Ohio Ballet Launches New Web Site Using siteMpower CMS  Walking Stick Communications Develops Site to Offer Fresh Appeal, Relevant Content July 10, 2004 (Akron, Ohio): A combination of public confusion and general lack of awareness of the only professional ballet company in Northeast Ohio created a need for Ohio Ballet to revamp its web presence. The organization launched its new site (www.ohioballet.org) last week. The new site was developed to target Ohio Ballet’s core audience – families. Moving away from the dark tones of the previous version, the new site offers a clean, colorful appeal as well as simplified navigation. The result is an enjoyable experience that represents the personality of Ohio Ballet through a user-friendly web site design. “Within a couple of days of launching the new site, we had people calling to tell us how great it looked,” said Lissa Velie, Director of Marketing for Ohio Ballet. “Our patrons are very pleased with the results, and so are we.” Ohio Ballet chose Cuyahoga Falls-based Walking Stick Communications (www.walking-stick.com) to develop the new site. Utilizing the web development firm’s web site content management system, siteMpower, Ohio Ballet is empowered to update content on the web site as necessary, and without any knowledge of web programming. “The siteMpower system allows us to update the site as soon as something changes – a time or date change, a news announcement, or updated ticket information,” explained Velie. In addition to fresh and relevant content available to the public, Ohio Ballet has developed an Intranet system that allows those involved in the organization access to information specific to them. The dancers are able to check practice schedules and other important announcements related to upcoming performances; and Board Members have access to pertinent information related to their association with Ohio Ballet. “siteMpower makes it easy for Ohio Ballet to both manage the content of the site as well as establish password-protected user areas for the Board and dancers,” said Matt White, Vice President of Client Fulfillment for Walking Stick Communications. siteMpower enables an organization such as Ohio Ballet to maintain control of its web site content, without affecting the design of the site. “With this tool, Ohio Ballet is able to modify text, add photos, upload attachments, create online forms, and generate graphic e-mails, with absolutely no understanding of HTML programming,” explained White. As the Summer Festival schedule begins, Ohio Ballet is excited about the role of the web site in the near future. “Since changing the site is so easy, we look forward to offering our patrons new and fresh information on a regular basis,” said Velie. “We hope to offer a site that people will want to come back to over and over again.”