home page (Posted 6/3/2006 by admin) |
May 25Added 'Recommendations' page under Resources, and added two pieces of software: Business Plan Pro and Quickbooks Pro(Posted 5/25/2006 by admin) |
May 20 - 24Uploaded Birch Meadow Business After Hours photos to the photo galleryFeatured After Hours Gallery on the home page, removed the Business Breakfast photo feature Added Victorian Tea info to Events > Red Rose Tea Fair Added 2006 Chili Challenge info, moved all of 2005 files into a new section called 2005 Chili Challenge Info Updated the calendar with Chili Challenge, Craft Fair, Fire Safety, Kiwanis Canoe Race (all on Oct 7) and Victoria Tea (Nov 4) Updated Sales page (Posted 5/24/2006 by admin) |
May 18 - 19Added photos, schedule to Red Rose Tea Fair page (under Events)Added clearer descriptions of all website and email advertising opportunities on the Membership>Benefits page. Added sponsorship of Chamber e-News. Checked stats Changed Featured items on home page - added Annual Dinner, New Members, removed March After Hours. Added Red Rose Tea Fair logo ad (Posted 5/20/2006 by admin) |
May 15Removed Blood Drive from featured items on home page, moved others up.Added May 17th After Hours to featured items (Posted 5/15/2006 by admin) |
May 11Changes to home page featured items:- Moved "Windor Chamber of Commerce Shad Derby Blood Drive" to top - Added feature "Making a difference..." - Deleted "There's Alot to Do in Windsor brochure" Changed text link "News" at top to "To Do" and linked it to the "Things to Do" section Added subscription box to all pages for "What's Going On in Windsor?" weekly email newseltter Changed "New Event" button to "Submit Event" Added Windsor Mug to orderable items (Posted 5/11/2006 by admin) |
April 23 - 29Removed Auction and There's alot to do brochure from home page, added link to April Business Breakfast photo gallery.Compressed and resized CD of images from Breakfast and uploaded some to the photo gallery Revised all pages to show 3 days worth of coming events Revised "Email to a friend" graphic (Posted 4/24/2006 by admin) |
April 16 - 22Changed featured items on home page (added Chamber Blood Drive and There's Alot to do in Windsor brochure, removed Membership Benefits)(Posted 4/22/2006 by admin) |
April 9 - 15Shortened summary of Upcoming events (right column of every page)Added "Email this page to a friend" function (under events) Deleted the March After Hours photo from home page Added "Buy Ticket Online" to Annual Dinner Event page, reordered award winner pages so they're in descending order by year Updated the Shopping and Restaurant pages and downloadable pdf files Updated the Non-member (e)mailing list Replaced winter photo on home page Added News articles, moved older articles to the Past Article Archive Resized, compressed photos for the Transportation Committee sub-page - Transportation Meetin March Updated the Reuse & Recycling page (Posted 4/14/2006 by admin) |
April 1 - 8More auction photosApril 1 - Added news items, Changed featured item on home page (deleted You Asked For It Business Series) Updated all the Job postings April 4 - Added photos from the March After Hours and the March Transportation committee meetings. (deleted Animal news and Windsor Feud) Changed featured items on home page again - to add March Business After Hours photos and the Transportation Committee info. (Posted 4/3/2006 by admin) |
March 20 - 31Auction items, auction items, auction items...Changed You Asked For It photo, info, and link on home page to be March 30th's seminar Updated the Sales and Specials page Updated the Shopping page with Koko's new hours Approved various calendar events Revised home page (Posted 3/28/2006 by admin) |
March 8 - 19Edited featured items on home page - moved Auction into a more prominent positionAdded auction items Added several new events (approval of submitted events occurs daily as well) Added several news items Added new members to the directory Worked on Chamber News March 20th edition Added several Windsor business sponsorship logo ads Added restaurant specials to restaurant page and linked them over from the Sales page Marked previous seminars "SEMINAR COMPLETED" and removed order capability (Posted 3/19/2006 by admin) |
March 6Added Windsor Feud 2006 Photo GalleryAdded Windsor Feud Winners and link to Photos to the Events > Windsor Feud page Added Birch Meadow Sunday Brunch Grand opening to News Added Auction Beneficiary info and photos (Posted 3/6/2006 by admin) |
March 4Removed Windsor Feud from home pageAdded Chamber sponsorship opportunities to home page Moved Auction up to 2nd position on home page Added Membership benefits to home page Added several events to the calendar Edited directory listings as requested (Posted 3/4/2006 by admin) |
