Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation (SFDC) is a nonprofit economic development organization dedicated to promoting the redevelopment and revitalization of the Richmond Highway corridor of U.S. Route 1 from the beltway to Fort Belvoir in Fairfax County. Since 1981, SFDC has helped direct nearly $2 billion of private investment to the Richmond Highway corridor.
SFDC’s Mission
To develop, implement and support projects designed to stimulate economic growth in the Richmond Highway corridor by working closely with business owners, developers and local residents.
With its rich legacy and longstanding presence in the community, SFDC has always been committed to driving revitalization along the Richmond Highway, fostering community engagement, and facilitating connections between stakeholders. However, as an organization with a decades long history, SFDC faced challenges inherent to its legacy. These included issues such as outdated branding and a website that may not have fully reflected the organization’s enduring impact.
Modernizing SFDC’s Web Systems: A Strategic Partnership with Hofbauer Consulting
Upon the appointment of a new executive director, SFDC recognized the need to enhance its influence in the region. The new executive director, drawing from his successful tenure as the director of the Hopewell Downtown Partnership, brought valuable insights about the transformative impact that tailored technology solutions could have on organizational growth and community engagement. Building on the fruitful collaboration with Hofbauer Consulting during his tenure at the Hopewell Downtown Partnership, the new executive director brought them on board again to spearhead the modernization of SFDC’s web systems.
Hofbauer Consulting collaborated closely with SFDC to address its challenges. In addition to their technical expertise, the team leveraged their experience with economic development organizations to advise SFDC on a digital strategy to reach their goals while saving valuable on administration.
Elevating SFDC’s Presence: Website Redesign and Innovative Features
Hofbauer Consult started by raising awareness of SFDC’s mission and showcasing its accomplishments. This involved revamping the organization’s website to provide a user-friendly platform for presenting data, information, and project updates.
Key features
- Website Redesign: A modern, intuitive website design tailored to SFDC’s needs, emphasizing data visualization and storytelling
- Custom Content Management System (CMS): A bespoke CMS to streamline the management of the significant and growing volume of project related data.
- Event Management Tools: Integrated event calendar and ticket management system to facilitate community engagement and event promotion.
- Business Directory: A business directory to enhance client visibility and community engagement.
- Interactive Map: Hofbauer Consulting also built a mapping feature to help stakeholders and members of the community identify and locate businesses within the region.
Navigating Stakeholder Dynamics: Strategic Support for SFDC’s Leadership
One of the hurdles that arose during development was gaining approval from SFDC’s broad spectrum of stakeholders, including board members with varying backgrounds and viewpoints. Through meticulous planning and effective communication, Hofbauer Consulting supported the executive director in solidifying credibility and skillfully navigating the intricate dynamics of the board.
Hofbauer Consult leveraged its expertise in both technology and information architecture to guide SFDC through the design and implementation process. By understanding SFDC’s unique requirements and audience expectations, the team delivered tailored solutions that transformed the organization and exceeded the stakeholder expectations.
Driving Growth and Engagement: SFDC’s Success with Hofbauer Consulting’s Tailored Solutions
Since implementation, SFDC has experienced tangible growth and increased community engagement. The organization continues to leverage its new website and event management tools to showcase its successes, promote economic development initiatives, and foster connections within the community.
Hofbauer Consult’s partnership with South Fairfax Development Corporation exemplifies the transformative impact of tailored technology solutions in driving economic development and community engagement. By addressing SFDC’s challenges through strategic planning, innovative technology solutions, and ongoing support, Hofbauer Consult has played a pivotal role in advancing the organization’s mission and fostering growth in the Fairfax region.