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File #: 2015-0500    Version: Name: Economic Development Mobile App Presentation
Type: PRESENTATION Status: PLACED ON FILE
File created: 8/11/2015 In control: Economic Development Strategy and Community Engagement
On agenda: 9/8/2015 Final action: 9/8/2015
Title: /Name/Summary Economic Development Mobile App Presentation
Attachments: 1. Bar-Z Presentation
Title/Name/Summary
Economic Development Mobile App Presentation

History
The promotion and marketing of Orland Park's businesses has been identified as a key priority in the Village of Orland Park's Strategic Plan under Economic Development. As such, staff has been researching what is available in digital applications for local business advertisement and promotion. Initially, Village staff reviewed over 20 mobile app developers to determine if their services could meet the Village’s needs for a mobile application. After the initial review, the list of potential app developers was narrowed to 10 developers for further investigation. The app developers were evaluated based on several criteria, including:
- Cost of the application
- Functionality
- Protocols for data entry
- Services provided by the developer
- Role of Village staff in development and implementation

Each app developer was contacted and first was evaluated through a phone interview. Those that passed initial review were invited back for an in-person interview and presentation. The top three firms provided a presentation to walk through their app's features.

After careful consideration, it is staff’s opinion that Bar-Z, a mobile app developer from Austin, Texas, is best suited to provide the required resources for our local business advertisement and promotion. They provide a full range of services from design to implementation and combine pleasing aesthetics and functionality.

Bar-Z specializes in apps for municipalities, chambers of commerce, and tourism boards that provide a variety of options for local business promotion. Their clients include:
- Rosemont Convention and Tourism Bureau, Rosemont,IL
- Orange City, IA
- Kilgore, TX
- Peoria, TX
- National Parks Service

They offer website design, push notifications, interactive mapping, guided tours, video and audio integration, local business directories, event guides and calendar, and business rewards programs and promotions.

Bar-Z was foun...

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