Commonwealth
of Kentucky Website Unveils Major Improvements
For
Immediate Release
CONTACT: Chris Kellogg, 502-564-2611
September
16, 2003
or
Scott Render at 502-564-8747
(Frankfort,
KY) -The Commonwealth of Kentucky website has a whole new look that will make it
easier for visitors to find information and services online.
The address is still the same, Kentucky.gov,
but the design of the new site places more importance on helping
visitors find what they need by topic rather than by state agency or department.
Governor
Paul Patton said that one of his administration’s primary
goals has
been to improve and streamline government efficiency.
“Kentucky.gov
is a great illustration of pursuing our goal,” Patton said.
“More and more, our website is the front door to state government and
is used as a tool to get information to our citizens. We believe
these changes will be well-received by the citizens and businesses of
Kentucky, and the thousands of people who visit the site worldwide each
month."
"The
improvements to Kentucky.gov are
designed to put our customers first," said Aldona Valicenti, the
chief information officer for the Commonwealth. "Visitors no longer
need to know the structure of state government or the name of the cabinet or
agency to find what they need. We're
keeping pace with what visitors to Kentucky.gov want
to experience online today--fast and convenient service--all day,
everyday."
Kentucky.gov
now offers several new features that simplify access to Kentucky's eGovernment
services and provide a streamlined and consistent look & feel throughout the
portal, including:
Live
Online Customer Service
- Dedicated online live support
provides
assistance in real-time, answers visitor questions, and enhances
the support experience for users by offering immediate customer service.
State
Government News Room
- Kentucky state agency news releases will be available in the News Room, and
government entities may post press releases that can be automatically
distributed to search engines, other government agency Websites, and e-mail
lists.
Google Search Technology - The Kentucky.gov site uses Google, the nation's leading search engine technology to search content and services on the site.
Kentucky Calendar of Events - A statewide events calendar integrates the Governor's public schedule, state parks and tourism events with other government activities including public meetings, tax deadlines, game & fish seasons, and state holidays.
Scott
D. Somerhalder, general manager of Kentucky.gov said
the the
launch is just the first step towards allowing citizens to be only a few
"clicks," instead of many miles, away from government information and
services.
Kentucky.gov is the official website and portal for the state government. It's a collaborative effort between the Commonwealth of Kentucky and Kentucky Interactive, Inc. which built the sight and will be market, operate and maintain it. Kentucky Interactive, Inc. is a Frankfort-based subsidiary of eGovernment firm NIC (Nasdaq: EGOV).
NIC
manages more eGovernment services than any provider in the world and provides
egovernment solutions for 1,400 state and local agencies that serve more than 71
million people in the United States. Additional
information is available at www.nicusa.com.
For
more information or media interviews contact:
Scott
Render
Governor's Office for Technology
502 564-8747
scott.render@ky.gov
Scott
Sommhalder
Kentucky Interactive Inc.
scott@nicusa.com