City of Bethlehem launches web site

For Immediate Release: January 12, 2000

City of Bethlehem launches web site

The City of Bethlehem launched its first-ever Internet web site today (Wednesday, January 12) at a news conference at the Northampton County offices of the site’s designer, Regional Network Communications Inc. (RNCi).

The web site features an index of City Hall services; detailed listings from the city’s recreation, health, and recycling offices; information on Bethlehem’s economic development efforts; and a visitors’ guide with information on shopping, lodging, dining, and historical attractions.

"Today Bethlehem becomes a vital part of the Information Age," said Mayor Don Cunningham, who pledged during his 1997 mayoral campaign to develop a city web site. "The Internet has sparked a communications revolution and the city is now positioned to participate in this exciting new frontier."

The web site was designed by Regional Network Communications Inc. of Hanover Township, Northampton County. The site uses advanced Internet content management software to update, manage, and syndicate information across multiple web sites on the Internet.

"It’s been a great opportunity to integrate our leading-edge web products into the City of Bethlehem site," said Susan C. Yee, president and chief executive officer of RNCi.

"This technology uses web sites as a communication destination better than fax machines and e-mail. I commend Mayor Cunningham for his insight and vision in leading Bethlehem with new technologies that benefit residents through time- and cost-savings," Yee said.

Cunningham said the city’s web site was designed for three specific audiences: residents, visitors, and businesses.

"For residents, there's a full directory of city services. For visitors, there's information on historical attractions, shopping, and special events. And for businesses, there's a special section on economic development in Bethlehem," Cunningham said.

The site, which has been on-line since mid-December, includes more than 20 links to the Internet addresses of Bethlehem businesses and organizations. Also featured is a convenient form for sending an e-mail message to Cunningham or anyone else in City Hall.

Using RNCi’s content management software, the city is syndicating selected news releases from its site to RNCi’s regional site. Tourist and health information from the city’s site is also being syndicated to other web sites.