May 24, 2007 Minutes
May 24th, 2007 Posted in Meeting and MinutesSTARTWEST MEETING
May 24, 2007
4:00 PM
Minutes
1.) Introductions: Magen Deans, Eric Brandjord, Philippe Chino, Mark Thoney, Anne Gunn, Tanner Dahlin, Matt Ramey, Val Burgess, Deb Anderson, Liz Dearcorn, Shaun Gee, and Betsy Love.
2.) Mark Thoney discusses the progress of the website:
· Mark has narrowed the choice of content management systems down to two, with one favorite.
· He wants to make sure the system can handle directory listings of companies, maps and specialties and so is doing some more testing.
· Templates will be ready for viewing after Memorial Day. Do we want a certain look or feel?
· Tanner suggests just choosing a template to get the functionality up and running.
· Mark expressed concern about duplicating Forward Sheridan and Chamber of Commerce websites. The differences between the sites are that StartWest will have only companies that are knowledge-based. Forward Sheridan’s website will only have its investors on its website. The Chamber has only members on its site.
· Get Mark the content and he will post it
3.) Volunteers to help Mark out:
· We need a process for getting new articles and information from StartWest companies. Develop a process that will get enough information to keep the site fresh. Content attracts content. Make viewers come back to our website.
o Tanner and Val will develop an email questionnaire for Liz to send out to StartWesters to get a profile of the companies and any newsworthy information. Liz will follow up with a phone call.
o We want to provide a platform for companies to talk about what they are doing (need to get news releases sent to us as well as articles).
o Deb also volunteered to help out in any way.
o News will continuously be updated while the profile stays static.
4.) Summer discussion and blog encouragement:
· We will not meet for the next couple of months but will stay active in getting information to build our website. Encourage members to get their information to Liz and understand the benefits of the website. Encourage non-members to join.