Archive for category: News

Brandt Demonstrates Unwavering Resilience During Hurricane Idalia

As Hurricane Idalia swept through the greater Tallahassee, Florida region on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, and the pressure of opening dove hunting seasons in a majority of its states, Brandt’s operations faced a significant test of its operational resilience. Despite power outages, personal safety, and logistical challenges posed by this natural disaster, Brandt’s service to its state agency partners remained strong. Thanks in part to comprehensive preparation and robust continuity plans, public users and state agency personnel continued to receive uninterrupted, high-quality service.

With every state’s licensing and reservations solution supported by redundant cloud hosting located across the United States, Brandt’s online solutions maintained its 99.99% uptime average.

Brandt’s remote workforce has expanded over the past few years with recent adoption by the contact center for remote contact center agents answering phone calls. Even with backup generators at their headquarters to offer respite for employees in need, contact center agents had the ability to dial in from their remote location when their shifts began throughout the day. “Our contact center agents geographical spread, and diligent planning of the managerial staff with staged shift starts made Wednesday, like every day, a success in the contact center,” said Tariq Mirza, Vice President of Service Operations at Brandt. Staffing and caller data are closely monitored to ensure quick times to answer and time to resolution. “Wednesday was just another day in the office with a little more pep in our step as the storm went by.”

Remote contact center agents played a crucial role in ensuring the continued operation of essential services, even during power outages in the wake of the hurricane. On Wednesday alone, 2,138 calls were handled and 483 card documents were printed for mailings.

Service, stability, and security are critical to Brandt’s state agency partners and their public users. “Our clients are at the forefront of every business decision we make, and it is times like these, that validate the positive impact we can make as an organization by staying miles ahead of today’s concerns” exclaimed Mirza.

Brandt has consistently organized donations and supplies support to those impacted by Hurricanes and other natural disasters for many years including those in Louisiana and Florida. Our thoughts go out to those impacted in our area, particularly the Perry, Florida community just east of Tallahassee as well as the path up Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Extends Contract 2 Years with Brandt for License and Recreation System

Brandt is thrilled to announce the two-year extension of our contract with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) for the continued operation and enhancement of their online licensing and recreation system. Functioning as an all-encompassing hub, this platform acts as a focal point for the sale and provision of diverse outdoor recreational and commercial privileges. These privileges encompass hunting licenses, fishing licenses, permits, lottery management, integration of hunter education, streamlined customer and vendor communications, and advanced business intelligence dashboards.

The collaboration between WDFW and Brandt has been characterized by achievements, transforming the way licensing procedures are conducted, elevating customer interaction, and furnishing invaluable resources for business analysis.

“We’re honored to maintain our strong partnership with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, aligned with their conservation mission. Brandt’s platform empowers responsible outdoor engagement. Our commitment is steadfast in delivering innovative solutions and excellent service to WDFW and its constituents.” – Jeff Roberts, Chief Technology Officer.

Extending the agreement with Brandt equips WDFW to persist in refining the licensing system, incorporating additional features and improvements specifically designed to accommodate the evolving needs of license holders, vendors, and the broader community. This partnership reaffirms the shared commitment of both parties to utilize technology to enhance outdoor encounters, champion conservation endeavors, and efficiently oversee all the natural resources Washington State has to offer.

For more information about the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Brandt system, please visit https://www.brandtinfo.com.

About Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is dedicated to preserving, protecting, and perpetuating the state’s fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.

About Brandt Information Services
Brandt Information Services is a leading provider of innovative software solutions for government agencies and private organizations. With a focus on improving operational efficiency and user experience, Brandt offers a wide range of services, including licensing and registration systems, payment processing, and data management solutions. With a strong commitment to client success, Brandt continues to deliver cutting-edge technology to simplify complex processes and empower organizations to achieve their goals.

The 2023 Brandt State Summit Wraps Up

Brandt Information Services’ annual State Summit in Richmond, Virginia concluded with tremendous success earlier this week, underscoring our company’s commitment to partnership, innovation, and transformation. 

The 2023 Brandt State Summit spanned three days and featured a diverse range of engaging sessions, breakouts and interactive workshops. The Summit explored the latest trends, breakthroughs, and challenges facing Brandt and the outdoor recreational licensing and reservations industry. Over 65 attendees across 15 of Brandt’s state agencies had the opportunity to network, collaborate, and gain valuable insights from each other, Brandt team members, and industry thought leaders.

“This conference had more meaningful and impactful information to someone who is in operations than any other conference I’ve been to in years.”

Brandt State Partner Attendee

The success of 2023 Brandt State Summit would not have been possible without the support of our partners’ licensing, reservations, boating, and marketing attendees. Their dedication and contributions played a crucial role in making this event a resounding triumph.

