Launch: Olmsted Medical Center

As our local readers may have already seen, Olmsted Medical Center recently unveiled a new visual identity to the public. We are proud to have been a part of this and excited to introduce OMC's new home on the web!

Our main focus in the redesign process was making the site patient-oriented. This meant that great care and consideration had to be given to the overall user experience and accessibility of information. The oversized navigation along with brief, well-organized menus addresses this need, along with minimal use of graphics and scalable text to allow those with visual impairments to access the site more easily.

The site covers a broad range of information about OMC. Learn how to live a healthier life, find a healthcare provider that can best serve you, learn about OMC's new branding, or read OMC newsletters!

We have enjoyed working with Jeremy and the crew from Olmsted Medical Center, and we look forward to expanding the site in the future to make it even more useful.

Site Launch: Boys & Girls Club of Rochester

"The Boys & Girls Club of Rochester is a community-based organization that provides young people with a fun, safe, and constructive environment when they are not at home or school. The Club has a lineup of tested and proven nationally recognized programs that address today's most pressing youth issues, teaching young people the skills they need to succeed in life."

CWS has recently launched a new website for The Boys & Girls Club of Rochester. The site's design reflects the club's atmosphere of fun in a positive environment, while maintaining the structure needed to serve a large volume of information.

The Boys & Girls Club serves an important role in our community. Want to know how you can help? While visiting the site, you will see many paths you can take to contribute to the organization. Some of these options include volunteering your time, attending one of many events, or donating something from the wishlist. You can also choose to donate money to their KidStock program securely from the Web. Remember that these donations, no matter how small, will have a positive effect on the life of a child in our community (Read about success stories).

We would like to thank Jill, Jodi, Jeremy and Larry from the Boys & Girls Club of Rochester for the opportunity to develop their new site, and we look forward to further helping them increase community awareness of their work with our RapidNewsletter application and Search Engine Optimization.

Site Launch: Nursing Analysis & Review

CWS is pleased to present you with Nursing Analysis & Review's (NAR) new home on the web. NAR provides professional consulting services in the areas of nurse care, transitional placement, legal nurse consulting, geriatric case management, and more.

Searching for senior care facilities for loved ones can be a stressful task. The last thing any of us want is to place our elderly parents in an unfamiliar, uncomfortable environment. NAR helps to alleviate this stress by addressing many of your questions and concerns right from their website. Helpful information and frequently asked questions are only a click away.

We thank Kimberly with Nursing Analysis & Review for choosing CWS to create her new image on the web, and we look forward to our continued business relationship.

Site Launch: RoederCattleServices.com

Roeder Farms has a long tradition of integrity, honesty, and a sincere concern for those with whom they conduct business. Combine this with extensive knowledge and experience in the international, domestic purebred, and commercial cattle industries, and Roeder Cattle Services (RCS) is the perfect choice for managing your next sale, or as a consulting service for marketing/adding to your herd.

When visiting the site, you will notice it was designed to evoke the feeling of the old west, while maintaining the professional image that RCS has become known for. The site offers a glimpse into the history of Roeder farms, their sales catalog, upcoming sales events, and a list of marketing services offered.

RoederCattleServices.com was designed on our Do-It-Yourself plan*. And aside from the hunger pangs experienced while discussing burgers, steak, and other fine beef products, it was a pleasure working with Cindy and Robby, and we look forward to our continued relationship as we further optimize their new site for accessibility to search engines.

* Under the Do-It-Yourself plan, the site owner creates all text using Adobe Contribute. We provide professional design services, setup and training.

Site Launch: PatrickArendt.com

Being charged with a criminal act is a serious, life changing experience. It's important for anyone in this situation to choose an attorney who has the experience and knowledge needed to win your case.

Licensed by the Minnesota Supreme Court since 1996, attorney Patrick Arendt has been successfully representing individuals in these kinds of circumstances throughout Southern Minnesota. The focus of Patrick Arendt Criminal Defense (PACD) is solely on defending those faced with criminal charges.

This site design attempts to communicate the serious nature of the task of criminal defense. But as the tagline "Freedom's Last Defense" reminds the visitor, the constitutionally guaranteed right to a fair hearing is one of the core foundations of American society, and Patrick Arendt is committed to winning your case.

