News & Views

« Back to News

Smith System Boasts Award-Winning Web Site

Classroom Furniture Manufacturer’s Web site named Best Institutional Services Web site in 2007 WebAward Competition

PLANO, TEXAS (October 16, 2007)  – The Web Marketing Association (WMA) honored Smith System’s Web site as the Best Institutional Services Web site in the international 2007 WebAward Competition.

Smith System’s site (www.smithsystem.com), which was created and developed by Risdall Advertising Agency Interactive, was given this award at the Best of Industry level for its recently updated version. The Best of Industry award distinction sets the online standard for the entire industry.

Noteworthy elements of Smith System’s Web site include DesignU, a design tool that lets customers create detailed floor plans of sample classrooms, a solution finder which suggests products based on the individual needs of the educator and the curricula, and a dealer locator where customers can find authorized Smith System dealers close to their schools.

“In our industry, providing information for both schools and dealers is vital,” said Bill Risdall, vice president of marketing for Smith System. “Outfitted with a dealer locator, DesignU and a product resource library, our Web site offers customers the ultimate online shopping experience.”

Smith System’s Web site competed along side more than 2,400 entries representing 96 industry segments. The 2007 WebAward entries in were judged using seven criteria, including design, innovation, content, technology, interactivity, copywriting and ease of use. Smith System’s Web site tied the industry average in one criterion, and scored above the average in the other six criteria.

Now in its 11th year, the WebAwards is the premier annual Web site competition that honors the best sites in 96 industries while setting the standard of excellence for all Web development.

Risdall Advertising Agency Interactive (RAAi)
RAAi is a full-service interactive agency and a division within Risdall Marketing Group (RMG). As one of the top interactive agencies in the country, the group has created and produced more Web sites and interactive media than any other group in Minnesota. RAAi has been providing interactive solutions since 1993; the average level of interactive experience on the interactive team is well over 10 years. The team specializes in Web site design, search engine optimization (SEO), paid search marketing, interactive marketing (banners and ad placement), landing pages, flash, blogs and podcasts.

About Smith System
Founded in 1905, Smith System (www.smithsystem.com) has helped American education evolve by being ready with the right furniture at the right time.  An industry leader in school furniture innovation, Smith System is committed to developing products that support the optimum learning environments -- addressing the needs of the student, the demands of the curriculum and the realities of space, maintenance and budget.

###

Media Contact:
Bill Risdall
Smith System
972.398.4050
billr@smithsystem.com

Media Contact:
Eva Keiser
Risdall McKinney Public Relations
651.286.6765
eva@risdall.com