The City of Vernon's new website, developed by Upanup Studios, has received the AVA Digital Gold Award. The City's new site launched in late December, and was developed with a focus on improved communication, ease of navigation, functionality and City branding. The new site includes enhanced features such as interactive maps, image gallery and improved search functions. Users can also subscribe to receive City updates including notice of upcoming meetings, career opportunities and news releases.
"We are proud to see this recognition of the City's efforts to better communicate with our residents, businesses and visitors," said Tanya Laing Gahr, Communications Officer for the City and project manager of the website redevelopment project. "Our goal was to create a site that was attractive, user-friendly and informative, as well as one that reflects this fantastic community. This award is an indication that the industry believes we are moving in the right direction."
"While our goal is always to provide the best solutions for Vernon and its audiences, it’s always nice to receive third-party recognition along the way to know that the Vernon site is considered to be a leading digital communication solution within the industry," said Peter Knapp, CEO and Lead Strategist for Upanup.
AVA Digital Awards is an international competition that recognizes outstanding work by creative professionals involved in the concept, direction, design and production of media that is part of the evolution of digital communication. Work ranges from audio and video productions- to websites that present interactive components such as video, animation, blogs, and podcasts- to interactive social media sites- to other forms of user-generated communication.
AVA Digital Awards is administered and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP). The international organization consists of several thousand production, marketing, communication, advertising, public relations, and free-lance professionals. AMCP administers recognition programs, provides judges and rewards outstanding achievement and service to the profession. Judges are industry professionals who look for companies and individuals whose talent exceeds a high standard of excellence and whose work serves as a benchmark for the industry. This year there were 2,500 entries from throughout the United States, Canada, and 17 other countries.