As the curtains close in Richmond, Virginia, participants are already looking forward to next year, eager to continue the conversations and collaborations sparked at the 2023 Brandt State Summit.

Brandt’s Upcoming 2023 Summit in Richmond, VA

Brandt’s annual State Summit conference is next week, August 7-9, 2023 in Richmond, Virginia. The Summit features presentations, workshops, and networking opportunities to celebrate client partner achievements and inspire continued progress in transforming the outdoors experience.

Attendees include system managers and marketing leaders from Brandt’s state agency partners across the country. Our Summit is not just an event; it is a celebration of our partnership and shared achievements throughout the year. With presentations from industry experts, insightful breakout sessions, and working groups, this year’s Summit promises to be more enlightening and engaging than ever before. We have thoughtfully curated content that aims to empower and inspire, driving innovation and growth for all our partners.

Presentation topics include:

  • Brandt Executive Overview
  • Celebrating the Non-Consumptive User
  • Turning Data into Intelligence
  • Marketing Campaigns That Work
  • Growing Your Brand Awareness with Merchandise
  • Product Updates
  • Go Outdoors Reservations Management
  • How Marketing Automation Drives Revenue
  • The State of the Brandt Vessel Union

Beyond the enriching business sessions, networking opportunities forge industry connections for shared lessons learned and opportunities to continue to transform the outdoors experience. Opportunities like this to build relationships with fellow partners and the Brandt team are what make the Summit truly unique.

This Summit provides us with an exceptional opportunity to dive into topics that are crucial to our collective success. From technology system delivery to data analytics, marketing to product development, each aspect plays a vital role in shaping the future of our organizations. It is through networking and idea collaboration that we can explore new possibilities, identify synergies, and build stronger connections.

Travis Warren, CEO of Brandt

As we gather in the historic city of Richmond, renowned for its hospitality, and vibrant energy, we are looking forward to a Summit that will be one for the books. Whether you are a seasoned Summit attendee or a first-timer, we guarantee an unforgettable journey of learning, growth, and camaraderie.

North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Launches New Licensing Platform, Go Outdoors North Carolina

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA (July 19, 2023) – On Saturday July 1, 2023, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission launched a new, custom licensing system and mobile app, Go Outdoors North Carolina, developed in partnership with Brandt, a Florida based company that provides innovative paperless web and mobile solutions for a best in class user experience.

Through Go Outdoors North Carolina, residents and non-residents can easily purchase licenses, register vessels, apply for permits, and shop for merchandise online. Customers will be offered the opportunity to upgrade their digital license(s) to a durable, hard card license with four designs options to choose from that feature North Carolina game and fish, including white-tailed deer, wood duck, largemouth bass and dolphin-fish.

“The new platform brings user-friendly features to outdoor enthusiasts across the state. This new efficient system is designed to improve the user experience for our fishing, hunting and trapping license holders, vessel registrants and Wildlife Service Agents.”

Executive Director Cameron N. Ingram with the Wildlife Commission

The Go Outdoors North Carolina mobile app for iOS and Android users features a range of helpful resources from virtual maps, regulations, vessel registration, and much more. Through real-time license verification and secure digital storage, the Go Outdoors North Carolina app ensures that users can conveniently access their licenses at any time, even from their mobile devices. The app also allows users to access their licenses easily on their phones, view regulations and sunrise/sunset times in the field, and report harvests after hunting.

“The launch of the Go Outdoors North Carolina licensing system represents a significant milestone in our commitment to expanding Brandt’s national support to transform the outdoor licensing experience with a simple, modern and secure solution.”

Travis Warren, CEO of Brandt

As part of the partnership, Brandt also developed a mobile app for Wildlife Law Enforcement Officers to be able to scan license documents and/or hard card QR codes to confirm customer status in the field, with or without cell phone reception.

Customers can create an account online at Go Outdoors North Carolina or download the Go Outdoors North Carolina app to buy or sync their current licenses. To purchase fishing, hunting or trapping licenses or register a vessel visit gooutdoorsnorthcarolina.com.

About the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission

Since 1947, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has been dedicated to the conservation and sustainability of the state’s fish and wildlife resources through research, scientific management, wise use and public input. The Commission is the state regulatory agency responsible for the enforcement of fishing, hunting, trapping and boating laws and provides programs and opportunities for wildlife-related educational, recreational and sporting activities.

Get N.C. Wildlife Update — news including season dates, bag limits, legislative updates and more — delivered free to your Inbox from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.

The 2023 South Dakota Elk and Bighorn Sheep Application Period Breaks Records for Second Consecutive Year

The 2023 South Dakota Elk and Bighorn Sheep application period has once again set new records for the number of applications for these seasons. This marks the second consecutive year of unprecedented demand for these highly coveted hunting opportunities.

