As published in the Erin Advocate
A new on-line tool called Hubzio will enable the Town of Erin to get messages out quickly to the community, especially during local emergencies such as an ice storm.
Town Councillors had a demonstration of the system at the September 23 meeting, receiving test messages on their smart phones. Residents will have to request that they be included in the service, which is up and running now, and can ask to unsubscribe at any time.
“It’s quite an innovative and progressive tool for the Town,” said Rudy Diemer of RKD Web Studios of Guelph, the company that is now redesigning the municipal website.
The Town will build up a contact list, which can have sub-groups or channels such as staff members. Recipients get notifications by whatever means they prefer: email, text message, voice, Facebook or Twitter. Messages may contain links to the Town website where people can get more information.
The system will cost nothing for those who receive messages, and will cost the Town a very low amount per subscriber, said Diemer. It can also be used to advertise other basic municipal information such as special meetings, events, programs or tax deadlines.
The Town has allocated $20,000 to make its website easier to access and navigate. It will have a streamlined structure, integrating social media and making it convenient to use with mobile devices.
The Town’s website is www.erin.ca, its Twitter username is @TownofErin and there is a Town of Erin Facebook page.
Hubzio is a commercial marketing tool that enables companies, agencies or community groups to communicate with people in various formats, while complying with Canada’s Anti-Spam Laws (CASL).
