Archive for category: Development

Leading up to the launch of their new customer management system, the “Activity Hub,” the Indiana DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife (DFW) held a public art contest for their upcoming durable license card designs. Taking a similar approach to the traditional duck stamp artwork competitions by opening the art competition to the public, DFW aimed to create engagement with the community, celebrate local talent, and represent the state’s biodiversity on their official license cards, released in December 2024.

While many state agencies have leveraged artwork submitted for agency contests in the past, Indiana DNR is the first state to publicly announce that the winners of the competition will be featured on the license cards. The community engagement brought excitement to the system launch as a soft teaser of new system features, including the cards.

This approach to artwork selection may be leveraged as a blueprint for other states to follow.

Contest Structure and Rules

The contest accepted multiple forms of 2-D artwork, including:

· Photography

· Painting

· Drawing

· Graphic design

Participants were allowed to submit up to two entries each, and the artwork had to feature Indiana wildlife or landscapes. The contest was open for four weeks.

AI-generated art was not permitted. By entering the contest, artists gave the DFW permission to use the designs on the cards, merchandise, and in general communications such as social media posts, newsletters, and websites.

Winning artists are credited on the printed cards and whenever their work is used in other publications, and they did not receive monetary compensation

Selection Process

Winning entries were selected through multiple rounds of judging. First, a small team worked to narrow almost 450 entries down to 30 based on quality and category. The team ran those 30 entries through an AI-detection tool to make sure each entry was original work. Next, a larger group of staff volunteered to participate in a more elaborate round of judging, using a detailed rubric that evaluated each submission’s creativity, technical execution, and relevance to Indiana’s natural themes. The eight highest rated finalists were then sent to the entire division for final voting, which generated excitement and positive internal engagement. With so much talent to choose from, the number of winners increased from four to six, the maximum number of hard card designs allowed. Winners were notified by email eight weeks after the contest closed and were announced on social media about 12 weeks after.

Design Implementation

To ensure a smooth transition to production, the artwork was selected at least six weeks before the new card launch. This timeline allowed for aligning the card layout, running test prints, and approving final samples. The front of the card prominently showcases the selected artwork, with the logo strategically placed to avoid covering the design, creating a visually balanced and professional appearance. The back of the card includes the licenses and customer information. The process from artwork selection to card production took several months, allowing time to ensure the card’s quality and durability for outdoor use.

Outcome and Future Impact

The contest’s success enhanced the aesthetic value of the cards and strengthened community ties with the agency’s mission. State agencies may replicate this user generated art competition approach by establishing clear guidelines and categories, encouraging artist contributions, and balancing artistic integrity with functional execution.

This innovative approach proves that combining public engagement with practical needs can create meaningful public and staff engagement.

Cross-promoting products and services during a customer’s journey can be a game-changer for expanding adoption and introducing new offerings to a highly relevant audience. At the heart of successful cross-promotion is a focus on relevancy: matching customers’ immediate interests with tailored suggestions, adding value to their experience while boosting sales.  

Cross-Promotion Relevancy is Key 

When a promotion is relevant to a customer’s purchase journey, it holds greater impact and resonates with them, creating a sense of added value.  

Combining Data from Parks & Licensing for Powerful Marketing 

Cross-sell opportunities are not limited to just parks reservations. Cross-divisional opportunities allow shared audiences from sister divisions or departments to expand the market reach into untapped user segments. 

Cross-promotion opportunities multiply when data from park reservations and licensing systems are integrated into a downstream Marketing Automation CRM. By blending parks reservation data with licensing information, you can create targeted campaigns, such as sending fishing license offers to parks reservation customers who frequent areas with lake or river access.  

Segmenting audiences based on interests amplifies the impact of email marketing. Campaigns targeting public customers with a history of purchasing fishing privileges or visiting parks through online systems resulted in higher engagement rates than broad campaigns. 

Maximizing Engagement Through Data-Driven Cross-Promotions 

Through thoughtful cross-promotions, reservations and licensing systems can expand product adoption and enrich customer experiences. By focusing on relevancy and using data integration across parks and licensing platforms, we build compelling customer journeys that resonate with their interests. The result is a win-win: customers discover services that enhance their outdoor experiences, while agencies and vendors see increased engagement and revenue. 

As Brandt continues exploring cross-divisional partnerships, leveraging seasonal events, and implementing digital advertising, we can grow our audience in innovative ways, reinforcing the appeal of outdoor recreation for every type of adventurer. 

In a landmark move signaling a strong partnership and mutual commitment to innovation, Brandt, a leading provider of licensing solutions has secured a three-year extension with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC). Oklahoma’s decision to extend the partnership with Brandt for three years underscores the exceptional trust and satisfaction between the two entities.

“We are happy to announce the extension of our partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation,” said Alan Wise, Chief Customer Officer at Brandt. “This three-year extension is a testament to the successful collaboration and shared vision between Brandt and ODWC. Together, we have achieved significant milestones, and we are eager to continue driving innovation and excellence in licensing and merchandise solutions for the benefit of wildlife conservation efforts in Oklahoma.”

Brandt has been instrumental in revolutionizing the licensing, event registration and merchandise landscape for ODWC, offering cutting-edge solutions and unmatched service quality. Through this extended partnership, both Brandt and ODWC aim to continue elevating the standards of customer service and operational efficiency within the realm of wildlife conservation.

