Another year has passed. Often when times are tough, it is hard to see the good that went along with it. 2008 was a year of many ups and downs throughout the United States. I thought for my first official blog for Central Mass Web Design I would lead you through a recap of my most memorable moments of 2008, as well as a brief look at some of the website and design clients we happily serviced.

There are many clients and websites that we released that stand out in my mind, but with all jobs, you have some that become your favorites. Some stand out because of the intricate design, work, and detail that go into them while others because of the personal relationship established with each of our customers. The first website that comes to mind is Mar-Lee Companies.

Mar-Lee Companies needed a website that was as innovative as the industry they were in. We combined a new website with an updated logo and brochure to match.

We try with each website to incorporate the feel of each company. We try to establish their core values in an easy to understand format. Father and Son Moving wanted to convey the many years they had been in business. They wanted their customers to immediately get a feel of “old New England” charm. Our designers were able to join the 2 and design a website that shows tradition, and a company rooted in New England.

Some of my Personal favorites include The Animal Superstore, Barnes Building, LLC, Sunrooms By Brady, and Good Eats 2 U.

The employees at Central Mass Web Design got together and decided that maintaining Toys for Tots websites was not enough. During these tough times, we felt we needed to give back to the community, so we established the first ever Central Mass Web Design Toys for Tots “Stuff the Bus” event. Our employees donated their time to be there, and with the help of many family volunteers we were able to raise over 250 toys for needy families in Central Massachusetts.

Braving the cold and rain on “black Friday” employees and friends stood at the event for 7 hours to gather as many toys as we possibly could. This is an event all of us enjoyed and plan on doing next year again!

We survived the Ice Storm of 2008. Our offices had to close, but all of our employees were able to remain working to some degree from one place or another. Company President Matt Ward was able to keep all of us focused, and make sure we were all safe, while staying with relatives in another town. Senior Project Manager Kimberly Veautour went all the way to Rhode Island, and worked to keep our clients informed sending out email newsletters to our clients of our status and reinforcing to our clients our dedication. General Manager, Mark Smith, who was affected the worst of us all, stayed in constant contact with the employees to ensure we were all safe. He even offered to go by and check on our houses if we had evacuated. In one way this was the most beautiful sight I have ever seen, and yet the most destruction I have ever seen.

I guess 2008 had its ups and downs. No matter what your political affiliation, this was a historical election year. The pomp and circumstance surrounding it made it truly an event to behold! The weather still plagues us, and will continue to dump inches of snow on us through February and most of March.

I, as well as every employee at Central Mass Web Design, wish you the very best of New Years. May 2009 be what all of us hopes it will be!

-Kimberly Veautour