Throughout the site you will find many resources relating to Minnesota law, with specific topics including DWI and other charges.

It was a pleasure working with Patrick Arendt, and we look forward to working with him again in the future.

Site Launch: AlgalBiomass.org

With rising gas prices and the record-breaking cost of oil, research in alternative energy sources is becoming ever more urgent. A number of organizations have formed to advance the cause. The Algal Biomass Organization, is one such group -- a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of algal biomass production technologies through research and education.

Tom Byrne (of Byrne & Company Ltd.) looked to CWS for a solution to make these research efforts known worldwide.

Throughout the site you will find an array of information dealing with algae production technologies, including events, summit details, and what the Algal Biomass Organization is doing to expand and develop new technology. You will also find documents available for download that have been submitted by independent researchers.

We have enjoyed working on this project with Tom Byrne and the Algal Biomass Organization, and we're excited to see important research being done in the field of alternative energy.

Site Launch: OhThoseGuys.com

In 1997, Savage, MN based Total Promotions was created as an ASI company that supplied corporate apparel and promotional items to small, medium, and large businesses. In 2001, they purchased the domain OhThoseGuys.com. In 2005, they officially changed their name to OH Those Guys. Now, in 2008, OH Those Guys still sells the same quality corporate apparel and promotional items; but with the addition of their athletic supplies, team apparel and spirit wear division "OTG Athletics," they were in need of an online facelift.

After viewing a Rochester based sporting goods website, OH Those Guys gave us a call.


The new site needed to incorporate both divisions of the company. The abstract shapes and sports photography created an edgy feel for the sporting goods division, while the soft blue gradients and inviting corporate photos appealed to the needs of those looking for corporate apparel.

However, OH Those Guys and OTG Athletics are not limited to just corporate and team apparel. Throughout the site you will find a variety of content ranging from team order forms, suggested links, and a blog, to a page that offers fundraising services for free to non-profits, charities and benefits.

It was a pleasure working with Bill from OH Those Guys and OTG Athletics, and we look forward to our continued relationship as we further increase their visibility online with our search engine optimization services.

4x4parts.com - Less Talk More Walk

Alan recently posted about emailing customers who have abandoned shopping carts in an e-commerce website. One of our clients thought this was a great idea -- Automotive Customizers (4x4parts.com) added this feature to a project already in development. Last week we took their new site live. If customers begin the checkout process and don't complete it, they will receive a helpful email asking if they encountered any problems. This is a great way to focus on user needs. It's obvious when someone walks out of your brick-and-mortar store, but with the anonymity of the Internet, a site owner could be losing sales over a simple issue and never know it.

Automotive Customizers is based in Florida and specializes in supplying aftermarket Nissan parts to 4x4 enthusiasts. We have a long-standing relationship with their team, and the site was due for an upgrade. Both the front and back end systems were completely redesigned, and we built a number of custom features specifically tailored to their business.

One of these tools allows users to specify what Nissan vehicles they own in a profile. This allows administrators to verify that customers have ordered the right parts for their vehicles, saving headaches for both customers and staff. They can also use this information to identify which customers own a specific vehicle in the event that something special is available for that model.

My favorite feature is the lightbox photo gallery where customers can upload photos of their customized trucks. In the previous version of this site, users were restricted to uploading a very small image. The new gallery allows a much bigger image to truly show off all of those customized vehicles. Just one more user-focused feature to illustrate Automotive Customizers' commitment to their customers.

Drop by 4x4parts.com to check out the new site. Our thanks to the AC team for a great project.

Site Launch: KASInvestment.com

CWS is pleased to announce the launch of kasinvestment.com, a Rochester, MN company established to operate three glass and glazing subsidiary companies: Ford Metro Inc., Architectural Contract Glass Inc., and Swanson Glass Inc.

There is a definite art in designing glass, and we wanted to emphasize this by developing a unique site that reflect the architectural splendor and talent that goes into creating residential and commercial glass projects, while maintaining the quality and ease of use you expect from CWS websites.

Throughout the site you will find information on doors and hardware, retail glass, commercial glass, and much more. There's an extensive photo gallery showcasing the work and craftsmanship of FMI, ACG, and SGI.

