News
2009
April 07, 2009 -
Resource Center Seeks Field Testers For Economic Impact Tool
The America’s Byways Resource Center and the Economic Impact Steering Committee are currently seeking a limited number of byways to field test the computer model and user interface being developed to assist byways in measuring the impact of National Scenic Byway designation on their surrounding communities.
Development of the model and the user interface will continue through spring 2009, and the product will be ready for testing in late summer.
“Field testing is an essential component of our work,” according to David Versel of the consulting group Economic Stewardship, Inc. “We need to ensure that local byways groups feel comfortable using the model and explaining its results to decision-makers in their communities.”
Field testers will have direct input on the development of the Impact Tool and get results this year instead of in 2010, when the final product will be released to the greater byway community.
Participation as a field tester will require a significant amount of time and effort, but it is essential in developing a user-friendly product. “We cannot emphasize enough the importance of input from local byway groups to our effort,” said Versel.
The deadline for applications is April 30, 2009. Read the Frequently Asked Questions for more information about field testing and how your byway can apply (PDF, .txt).
