MonticelloLive

Earlier this year, the Arkansas Governor’s official Web site underwent a complete transformation. Our site, which can be accessed at http://www.governor.arkansas.gov/, was redesigned to help Arkansans more efficiently find information on state government programs and services. It is a place to learn more about the work of my administration, the issues of the day, and to connect with your government, by using mainstream Internet tools.This was only the first step in a long-term effort to unify Arkansas’s online presence and make government more accessible and responsive to its citizens. Therefore, I am quite pleased to note that our site, along with the State’s official Web site, has been recognized with three national awards for excellence and innovation.

Arkansas was one of only five states selected by the prestigious National Electronic Commerce Coordinating Council (eC3) to receive an annual “Excellence Award.” The eC3 honors federal, state, and local e-government programs that have produced measurable results in improving government services and accessibility through the use of innovative technology. Due to the additional technologies added during its redesign phase, our Web site and eNewsroom won accolades for the best use of social networking to enhance citizen involvement in government. Additionally, the Arkansas.gov State Portal and Payment Processor Security Initiative garnered top honors for its project designed to protect the privacy and integrity of citizen information. These awards highlight our commitment to ensuring that sensitive information transmitted over the Web will not be compromised and that every citizen’s interaction with state government online is private, safe, and secure.

Arkansas.gov, the State’s official Web site, was also named among the top-ten state Web sites by the Center for Digital Government. This impressive Best of the Web Achievement Award recognizes the most innovative, user-friendly state and local portals in the United States and is determined by judges from across the nation. My administration will continue working toward implementing better access and more efficient Web delivery of public services as we move forward.

Thanks to the work of the tremendous staff at the Information Network of Arkansas (INA) who drove this effort, Arkansans can take pride in knowing that we are leading the field when it comes to the online intersection of government and technology. From the newsroom section, which provides the latest news releases, radio addresses, and proclamations, to the multimedia section, with the latest photos, videos, podcasts, and radio programs, my Web site is there to keep all citizens informed about issues affecting the people of the Natural State.

As more and more Arkansans turn to the Internet for their news, information, and business activity, I believe it is our obligation to give state government a strong, secure, and effective presence online. These awards are testament to my ongoing resolve to provide open and accessible government for every Arkansan, at every opportunity. I applaud the long hours and hard work of all those who played a role in improving electronic communication for my office and for the State, and I hope you’ll join us in Cyberspace.