It was a pleasure working with Mitch and Kevin of KAS Investment Co., and we look forward to our continued relationship as we further expand their web presence with our search engine optimization services.

Site Launch: premierbuildersmn.com

Premier Builders of Rochester, Inc. is a residential home builder focused on customer satisfaction and streamlining the often stressful home building process.

To help alleviate some of the stress, Premier Builders approached CWS to develop an attractive, user friendly website to showcase projects and to give potential customers an idea of what they can expect when they build with Premier. The site includes project photos, multiple floor plans, a list of frequently asked questions, and an extensive list of the highest quality vendors handpicked by Premier Builders.

We've enjoyed working with Jamie at Premier Builders of Rochester, and look forward to helping him further decrease the stress of the home building process through inspired ideas and innovative web applications.

Site Launch: semnrealtors.com

CWS is proud to present the redesigned Southeast Minnesota Association of REALTORS public website. This newly renovated site offers unlimited property and open house searches -- without the need to log in or register!

The ever-changing demographics of southeast Minnesota mean that there will be a variety of users in this real estate market with just as many varied needs. With that in mind, CWS set out to make SEMAR's site as accessible as possible for every user. What does this mean for you?

• To allow those with poor vision or other visual impairments to navigate the site freely, we minimized the use of images to allow screen reading applications to function properly. We've also added controls for users to increase or decrease text size on the page they are viewing.
  
• Because of the minimalist approach to graphics, the site will load faster for everybody -- helping you more efficiently find that dream home or business.
  
• The simple architecture of navigation makes it easy for anyone to find the information they need without searching.

We're also here to help any member REALTOR whose website may have been affected by the recent MLS conversion at SEMAR. We know your business is important, and we also know how important it is to receive up-to-date data when potential clients are searching for a home on your website. As a full service web provider, CWS is capable of making the transition for you quickly and seamlessly, and we can help you every step of the way.

If you have any questions or concerns about your website's property search, please give us a call at 507-289-2229, or e-mail us at sales@cws.net -- we're here to help.

Site Launch: FoxHillOfRochester.com

Fox Hill approached CWS to develop a simple, effective website to inform prospective buyers about this new residential land development project in southwest Rochester.

The result is an elegant site designed with a focus on plat maps, lot information, and profiles of the development's neighborhoods and surrounding communities.

We enjoyed working with John from Fox Hill and look forward to working with him again in the future.

Site Launch: UltraShopRochester.com

CWS is pleased to present you with The Ultra Shop's new home on the web - http://ultrashoprochester.com Nestled within the heart of Rochester, MN in the Kahler subway; this world famous boutique offers an extraordinary selection of interesting and fine merchandise. From mirrors, tables, and frames, to jewelry, hats, and rainwear - if you're looking for high class merchandise, look no further than The Ultra Shop. And now -- with the development of their new website -- finding that International Traveler Shiny Cow Print luggage you've been after is quicker and easier than ever! It was a pleasure working with Pat, and we look forward to our continued relationship as we help further their online success with search engine optimization.

Site Launch: autodatapubs.com

Autodata Publications has recently launched their new redesigned website and hosted by Corporate Web Services, Inc.

The new site offers an array of products and information for the professional auto technician who is looking for technical data for a large assortment of domestic, and imported vehicles.

The site also includes product photos, distributor contact information, and even a newsletter to keep you up to date on new product releases.

It was a pleasure working with Autodata, and we hope they enjoy their redesigned home on the web.

Site Launch: AllegroDanceMusic.com

Following the addition of music to their curriculum, Allegro School of Dance and Music approached CWS to redevelop their home on the web. With our goals set and ideas racing through our minds- we got right to work.

The project called for a simple, elegant, and easily navigatable layout that would not only cater to the needs of Allegro's varied demographic, but also organize everything in such a way that would save parents time, and help get children to their dance and music lessons right on schedule.

The result is a beautifully simple site that includes a class schedule, registration information, calendar of events, faculty information, photos and more!

We have enjoyed working with Lance and Janet from Allegro School of Dance and Music, and look forward to our continued relationship with them as we further expand their business online with our RapidNewsletter application.

