PROBLEM

The Eau Claire Area Economic Development Corporation (EDC) recognized that young professionals were leaving Western Wisconsin and heading to larger cities in neighboring states. With the economy dependant on this talent pool of high technology graduates, they were seeking to develop a web portal that reached out to this talent pool to keep them connected to the region.

SOLUTION

The EDC contracted with ADC to build the SMARTT NetworkTM, a web application that connects people to career, technology, and business opportunities in Western Wisconsin. The SMARTT Network (Strategy for Marketing and Recruiting Top Talent) was developed in conjunction with the EDC and funding from the State of Wisconsin. It is based on a fee-for-service model, and requires advanced database features, including e-commerce functions and security, reporting features to clients, integration into CRM software for electronic mailing campaigns, forums, and ability for streaming videos.

The SMARTT Network also provides numerous technologies that are available for licensing, as well as a section for listing/viewing business opportunities, such as franchises and new/next generation ownership. These tools are designed to spur growth of early-stage and existing companies in the region.

RESULTS

Young professionals from throughout the nation were made aware of opportunities in the Eau Claire area and many were drawn back to the region for career opportunities that they were made aware of through the SMARTT application.

“Working with Applied Data Consultants on the SMARTT Network has been a very positive experience. All of the staff were so easy to work with and went out of their way to create a quality website for us. ADC’s service and expertise in developing this complex database-driven site was top notch, and we have been very happy with the results.”

Erin Trowbridge – Former Marketing Director, Eau Claire Area Economic Develop. Corp.