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Goodwill Industries International Redesigns Web Site

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090716/DC47803LOGO)

"Millions of people visit the Goodwill Industries International Web site each year, and more than 80 percent are seeking information about the Goodwills in their communities -- where to donate, shop and find job training programs and other support services," said Jim Gibbons, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. "With the site's redesign, visitors will have an easier time connecting with the Goodwill agencies in their communities and accessing the information they need."

New navigation, colors and fonts will allow users to more easily access content on the site. Other components include:

    --  "My Story," a weekly, mission-focused blog written by individuals whose
        lives have been impacted by Goodwill.
    --  A Goodwill locator that allows users to filter results by type of
        location, including more than 2,300 retail stores, donation centers, and
        166 headquarter locations in the United States and Canada.

    --  Interactive features, including podcasts about people helped by
        Goodwill, and a means to share and comment on the content as well as
        spread mission awareness via other social networks.

A preview of the redesigned site was offered to Goodwill's social media fan base in mid-October through a survey on QuestionForm.com. Exclusive invitations were sent out through the organization's social network base on Facebook and Twitter. Participating at a higher-than-typical response rate, previewers gave rich feedback, with nearly 90 percent of survey takers reporting that they liked the design, and more than 90 percent saying they would return.

"Our fans and followers took the time to offer their comments and suggestions, demonstrating their commitment and investment in the Goodwill brand," said Gibbons. "In return, the site features content that describes how Goodwill incorporated the survey suggestions for the formal launch, and we will continue to listen and take action based on visitors' feedback post-launch."

The Web site serves as the central point for Goodwill Industries(R) to distribute information about how the organization provides employment placement services and other community-based programs for people who have disabilities, those who lack education or job experience, and others facing employment challenges. Goodwill collects gently used clothing and other household goods, sells the donated items in stores and online, and uses those revenues to train people for careers in a variety of fields and emerging industries.

The site was redesigned by The Matrix Group International, a Web development and marketing firm in Arlington, VA.

SOURCE Goodwill Industries International