Launch: 300Financial.com

As previously mentioned, CWS has been working the past few months with 300 Financial, an organization providing services to financial advisors, on a variety of applications. Last week the company's public website was released along with a number of private web-based tools.

One of these tools allows advisors to collect some basic financial information from a potential client and automatically determine both things that are done well and potential trouble spots. The web-based application considers such variables as asset allocation, exposure to interest rate volatility, the impact of account expenses over time, and estate planning needs.

This system automatically assembles a report for the client in the form of an 80-page PDF document, with options that the financial advisor can tailor as needed to the client's unique situation. Armed with this information, advisor and client can quickly identify areas to target for improvement and make intelligent decisions together.

Another set of calculators helps those nearing or in retirement to design a series of structured investments that will provide the correct mix of portfolio growth and monthly income for their needs, again based on the individual's situation.

CWS has enjoyed developing these tools to help deliver the right knowledge to financial advisors and their clients, giving them the insight needed to make wise choices for the future. We look forward to ongoing development with 300 Financial.

Site Launch: www.tru-tain.com

Tru-Tain approached CWS requesting a new website with the ability for users to make purchases online. The final product featured a fully functional e-commerce solution along with a modern design to focus on products, and to emphasize customer service and information.

Tru-Tain offers a wide variety of products in orthodontics and dentistry in their new online store. They are even offering an additional 10% off all orders placed online!

We've enjoyed working with the friendly and courteous staff at Tru-Tain, and look forward to helping them achieve further online success with our web marketing services.

Site Launch: AdlersSportingGoods.com

Adler's Sporting Goods recently asked CWS to redesign their website. The finished project will allow users to find information easier and includes an updated design.

Adler's Sporting Goods has been in business for over 50 years. They offer quality equipment to area teams and also specialize in custom embroidery and screen printing. Adler's also offers promotional products for businesses across the the area.

It has been a pleasure working with the staff at Adler's Sporting Goods, and we look forward to continuing to work with them on improving search engine rankings as part of our Business Online Solution package.

Site Launch: FAER.org

CWS is pleased to announce a newly redesigned website for the Foundation for Anesthesia Education and Research (FAER). Since 1986, FAER has been a nonprofit charitable and educational organization working to promote the generation of new knowledge in anesthesiology. Its work advances patient care and fosters the development of anesthesiologists who are dedicated to research and education in preoperative, critical care and pain medicine.

Visitors will find a multitude of information both for those seeking grants and for those wishing to donate to this worthy cause. The site also offers valuable links, monthly newsletters, program information, events, and much more.

We have enjoyed working with FAER, and we look forward to working with them again in the future.

Site Launch: ByrneLtd.com

CWS is pleased to announce the launch of a new website for Byrne & Company Limited. Byrne & Company is a Minnesota based company in Preston. In 2007, the company expanded and opened an office in Rochester, Minnesota. The Preston office serves as the financial headquarters while the Rochester office serves as the project development headquarters.

Byrne & Company has extensive experience in the grain-based ethanol and biodiesel industries. As new technologies have emerged, they have seen a movement towards the utilization of alternative feedstocks and the development of other renewable energies. In the future they expect expansion in the areas of algae to energy, solar power, geothermal energy, wind power, waste to energy, and cellulosic ethanol.

It was a pleasure working with the staff at Byrne & Company on this project.

Site Launch: AllInStitchesMN.com

All In Stitches has just recently relocated from Rochester, MN to Stewartville, MN. They decided that a change in online appearance was in order to better represent their company, and their terrific new location.

Our goal was to develop an eye-catching, easy to navigate, and informative website that appealed to all age groups. With an extremely tight deadline for their grand opening, we set out and made it our mission to have everything ready to go by the time their doors "officially" opened. The goal was met, and neither of us could be more satisfied with the results of their new online presence.

It was a pleasure working with Sandy and the crew at All In Stitches, and we look forward to working with them on increasing their search engine rankings in the future!

Are you ready to network online?

Yesterday, a "soft launch" ocurred for a new social networking website dedicated to those living in SE Minnesota. SE MN Live! was created as a new source for online social networking (business networking, meeting new friends, searching for love, etc). Think of it as your local "MySpace"-- but for all age groups.