“ODWC is excited to extend our partnership with Brandt for the next three years,” stated Mike Chrisman, License Supervisor at Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. “Brandt has consistently demonstrated their dedication to our mission, and their innovative solutions have significantly contributed to our success in engaging with our community and supporting wildlife conservation efforts across the state. We look forward to building upon our achievements together in the years to come.”

Under the renewed agreement, Brandt will continue to provide ODWC with a comprehensive suite of services, including licensing management, merchandise creation, distribution, and marketing support. Leveraging advanced technologies and industry expertise, Brandt remains committed to delivering tailored solutions that streamline operations, enhance revenue generation, and amplify the visibility of ODWC’s conservation initiatives.

About Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
ODWC manages and protects fish and wildlife, along with their habitats, while also growing their community of hunters and anglers, partnering with those who love the outdoors, and fostering stewardship with those who care for the land.

About Brandt Information Services
Brandt Information Services is a leading provider of innovative software solutions for government agencies and private organizations. With a focus on improving operational efficiency and user experience, Brandt offers a wide range of services, including licensing and registration systems, payment processing, and data management solutions. With a strong commitment to client success, Brandt continues to deliver cutting-edge technology to simplify complex processes and empower organizations to achieve their goals.

Brandt is delighted to announce the successful implementation of a cutting-edge reservation system and improved marina contract support for the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD). MWCD entrusted Brandt to spearhead this pivotal project of optimizing operations and unifying fragmented systems. With dedication and expertise, Brandt successfully rolled out the new system on May 29, 2024, marking a significant milestone in MWCD’s journey towards operational efficiency and seamless management.

Situated in central/eastern Ohio, MWCD boasts an extensive network of recreational facilities, including 1,246 campsites, 71 cabins, 28 day-use facilities, and over 1,650 marina slips spread across 12 locations. Throughout the project, our dedicated teams worked tirelessly to address challenges and ensure a seamless transition. Our teams collaborated closely with MWCD stakeholders to understand their requirements and develop a solution that would meet their evolving needs. The integration of multiple systems into a unified accounting workflow not only eliminated manual entry but also reduced redundant, time-consuming processes, enhancing overall efficiency.

“Brandt’s Training and Project Management teams were instrumental in facilitating knowledge transfer and ensuring a seamless transition for MWCD staff,” stated Dave McLean, General Manager of Brandt’s Itinio Platform. “We delivered a solution that is driving tangible results and fostering lasting partnerships.”

The successful launch of the reservation system and enhanced marina contract support underscores Brandt’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions that drive tangible results for their customers. Brandt is proud to have partnered with Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District on this transformative journey and looks forward to continuing to support them in their mission to provide exceptional recreational experiences for visitors across the region.

To make a reservation, click here: https://reserve.mwcd.org/

About Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District
Responsible stewards dedicated to providing the benefits of flood reduction, conservation and recreation in the Muskingum River Watershed.

About Brandt Information Services
Brandt Information Services is a leading provider of innovative software solutions for government agencies and private organizations. With a focus on improving operational efficiency and user experience, Brandt offers a wide range of services, including licensing and registration systems, payment processing, and data management solutions. With a strong commitment to client success, Brandt continues to deliver cutting-edge technology to simplify complex processes and empower organizations to achieve their goals.

Brandt, the govtech leader in innovative recreational management software, is pleased to announce its successful bid for the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation’s (IDPR) Recreational Management System contract. This contract entails the development of a comprehensive statewide recreational vehicle/vessel registration, campground reservation, and retail management system, leveraging a centralized database to oversee Idaho’s thirty (30) park locations, historical sites, and facilities statewide.

“This partnership signifies our dedication to delivering top-notch recreational services to our visitors,” said Susan Buxton, Director of IDPR. “This system transition will enhance the overall guest experience, aligning perfectly with our mission to promote accessibility and enjoyment of our natural resources.”

Supporting IDPR’s vision for a customer-centric and data-driven approach, Brandt will provide an integrated web-based suite of applications for managing reservations, ticketing, recreational registrations, retail purchases, and point-of-sale services across Idaho State Parks. This includes registrations for boats, snowmobiles, and off-highway vehicles, as well as campground reservations/camping for campsites, cabins, yurts, houses, cottages, and day-use facilities.

“We are thrilled to have been chosen to deploy our reservations platform in the beautiful state of Idaho,” stated Travis Warren, CEO of Brandt. “Our mission is to transform the outdoor recreational experience for all. Similar to our partnership with Idaho Fish and Game, we eagerly anticipate bringing our expertise in reservations and registrations to the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.”

Brandt’s platform will increase registration compliance, campground occupancy, foster loyalty, drive revenue growth, and improve the quality of customer experiences through outdoor recreation and resource stewardship. Check back for more information regarding the Idaho Parks Reservations solution launch.

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About Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation
IDPR’s core values include integrity, compassion, service, stewardship and commitment. We protect the resources that are entrusted to us, we strive to help visitors experience those resources in a positive way and we endeavor to be vital members of the communities in which we operate.

About Brandt Information Services
Brandt Information Services is a leading provider of innovative software solutions for government agencies and private organizations. With a focus on improving operational efficiency and user experience, Brandt offers a wide range of services, including licensing and registration systems, payment processing, and data management solutions. With a strong commitment to client success, Brandt continues to deliver cutting-edge technology to simplify complex processes and empower organizations to achieve their goals.