The Economic Development Corp. of San Benito County is more than
three months past its previously announced launch date for a
website that the organization has lacked for years.
The Economic Development Corp. of San Benito County is more than three months past its previously announced launch date for a website that the organization has lacked for years.
EDC President Nancy Marty in February responded to questions about the organization having no website presence. At the time, she announced a May 12 launch date to coincide with the annual trade show and job fair at the Veterans Memorial Building. As of this week, there was no launch yet of an EDC website.
Martin did not immediately return a phone call for comment about the website before publication.
Hollister Downtown Association Executive Director Brenda Weatherly, an EDC board member, said the organization has budgeted for the website.
“She’s hoping to have it up in two months,” said Weatherly, while noting that Martin is busy working on a county application for a broadband grant as well as the county’s federal economic development report.
Weatherly did say that funding is scarce going forward for the organization, when alluding to the website and possible completion.
“We are still coming up short,” she said.
The site’s URL has been published on EDC business cards, brochures and other documents for more than a year and a half, but has not been finished. The stated URL, edcsanbenito.org, still brings up a page that says, “This Web site is coming soon.”
When she arrived as the new administrative leader of the EDC in the fall of 2008, Martin pointed out that developing a website was a priority, especially considering the importance of promoting the county to business interests in other areas or countries.
In the past, Martin has said the website had been delayed because of issues with financing and establishing the best design and features for the site. She has estimated needing an additional $30,000 to develop a competitive website.
Officials hope the site will connect the county to businesses globally, Martin said in February.
EDC Board President Gillian Enz-Bowles has said the site is a priority for the group.