SE MN Live! includes exciting social networking features very similar to popular website MySpace.com. For example, users of the website can have a friends list, join groups, write blog posts, upload photos/videos, customize their personal page, and much more. Users also have the ability to invite friends to join the network.

The new website is 100% free to join and will never have a monthly fee. You can visit the new website at http://www.semnlive.com/ and start neworking today!

Site Launch: WingHouse.org

Wing House asked CWS to develop a new, contemporary logo that would reflect the character of the organization in a straightforward way. Our solution relies primarily on typography to give a sense of the personal, home-like atmosphere of the facility and its mission -- emphasizing the transitional nature of the care provided.

Similarly, the understated design of the website gives a calm, thoughtful presentation of the organization with a number of photographs to give visitors a good picture of life in the welcoming, supportive community that Wing House provides.

We've enjoyed working on this project for Wing House, and look forward to working with them again in the future!

How to Create Buzz for your Website Launch

Over the past few months, we've been working with 300 Financial, Inc. on the launch of their new company (which happens tomorrow at 11am CST). As part of this launch, we've set up a pre-launch website to help create buzz around the event. The website itself is small but includes a few key features to create the right atmosphere. Every pre-launch website must include the following elements:

Date/Time of Launch: It's pointless to create a pre-launch website if you don't tell your visitors when you'll be going live. In this case, we created a countdown clock to the exact time of the official launch. This is important because it lets people know when they can expect to see your new website online. In addition, it forces your staff to commit to a specific date for website completion. This is the most important element to any pre-launch website, so don't forget it!

Create Excitement: In this case, the official website (soon to be unveiled) will allow a limited number of people to register for an informational meeting in Scottsdale. To handle the influx of questions about the new company, a blog was set up at 300financialnews.com to field some of these questions. This allows the pre-launch website to remain focused and uncluttered. It also allows people to start interacting, blogging, and talking about your new company before you officially "go live."

Email Signup Box: Since registration space is limited, people need to know the exact time of launch so that they can return to "reserve a spot in history." But why make them try to remember it? Instead, you can give them a simple way to sign up for notification when the site is available. Then on launch day, you can send an email message letting them know that your website is live.

Logo: Finally, placing your company logo somewhere on the page is an important element for any new launch. Building an identity for your new company can't start soon enough, and your prelaunch page is an excellent place to start establishing your brand.

We hope that you've found these tips helpful in creating your own pre-launch website. Following these simple steps can create some buzz for any new site and get you started in the right direction to a successful future.

Site Launch: Chocolate-Time.com

As a gift or just a guilty pleasure, Chocolate Time offers high-end designer chocolates to tempt any palate. Located in Rochester, MN, Chocolate Time is a retailer of traditional, novelty, and designer chocolates and offers a variety of products from all across the nation.

CWS was chosen by Chocolate Time to design both a logo and a website.

The logo was crafted to reflect Chocolate Time's unique, elegant sense of style. It echoes the shop's impeccable interior and the attention to detail found in each hand-crafted artisan chocolate.

The website was designed under the same premise. A subdued, elegant look focuses attention on the products themselves, and the photos of mouth-watering truffles and turtles will leave you with a craving that can only be satisfied by taking a trip to locally owned Chocolate Time.

We have enjoyed working with John at Chocolate Time, and we look forward to working with him in the future!

Site Launch: Custom-Alarm.com

"If you need to feel safe, or you need to hear great sound... Get to Custom Alarm for the best service in town!"

Custom Alarm provides peace of mind by offering the best in sales, design, installation, service and monitoring of security systems. They also offer the best in design and installation of all your sound and media needs for your business, school, retail store, health care facility, city hall, restaurant, house of worship, etc. Want to know more?

There is no such thing as too much information when it comes to the security and safety of your family, home and business. Viewing this same information shouldn't be a chore. In designing Custom Alarm's new presence on the web, we knew that a visually pleasing, easy to use navigation system was needed. The result was a clean, professional site that offers all of the information you need--quick and easy.

It was an honor to be given the task to design a new website for such a well established, reputable company. We look forward to our continued relationship with Nikki and the rest of the crew at Custom Alarm.

