Press Release

Oakland County eGovernment Programs Win International Awards

Pontiac, Michigan - Two of Oakland County's eGovernment programs were recently honored in international competition for the 2009 Digital Government Achievement Awards from the Center for Digital Government.

Oakland County's Video Center, on www.oakgov.com, and the County-produced Blogin' Café, held at last year's Arts, Beats & Eats festival, were cited as examples of first-rate ideas and collaboration on digital solutions that benefit citizens.

"These awards were open to governments all over the world.  This recognition showcases Oakland County as a technological center on the global stage.  The prestige that comes with such awards adds credibility to the sales pitch we use to convince companies around the world to locate their businesses in Oakland County, a high-tech environment," said Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson.

"Technology has become the cornerstone of effective government, and is transforming the way that government does business.  The Digital Government Achievement Awards are important recognition of our efforts to use technology in new ways to provide better, more cost-effective services to our citizens and businesses," said Phil Bertolini, Oakland County CIO and Deputy County Executive.

Oakland County's web site Video Center uses multimedia as a new way to communicate with citizens at home and around the world.  The County's podcast series and collection of short videos make news and information more accessible to a greater number of citizens, while spotlighting Oakland County as a great place to live, work, play, and do business.

The Blogin' Café event, featured in Government Technology magazine, contributed to the overall success of the 2008 Arts, Beats & Eats festival.  The event educated citizens about new technologies while increasing awareness of local government programs and services.  Oakland County established relationships with several partners and sponsors to produce the event at minimal cost to all involved, for maximum benefit to everyone who participated.

Learn more about Oakland County's online services and eGovernment programs at www.oakgov.com.

For media inquiries, please contact Phil Bertolini, Deputy County Executive/CIO, at (248) 858-0815.