The Cherry Creek North Business Development District required an Internet presence and database capabilities to update and control administrative functions of the web site.  The solution needed to provide easy access to merchant directory information, an events calendar, the ability to purchase gift certificates good at any Cherry Creek North merchant, and allow merchants the ability to edit their own directory profile.  In addition, CCN wanted to create a unique opportunity for the merchants of the district to collaborate and share resources in the local community. 

After analyzing Cherry Creek North's requirements we developed a technology solution that exceeded all expectations.  The site architecture employs the use of ASP, Component Object Model (COM) objects, and SQL Server 2000.  This platform provides the stability and flexibility needed to empower such a complex site.

One feature of the merchant directory that site visitors enjoy is the ability to view a Cherry Creek North quadrant map for individual merchants. All merchants have the ability to log into their own control panel and update their contact information and company description, change their newsletter subscriptions, and complete Cherry Creek North Merchant surveys. The community collaboration tool of choice in this case is a Merchants only discussion forum. This allows both Cherry Creek North and the merchants to communicate amongst themselves asynchronously.

The site also includes a merchant search engine. The administrator can assign keywords to merchants to increase their placement in the search results. Site visitors can purchase gift certificates online that are accepted at any Cherry Creek North merchant.

Add in an advanced newsletter and broadcasting control panel and the solution becomes extremely useful for distributing important information quickly. The administrator can add, edit, delete, and send multiple newsletters to multiple recipient groups – saving time and money.  Another important benefit is Cherry Creek North's ability to immediately makes updates to their site without calling the "web designer".  A content management engine with robust functionality rounds out the package and helps this becomes a great solution for Cherry Creek North.