March 2Removed Business Breakfast blurb from home pageAdded Auction, Site Sponsorships Changed main home page article from You Asked for it to tonight's You Asked for it - hackers at your door series Sent text email through system on "letterhead" template to fill the last two spots in hacker series (Posted 3/2/2006 by admin) |
Feb 22Updated the Events > Windsor Feud page and the March 3rd calendar page with the 2006 Windsor Feud teams and photo gallery linkAdded 2006 Auction items (name, description, value, donator and photo where available) Revised Auction template with this year's beneficiaries and date (Posted 2/22/2006 by admin) |
Feb 12 - 18, 2006Added photos from You Asked For It Business Series to photo gallery and to home pageAdded BAH WHS pics to BAH photo gallery and to home page, moved Breakfasts off home page Added Traveling Vietnam Wall to calendar with photo Added new members to directory (shown automatically on new member page) and sent each one an email about their free listing and sponsorship opportunities (Posted 2/20/2006 by admin) |
Feb 6 - 10Added photos of the February Business Breakfast to the Business Breakfast Photo Gallery (under events) and added a blurb and one of the photos to the home page.Processed photos from the first You Asked For It Business Seminar (Spectacular Customer Service) and added them to a photo gallery for the series. Will be adding a link to the photos from the Events > You Asked For It page soon. Revised the Sales page - deleted the Super Bowl specials and added Valentine's Day specials that I'm aware of. Also added Cool Kids Clothes February sale. (Posted 2/11/2006 by admin) |
2/3/06Removed orderability of You Asked For It seminar of 2/2.Started Chamber News 2/6 Updated calendar events (Posted 2/3/2006 by admin) |
1/30/06- Approve submitted events(Posted 1/31/2006 by admin) |
1/28/06- started What's New Blog- added News: A Letter of Appeal From CRIS Radio - added News: Reach your Target Audience through PAC (Posted 1/28/2006 by admin) |
Updates Dec 2, 2004 to Jan 27, 20061/27/06- revised security again on New Event page so anyone can add an event but the blank "upload image" box does not appear - featured Superbowl retail specials on home page 1/26/06 - Utilize Amazon affiliate account to add products we have used and recommend like Business Plan Pro, Quickbooks, Selling Online book, etc 1/24/06 -discussed revising meta tags -added Superbowl specials to calendar and sale page - added ecommerce for You Asked for It Business Seminar signups 1/24/06 - Adsense content detection focusing on directory names, etc rather than strict content of page (showing ads about calendars on events, etc) Need to think about how to refine this. 1/21/06 - signed up for Google Adsense revenue program, added ad code to all pages. suggested a way on individual directory listings to get the name of the business to come up as a heading and in the page title to help the search engine ranking for each member's "page" 1/14/06 - added transportation info to resources (Rideshare, CTTransit, etc) - revised security on the New Event page so anyone can add an event to the calendar, subject to approval through the new approvals system 1/12/06 - work on award submission text/package - begin adding You Asked For It Business Series info to site under Events, each calendar item, add each to MetroHartford calendar 12/9/05 - downloaded and tested full site on another server for speed 12/5/05 - added new home page Winter photos 11/3/05 - On the search, yes, we're going to go ahead with the change in function to have it search both the directory and the articles, listing directory members first, then general articles 10/29/005 - revised Chamber eNews template to avoid sending javascript by email 10/28/05 -added sitemap 10/25/05 - worked on revising online application 10/20/05 -add Nightmare on Broad street info to calendar - draft a form for online renewals - chili challenge thank you to sponsor Windsor Federal 10/9/05 - work on classifieds template design and members posting template. investigate feasibility of all new member activities being tracked on the website - when member is added to the directory the site could generate welcome letters and an article for the next Chamber eNews and BU announcing new members 10/6/05 - discuss equipment needs: laptop, lcd, cellphone internet connection for presentations - schedule 2nd Civic group meeting re: events, calendar, email news 9/14/05 - signed up for Amazon Associates program 8/8/05 - I'd like to get some info from the Retail committee so we can start putting Sale info on the Shopping page of the Chamber website. 