Goodwill Industries International Redesigns Web Site

ROCKVILLE, Md., Nov. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On November 2, Goodwill
Industries International launched its redesigned Web site, www.goodwill.org,
to better serve Goodwill(R) shoppers, donors and job seekers.

(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

Lauren Lawson, Media Relations Manager of Goodwill Industries International,
+1-240-333-5266, Mobile: +1-240-388-8309, lauren.lawson@goodwill.org