ifPeople launches site for BALLE business network

BALLE is an innovative network of business organizations that is bringing new solutions to the need for economic development, responsible business, and sustainable communities. With affiliate organizations in 20 cities in the US and Canada (and growing), the Internet is key for communication and collaboration. To strengthen its network and offer better services to its stakeholders, BALLE is creating more accessible information through an elegant, sophisticated online publishing system and a new online image. The site, created by ifPeople using Open Source technologies enables BALLE to publish online documents, while providing tools for content management, newsletter sign-ups and more.

“Regarding the process of working with Chris and his team, here’s what I’d say: Clear communication at every stage, clear agreement on scope-of-work, and on-time deliveries!! It’s a great talent to have super-ambitious deadlines and complicated projects, and be able to manage them with minimal stress for everyone involved (or at least on the client side!)” Don Shaffer, Director, BALLE.

Find out more about leading independent businesses, about the economic impact of "buying local", and the building blocks of a local living economy at livingeconomies.org.

In addition to the new Web site, the system creates a platform for development of new programs with business directories for flexible management options by affiliates.

The BALLE international Web site now utilizes an Open Source system called Plone, and has been launched publicly. ifPeople, working with Conscious Creative for graphical design support, has developed a new design, and a site technology that enables BALLE to easily publish content, keep the Home page updated with recent information. The site also includes functionality such as a calendar of events, mailing lists, and flexible search. The new design incorporates more graphics and best practices for maintainable, accessible design that meets established Web standards. The site also leverages strategies to ensure better search engine visibility, including metadata management and the separation of content from the design.

Result to date:

* Staff can easily manage content through a browser-based interface with no programming knowledge, saving time and costs.
* An online database of articles, events and featured entrepreneurs provides a valuable resources for readers and encourages additional traffic to the site.
* A more efficient approach to domain and link management will improve the rankings in search engines.
* Home page is always updated through the use of a dynamic Featured Content areas to display content on that is designated featured. Each section can also have its own featured content.
* ifPeople expert staff also helped BALLE understand and organize services to save money and become more self-sufficient.

Online Business Directory

Ever wonder where to go to find businesses that conform to environmental and social best practices, have organic produce, or are locally owned? The BALLE directory will provide a leading resource for those seeking to find progressive, independent businesses. The development for a central business directory database by ifPeople will provide a means of promoting businesses in the network, for building the effectiveness of "buy local" campaigns, and for giving independent businesses another means of promoting their products and services.

Empowering Local Business Organizations

BALLE is leveraging its work with ifPeople in order to offer better online services and tools to the affiliated business organizations across North America. The local networks will now be able to utilize the open source platform and new design for their own local work. Look for ongoing news about new sites launched within the network!

About ifPeople: ifPeople delivers world-class solutions to responsible enterprises that enable them to manage business processes, foster effective teamwork, and improve efficiency and productivity. ifPeople creates and implements appropriate information technology solutions and our consulting services provide support in collaboration, marketing, and sustainability strategy. The company is a recognized leader and innovator in the fields of sustainability, social responsibility, and information technology. ifPeople is headquartered in Atlanta, GA and also has an office in Argentina. http://www.ifpeople.net
Created by cjj