8/5/05 - added Metro Hartford info to benefits section 8/1/05 - Here are some notes about how we keep the site updated: 1 - webmaster is involved in the chamber and the community 2 - civic groups, museums, businesses etc send their info to us - as the site has gotten more popular, they see the value in making sure we have their info 3 - periodic reminders (annual mailing to civic groups, members) to send info - weekly events email newsletter, etc) 4 - events from the calendar are automatically gathered by date for the weekly newsletter 5 - the whole site is database driven with a web-based login system so anyone with permission can make site updates from any computer 6 - new members added to the directory are automatically pulled out by date and displayed on the New member page 7/7/05 - added logo ad feature to site in right column 6/30/05 -met with Mark Sanderson about photography / print calendar 6/9/05 - Action items from this mornings' site meeting: 1. We want to include all businesses/organizations that are listed on the site into either the directory or the non-member directory. John will need to add the following checkbox fields to both directories: hotel, restaurant, shop, gift shop, maybe museums. And we'll need extra fields for the specialty stuff like menus (in pdf, jpg, or doc files), and hours of operation. 2. Also, we talked about using the Apply Online form to have new applications go right into the member directory AFTER Jane approves them. This will be in John's next version if Invisible Gold software. 3. I added the Reuse and Recycling links a couple weeks ago, it's under the Resources menu - I'd love to get an RSS fee of the Windsor Freecycle messages listed here. 4. And we talked about gathering GPS coordinates so we can eventually put together mapping capability. 5. FYI - I just put up all the photos that Alissa took so you can see them. They are in a photogallery called Town Photos. Let me know where you think we can use these. She did a great job! http://windsorcc.org/Events/photogallery/townphotos/ - added Chamber News template so Jane can send out Chamber News email weekly 5/24/05 - had Loomis student, Alissa, take windsor photos 5/22/05 - added Job listing page http://windsorcc.org/Resources/employment/ 5/16/05 - added BU articles to site 5/10/05 -fixed bug in drop down menu javascript caused by double/single quotes 5/2/05 - added restaurant menu icon to indicate which restaurants have viewable menus 5/1/05 - I found the reason the admin order email wasn't being sent...and added a little patch to make it work for the chamber website. added Recycling info 4/29/05 - I archived the calendar entries so the site should be loading quite a bit faster now. We can put them back in with the next performance upgrade. 4/22/05 - facilitated member contact for Metro Hartford chamber survey 4/20/05 - article Windsor Chamber of Commerce Website Enhancements Ease of Maintenance The old Chamber website was maintained by hand. This meant that only one person using website development tools could make changes. This puts a heavy burden on them to get changes done in a timely manner and increased the communication required. By switching to a content management system, many different people can manage the website at once time (using just a web browser). This means that it is easier to add, edit, and delete content. Further, a content management system makes it easier to manage certain types of pages. For example, in a traditional website, every page much be edited like a word processing document. Adding a page to the navigation requires all of the pages to be saved and reuploaded. Further, adding a new page involves creating the page, resizing images, and then editing another page to create link to it. The new website makes it much easier to maintain pages because you simply create them through the interface and upload photos. Improved Online Calendar We switched to an interactive online calendar. This has allowed us to post events many weeks or months ahead of time. In the past, the calendar was maintained as a document. This meant that anything added to the document required an edit (and upload, etc). This has made it much easier for us to reach out and solicit dates for our calendar and has become one of the most useful features in the website. Search Engine Optimization The website now uses a medium level of search engine optimization. All of the pages are designed in a way that works well with the search engines, and has yeilded some interesting anecdotes due to our more prominent visibility on the internet. Increased Amount of Content Another big push has been to take the content that was previously only published in the Business United and publish it on the website as well. This increases the amount of information available online, helps with search engines, and further helps with the merging of our online and offline content. Online Shopping Cart the new website has a shopping cart which was used for the gift baskets. However, it can also be used for other things in the