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EDC delays decision on website hosting after EDOIQ ends service; VisitWidget recommended pending plan
Summary
EDOIQ is discontinuing hosting and staff recommended VisitWidget for hosting plus an app/widget package; board postponed a vote and asked staff for a marketing plan and security verification before deciding.
EDC staff told the board that EDOIQ — the EDC’s current website/CRM vendor — is discontinuing hosting services. Staff presented four vendors and recommended VisitWidget because the bundled widget plus hosting includes advertising and business‑listing features and met the city’s cybersecurity needs.
Staff member Caitlin and IT director Mina outlined the options and said the two lowest‑cost hosting options did not meet the city’s cybersecurity requirements. Caitlin said the EDC currently pays approximately $5,000 a year for the EDOIQ subscription (which includes CRM features) and that the hosting portion will be a new expense when the hosting service is removed from EDOIQ’s offering.
Why it matters: The EDC’s website and business listing capability are used for marketing, development tracking and business outreach. The board voiced interest in the VisitWidget platform’s business‑listing and campaign features but asked for a clearer marketing plan and cost‑benefit justification before committing taxpayer funds.
Board action: Members voted to postpone action. The motion to postpone was seconded and passed on a voice vote. Staff was asked to return with a simple plan describing how the additional tools and hosting would be used, measurable outcomes and an implementation timeline.
Ending: Staff will develop a written recommendation that includes a marketing plan, security vetting, and cost comparison and return the item to a future board meeting for final action.
