A simple implementation of the WordPress CMS helps ensure the site is easy to update and otherwise maintain and expand. A custom logo and illustrations developed for a promotional print piece add character while reinforcing a consistent message. Understated design and animation convey Janelle’s commitment to quality and tasteful innovation and reflect a bit of the rich agricultural and cultural heritage of Salt Spring Island.

With estimates of as much as 90 percent of travel planning taking place online, this family oriented resort was feeling the need to open up a clearer conduit between staff, customers, and potential customers. The former static, brochure-like site’s outdated look and feel, lack of functionality, and difficult maintenance had become liabilities. Outdated photos and information gave an inaccurate picture of facilities that have undergone significant renovations. After a thorough selection process, CB&F was brought in to make changes.

We created a flexible framework to show not only the updated facilities, but just as importantly the carefully cultivated family friendly atmosphere at the resort. The result is a site that can be easily and quickly kept current, and shows off the business to good advantage. Key communication channels are quick, easy and reliable, encouraging quality contact from returning and potential customers.

Check it out! And if you’re coming to Saltspring with your kids, and need a place to stay and swim and soak in the island atmosphere, be sure to contact the friendly folks at Cedar Beach Resort.

Just like our business customers, groups can host their website with Charles Buchwald & Friends for a year, including web pages, email, mailing lists, file transfer, and more.

Hosting is fast, very secure, easy to manage, and well supported by an enthusiastic and community-minded local business. It’s also carbon neutral.

Join groups including the Bandemonium Music Society, Salt Spring Community Education, WOLF Kids, and many others.

UPDATE: Save Our Surgery is the first recipient of hosting this month. Only 2 accounts left now.

As long time residents of Salt Spring Island and the Gulf Islands this is one of the ways we give back to the community and the people we love.

If you are a charity or a Gulf Islands community group, please contact us.

UPDATE: July applications are closed. 2 additional community groups have received donations, but will wait to announce their projects. Thanks, everyone, for another great month of small scale philanthropy!

According to the group:

In 2004, a new “state of the art” operating room was completed at Lady Minto Hospital, together with an excellent Central Supply Room to provide sterilization of instruments as required by the new standards.

This project was funded by the Capital Region District ($1.1 million), the Vancouver Island health Authority ($1 million) and, at the request of the VIHA, $780,000 from the Lady Minto Hospital Foundation.

Since July 2008 this state of the art operating room sits empty and unused.

Please visit their site to sign their petition, learn more, or obtain contact information.

Highlights of this project included:

• working with Lynda and her team to develop a custom WordPress theme incorporating the strong visual elements of the older site by Renee at earth spirit creations, to preserve the consistency of look and feel with Lynda’s existing print and digital assets
• using a variety of great WordPress plugins to increase the functionality of the site, from the sophisticated and customizable menu system, to the AJAX-powered client testimonials, to custom forms
• and most significantly expanding the control Lynda herself has over the site and it’s growing content.

The WordPress CMS provides a friendly, efficient interface for managing content, including adding new articles, editing existing materials, and working with images, audio and video. Video is especially important to Lynda’s plans, and YouTube content is already becoming a part of the site.

Lynda said, “Charles cares deeply about the work he brings forward in the world and is dedicated to making a difference with his work and within his community. He is a true artist, not just at the helm of website design, or with camera in hand, but in his way of seeing what is possible. I value my connection with Charles on many fronts and highly recommend him on any project that calls to his muse.”

I know we’ll see great things to come from this creative and inspiring dynamo!

In a related note, Charles Buchwald & Friends is now offering translations services for web content!