future. Improved Navigation and User Interface In addition to an attractive redesign, the new website uses drop down menus which help manage the much large body of content. The old navigation was good for less than 100 pages, while the new website has several hundred of pages. (considering all of the photos from past events, past event calendar entries, Business United Articles, etc.) Potential For Future Growth The new website is built on a platform that will allow for future growth. The graphic design (user interface) can be swapped out or updated quickly. Also, the underlying technology can be updated as the content management system improves. A website that is maintained by hand is much more difficult to update over time. 4/19/05 - added Chili Challenge info, sign up form, instructions 4/16/05 - I updated the application and update your listing forms. The following is what now gets emailed to people who apply online. Let me know if you want any changes. 4/7/05 - I got your voice mail regarding Windsor Historical Society's listing now showing up before their info on the wcc site. This could be for several reasons. - added page highlights to home page, making it easy to highlight up to 6 events on the home page quickly and easily 3/16/05 - auction template, added ecommerce for auction tickets sales, forms for donations and volunteering 3/8/05 - I rearranged some info so that under the EVENTS category, the biggest upcoming events are listed (Auction, Golf, Dinner) with associated information linked from those pages. Added the Nomination form to the Dinner page. 3/7/05 - Civic Group Breakfast re: the WCC calendar? - added Employment Law series to site 3/3/05 - added Hartford courant community calendar program and instructions to Member benfits page - and addedWindsor Palette and Brush Club Spring Art Show to the calendar - started scanning restaurant menus for adding to the restaurant page 2/23/05 - discussed photo-submission contest for home page, possible calendar printing 2/23/05 - changed News blurbs in right column to title only links to reduce length of the site pages and so banner ads would be higher up on the page 2/21/05 - moved calendar from events to things to do secction 2/18/05 I changed the Visitor's Info section to Things To Do and moved all the nav buttons from the Visitors Guide right into the main menu. I also created the Ecommerce site listing. See https://windsorcc.hostingct.com/Visitors/shopping/shoppingonlineinwi/ Do you still want me to make a Shopping icon to put on the home page? 2/11/05 - added Winter festival and Northwest park at night to calendar 2/1/05 - to do - add images to listings 1/24/05 - added list of restaurants to site on its on page in the Visitors section and as a downloadable pdf. Did same for shops. Also added Printable lists and maps. 1/20/05 - to do list John 1. Work on adding "upload photo" as a feature to directory for next release 2. Article/press release inviting public to submit photos - select photos to be used on print calendar in 2006 3. Add space to listings for "one page website" type info - what will we charge for this? (use John and Paula's listings to show how great a listing can be) Paula 1. Edit forms to add pertinent info to application form, update listing form, etc (add metro $50/$8/emp) 2. Letter to board itemizing the changes to the website 3. Change order of visitors guide pages so members are listed first 4. Add metro hartford info to site (Feb 3 event, discount for UConn business seminars, application) 5. After BU comes out, add auction donation form as a link from that article 6. Add Huntington house flyer info to their page in visitors section 7. Add coupon, etc links to top of shopping page (they appear on the bottom as "child" pages too) Jane 1. Update Employer list and Civic group list 2. Print up a raffle prize certificate for the next business breakfast - for a web sponsorship package 3. Have a stamp made that says "See what's new on the windsorcc.org website" 4. think about creating a sponsorship form for entire year including websponsorship, listing enhancements 1/20/05 - average daily visitors: 120 12/31/04 I added all the dates for next year's membership meetings and recruitment dates to the chamber site's calendar and added the missing dates to the membership committee page. 12/30/04 - mailing with sponsorship rates for BU, Banner on site, and text link on site, discount for doing all three 12/29/04 I added two SCORE articles today, also the Windsor Historical Society logo article. I also moved Past Article Archves from "Resources" to "News" and moved a couple of old articles into it. 12/21/04 John 1. Change Directory link to list all members by default, and offer search box at top 3. Calendar code for other sites 4. Calendar suggestions/changes 5. Photo submission feature