American technology firms report 10 percent of their IT jobs unfilled for lack of qualified employees, and government is hurting even more. Some states, such as South Carolina, have been fairly successful using GIS to attract economic development. The content should consist primarily of information about the community. In most cases, economic development is driven more by non-governmental than by governmental factors.
People make cities work.
If the city, on its Web site, emphasizes the private citizens and how they live, this will send a persuasive message to prospective businesses. That such a large percentage of cities deploy Web sites and are using those sites for economic development is heartening. A successful Web site should identify the target audience and address their specific interests. The economic development Web site needs to provide general information regarding local and regional issues related to community growth and development. Glenda E. Hood Orlando's Web site is not only for the purpose of economic development, but it is an essential ingredient.