Survey Shows U.S. Counties Resourceful in Delivering Digital Services

SACRAMENTO, CA--(Marketwire - July 28, 2009) - e.Republic's Center for Digital Government (Center) has found in its annual Digital Counties Survey that America's counties are embracing new technologies to involve citizens, are moving toward transparent government and are increasing green and sustainable measures while continuing to improve online services. The 2009 Digital Counties Survey is an annual study by the Center and the National Association of Counties (NACo), which identifies best practices and recognizes those counties with exemplary digital service to their citizens.

Center Executive Director Cathilea Robinett said, "Despite challenging economic circumstances, America's counties are continuing to use new tools such as social media to engage and encourage citizen participation and feedback. Additionally, counties are moving forward in very responsible ways by green and sustainability efforts, energy efficiency monitoring, e-waste recycling and government transparency. We heartily congratulate all the winners!"

The first-place winners in each of the four population categories are:

--  Oakland County, Michigan  (500,000 or more population category)
--  Loudoun County, Virginia (250,000-499,999 population)
--  Roanoke County, Virginia (150,000-249,999 population)
--  Charles County, Maryland (Less than 150,000 population)
    

View the full list of winners at www.centerdigitalgov.com

"As counties face the budgetary challenges of 2009 and beyond, they are finding Information Technology essential for effective and efficient government," said NACo Executive Director Larry E. Naake. "Not only are county governments using technology to continue delivering services with fewer resources, they are using innovative technology to communicate more effectively with their citizens and businesses. The Digital Counties Survey illustrates the innovation and tenacity of counties across the country."

This year's survey was underwritten by Hyland Software, developers of OnBase (www.onbase.com), and Quest Software, Inc. (www.quest.com/public-sector/). Both companies are proud partners of county governments across America.

The Center for Digital Government (www.centerdigitalgov.com) is a national research and advisory institute on information technology policies and best practices in state and local government. The Center is a division of eRepublic, Inc. (www.erepublic.com), a national publishing, event and research company focused on information technology in the public sector.

The National Association of Counties (NACo) (www.naco.org) is a full-service organization that provides legislative, research, technical, and public affairs assistance to county governments. Created in 1935, NACo continues to ensure that the nation's 3,066 counties are heard and understood in the White House and Congress.

Contact Information: Center Contact: Janet Grenslitt 916-932-1363 jgrenslitt@centerdigitalgov.com NACo Contact: Jim Philipps 202/942-4220 jphilipps@naco.org