The State of Delaware "Gets" Social Media - big time!

Have you seen what the State of Delaware has been doing?

First, check out the new Delaware.gov home page - OK, I haven't gone to every other state web site yet, but I doubt you'll find others that prominently feature their Twitter Feed, Facebook Updates, Youtube Videos, Blog Posts, AND Flickr Photos ALL on the home page - seriously, how cool is that?

I took the liberty of asking some of the local Social Media Rock Stars what they think about the new site, here's some of their responses:

"By offering site visitors a mosaic of images, video, links, text snippets and compelling narrative, the Web team has done a superb job of mashing up 'a sense of place' with 'a sense of virtual space' [and time]. Whereas some see the social media as a poor substitute for face-to-face interaction, this updated content hub enables users to better appreciate Delaware opportunities and challenges, guided by their own objectives, pace and preferences.  User-driven access to key private and public sector initiatives and resources in one place is not easy to find, and I cannot think of another state that has accomplished it as well."

- Laurie Gelb
Trellist Marketing|Technology

"I’m really noticing that Delaware’s Gov 'gets it' – using social media to dialogue with us makes me have faith that FINALLY our government will know what to do for its people because they’re listening to what we want, and creating and following dialogue. It’s not a one way conversation with government any more. It’s relevant, timely and conscious dialogue. Go Gov. Markell!"

- Jayla Boire

"My company builds government websites for a living, and  I have yet to see another city, let alone a state, that has this much integration with social media.  It makes me proud to be from Delaware. "

- John McKown

"The State's use of social media displays an unexpected level of openness and transparency. I look forward to watching social media become a primary communication channel with government and state agencies. Success will be judged by improved responsiveness - which we can all benefit from!"

- Phil Woods

Marketing Consultant

"The development of this site definitely shows that Delaware Government is not afraid of transparency, and is looking to open up a channel for dialogue and feedback from the people. It is also very encouraging to see that grassroot/public initiatives can really make an impact, and are truly being acknowledged."

- Stephen J. Roettger

Partner @ Verge

Co-Founder of coIN Loft

"As a life-long Delawarean I know how monumental the new website is! In my opinion, social media isn't just a way to communicate; it's a catalyst for authentic community building. The State's choice to embrace social media not only shows strong leadership but also a willingness to create a future of Delaware based upon the real needs and concerns of 'we the people'. This is a bold and unprecedented step every state should take."

- Wes Garnett

Partner @ Verge

Co-Founder of coIN Loft

"As a non-native Delawarean, I see this state's willingness to embrace social media through the development of this content-rich site. It supports and raises the strong sense of community I've found since moving to this state. I'm most impressed with the dept and breadth of the site content; it's a virtual metaphor for all that Delaware has to offer to everyone who visits or lives here. I commend Governor Markell and everyone who contributes to the Web site for their willingness to be unique in the Union with such support of new media. It shows his administration recognizes that embracing social media opens the door to more effective communication between state government and the people of Delaware."

- Laurie E. Bick

Marketing and Business Communications Consultant

"I'm so excited to see the new State home page!  It is one of the best governmental web pages I've seen- easy to use, navigate and see what's going on.  I've been so impressed by how dedicated Governor Markell and his staff are to making government 'user friendly' and responsive to the needs of citizens in Delaware- and the new web page is a great indicator that they mean what they say and put their words into actions.  Making government user friendly isn't an easy task, but the new web site is a huge step forward in making this a reality."

- Whitney Hoffman

In addition to the new web site, check out this Blog Post from Alan Levin, Director of the Delaware Economic Development Office, here's the opening to the post:

Earlier this month, DEDO hosted the second annual Governor’s Entrepreneurial Business Conference. Nearly 400 people attended to hear experts share their experiences as successful economic developers, entrepreneurs and leaders in business.

The energy at the conference was exciting! For the first time, we used our new Twitter account to engage with attendees: by the end of the week, conference participants had created more than 25 pages of content and they kept sharing, even after the conference was over.

The post goes on to highlight such great ideas as co-working here in the first state (quick plug - check out the COin Loft in Wilmington, cowork.element in Lewes, and CoWo in Newark).

I continue to be amazed at the momentum that is building here in Delaware - we really are connecting our government, business, non-profit, media, and local communities through social media - I believe we are all benefitting from being more informed and more connected.

Let's keep this momentum going!