for home page - select photos to be used on print calendar in 2006 Paula 1. Write up new advertising policy and add to site . Delete fire house for rent . Add wreath winners to home page Jane 1. Flyer requesting photo from members (to be added FREE to their membership listing) 2. Request info from members (space for rent and job ads) 12/21/04 Added Torchligh Parade 2004 photos to PHoto gallery 12/16/04 - upgaded to Invisible Gold 2.52 - letter to members advising them to send us their events for inclusion on the calendar 12/13/04 Added town council and board of ed to resource links 12/6/04 - Added Golf Tournament section with ecommerce for signup and sponsorships - Added SCOREBOARD section to news - Added printable coupons (scanned them from the printed coupon book) to the Shopping section - I'm enabling "click to expand" on the images because some have text that is small and hard to read at regular size. 12/2/04 1. Think about how to add non-member database so non-member tourist-related businesses will display on the appropriate sections of Visitors Guide 2. Add news articles under NEWS and RESOURCES sections (Ribbon Cuttings, New Members, Focus Article, Coach's Corner, Online Strategies) 3. Fix coupon folder (visitors>shopping>coupons) 4. Add new coupons and set up categories (Jane or Printing express to email coupons) 5. Add award info to Past Event articles (or About section?) (Posted 1/27/2006 by admin) |
Web Site Redesign Nov 2004On November 2004, the website got a completely new design and lots of new information including a community-wide calendar of events, photo gallery, e-commerce for Chamber gift certificates and other items, business resources, and much more. You've really got to take a look and browse around for yourself to see all the new content and features available to you.The calendar is of particular interest. Not only does it list Chamber events (Business Breakfasts, Business After Hours, Committee meetings, etc) it also includes events at our local attractions like Northwest Park, Windsor Historical Society, and Huntington House Museum. You'll also find special events from local businesses like the recent Water Closet Pajama Party, Cori-Lynn Webber's Ribbon Cutting ceremony, and others. You can view one month or the entire year. You can also choose to view events by attraction; choose Huntington House to see all upcoming events there, for example. Businesses and community groups are invited to send their events for inclusion by email to jane@windsorcc.org. Include a description of the event, date and time, and a photo if you like. You'll also notice the "What's Going on in Windsor" email newsletter info (in the Visitor section). Here you can subscribe and unsubscribe (perish the thought!) from our Thursday morning newsletter. If you're not receiving it yet, sign up today. It'll give you things to do every week; so helpful, especially when you have overnight guests! One major improvement is to the member directory. We're going to be adding a photo of every member business to their directory listing for free! This is a service that was begun last year and had a cost associated with it. In the spirit of good business promotion, we're now offering that service free of charge. Send a photo of your business, product, or your staff to jane@windsorcc.org for inclusion on your listing. Jodi Engelmann of Engelmann Photography will also be donating her time to take new photos for any member who requires it. There's also a section for Resources including business links and How To Articles to help you with marketing and other business topics. So far we've listed sample press releases and media announcements with more to come. Suggestions are welcome. The Visitor Info section includes lists of restaurants, shopping, lodging, etc. Everything visitors and townies alike might need to entertain themselves and others. There are printable maps of the center, the antique trail, and more to come. Relocation info is also available for those moving into Windsor. Chamber committees and benefits are spelled out in more detail than ever before and photos included whenever possible. John from Invisible Gold and I will be adding more content and we are updating the site almost daily, so remember to visit often. The site is getting a significant number of visitors every day. New sponsorships of the website are available too so you can promote your business online through the Chamber's site. Call Jane for banner ad and text link rates. To sum up, the Chamber's website includes info to help you use your membership wisely, keep up-to-date on what's going on in Windsor, and make available valuable business articles. Please remember to check your directory listing for accuracy and send us a photo to add to your listing. And visit often! (Posted 1/27/2006 by admin) |