Site Launch: RiggottPhoto.com

Based in Rochester, Minnesota, photographer Dean Riggott specializes in commercial, corporate, editorial, architectural and documentary-style wedding photography. His high-quality commercial photography and environmental portraits provide business-to-business image solutions for a long and loyal nationwide customer base, including Mayo Clinic, Marriott Hotels and Resorts, Cambria, Pfizer, Seneca Foods and Wells Fargo.

To support his ever-growing client base and subsequent photo galleries, we knew Dean would need a specialized solution to create and publish new galleries on the fly. The solution was to create an Adobe Flash based slideshow application customized to the look and feel of the site, and to dynamically display an unlimited number of photo galleries published by the backend administrative tool.

The concept was simple: Design a clean, professional site with a focus on Dean's extensive portfolio. The result was a spectacular display of professional photography and special moments that have been captured by one of Rochester's premier photographers.

It was a pleasure working with Dean, and we look forward to our continued relationship in the future.

Launch: DowntownRochesterMN.com

CWS is pleased to announce the launch of Downtown Rochester MN.com, a new website developed for the Rochester Downtown Alliance. Occasionally, the complaint is heard that there's nothing to do in Rochester. In fact, the downtown district is quite active for those in the loop, and this website aims to substantially increase that number of individuals.

The site is intensely data-driven and represents a joint effort between the hardworking staffs of both RDA and the Rochester Convention and Visitors Bureau. The pool of information will be kept up to date constantly by these organizations and by downtown business owners themselves.

In addition to highlighting current and future activities in downtown Rochester, the site features information about new developments in the district and an itinerary planner that walks a visitor through the steps of planning a night out on the town. Information on parking downtown is integrated throughout the listings, so there's no excuse not to get out and explore.

Rochester offers a host of sights and sounds -- theatre, music, art, comedy, unique shopping, and excellent restaurants both old and new. Keep yourself up to date by subscribing to email updates or RSS feeds from the website. Have an idea for something you'd like to see happening downtown? There's a suggestion box for you.

Let us know what you think!

Launch: Church of Saint John

CWS is pleased to announce the launch of a new website for the Church of Saint John the Evangelist. The church was the first Catholic Church in Rochester. It was founded in 1863 by Rev. James Morris and still exists at it's original location downtown.

The new website features a variety of valuable information for visitors and parishioners, including mass schedules, a calendar of events, community information, and even a photo gallery.

St. John's Block Party is July 14th and features Sister Hazel as the headliner. This annual event is for families, seniors, singles, and everyone interested in coming together for a celebration of harmony, humanity and peace. Tickets go on sale June 2nd.

It was a pleasure working with the Church of Saint John and we hope they enjoy their new home on the web.

Launch: Venture Computer Systems

CWS is pleased to announce the launch of a new website for Venture Computer Systems, southeast Minnesota's premier source for IT solutions and support. Venture has been a trusted partner of CWS and many other regional businesses for a number of years.

Venture decided that it was time to make a better online presentation of their business case: all the reasons it makes sense to rely on a highly qualified staff of experts. The website was also given a more contemporary design and a structure that's easy to maintain.

Venture Computer Systems has an impressively broad range of products to meet your technology needs, so be sure to see what they have to offer. You may be surprised at the variety of high-quality goods and services that are available right here in Rochester!

Launch: Rochester Public Library

On February 1, the Rochester Public Library unveiled a new website developed in partnership with CWS. This redesign addressed a number of objectives for the Library's complex web offerings.

The website was rebuilt from the ground up to better meet accessibility guidelines and Web standards. It greatly simplifies access to common tasks and features, and highlights some useful tools that you may not have previously noticed.

Finally, the website is now far easier for Library staff to manage and maintain using Adobe's Contribute Publishing System. Hats off to them for updating and restructuring an enormous body of content during this process.

Response so far has been very positive. Here's what the Post-Bulletin's Digital Mike had to say:

I like it. All the stuff you looked for before seems to be there, and now it seems easier to maneuver and find information compared with the old site.

Rochester has a truly impressive library for a city its size, so be sure to check it out (no pun intended)! If you never visited the old site, you can find a copy by stepping into The Wayback Machine.