South Dakota residents may apply during a specific time-period each year for the opportunity to be drawn for a limited license for specific seasons that are available. Licenses are drawn in sequence from season to season. The 2023 application period ended May 18, 2023, revealing a remarkable boost in interest, with an 8% increase in applications compared to the previous year, and an astounding 40% surge compared to 2021.

South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks (GFP) launched its new licensing and campground reservation system in December 2021 and soon after began to see an increase in Elk and Bighorn Sheep applications. Since the new system launched, Elk applications increased from 37,345 in 2021, to 39,380 in 2022. The Bighorn Sheep applications grew from 8,272 to 11,312 during this same time-period. To the excitement of Brandt and GFP, we have seen yet another successful application period in 2023, totaling over 12,000 Bighorn Sheep and nearly 40,000 Elk applications.

“Customer service is one of our top priorities and working with Brandt we have successfully been able to ensure our customers are aware of these opportunities, are easily able to submit their applications, and ultimately able to get where they want to be, outdoors,” stated Nick Harrington, GFP Communications Manager.

With recent improvements to the users’ experience, targeted emails, and mobile app push notification reminders, the Go Outdoors South Dakota system is providing better communications with sportsmen and women, while driving conservation efforts.

Iowa Department of Natural Resources Signs Five Year Contract Extension with Brandt for Go Outdoors Iowa System

March 30, 2023 – Brandt Information Services (Brandt) is pleased to announce the signing of a five-year contract extension with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for the operation and enhancement of the online licensing and registration system, Go Outdoors Iowa. The statewide system serves as a comprehensive platform for selling and providing access to a range of outdoor recreational and commercial privileges, such as hunting licenses, fishing licenses, safety education certificates, and Iowa Outdoors magazine subscriptions.

Under the extended contract, Brandt will continue to manage and support the Go Outdoors Iowa system, ensuring its seamless operation and consistent availability to the public. The partnership between the DNR and Brandt has proven highly successful, streamlining the licensing and registration process while providing essential services to Iowa’s outdoor enthusiasts and commercial enterprises.

Go Outdoors Iowa has made it easier than ever for residents and visitors to engage in recreational activities across the state. With a user-friendly interface and secure payment processing, the online system allows individuals to conveniently purchase or renew licenses, register for safety courses, and access other outdoor resources. DNR is benefitting from precedented license, registration, and product sales through Go Outdoors Iowa, reporting a 13.9% increase in system transactions and a 13.7% increase in total items sold in the past year alone.

“We are honored to continue our partnership with the Iowa DNR and support their mission of promoting and preserving Iowa’s natural resources. The Go Outdoors Iowa system has empowered countless individuals to engage in outdoor activities responsibly. We remain committed to delivering innovative solutions and exceptional service to Iowa DNR and its constituents.”

Alan Wise, Chief Success Officer at Brandt

With the extension of the Brandt contract, the DNR looks forward to further modernizing the Go Outdoors Iowa system and incorporating additional features to better serve the needs of its users. This partnership reaffirms the commitment of both organizations to harnessing technology for the benefit of Iowa’s residents, while simultaneously supporting conservation efforts and the sustainable management of the state’s natural resources.

For more information about the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the Go Outdoors Iowa system, please visit brandtinfo.com.

About the Iowa Department of Natural Resources
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is responsible for the management and preservation of Iowa’s natural resources, including wildlife, parks, forests, and water resources. Through education, regulation, and collaborative initiatives, the DNR aims to conserve and enhance the state’s environment, ensuring its sustainability for future generations.

About Brandt Information Services
Brandt Information Services is a leading provider of innovative software solutions for government agencies and private organizations. With a focus on improving operational efficiency and user experience, Brandt offers a wide range of services, including licensing and registration systems, payment processing, and data management solutions. With a strong commitment to client success, Brandt continues to deliver cutting-edge technology to simplify complex processes and empower organizations to achieve their goals.

Brandt Information Services Recognized as a GovTech100 Company for 2023

Brandt Information Services is pleased to announce we have been recognized by Government Technology as a GovTech 100 company for 2023! The GovTech 100 list is comprised of companies that have made a difference in the technology space for local and state government agencies. We are proud to offer a licensing and permitting system that allows for a user-friendly experience for customers and serves as a revenue driver for state agencies.

“This year we have seen an exponential increase in gov tech market activity – from new companies starting up to help government tackle complex challenges, to existing companies joining forces for scale through consolidations, gov tech as an industry is clearly showing its recession-proof characteristics. Each of the GovTech 100 companies demonstrates the energy of our market across all gov tech segments,” stated Dustin Haisler, Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer for Government Technology. 

Winners will be featured in the January/February issue of Government Technology magazine and GovTech Daily’s newsletter

Check out the full list of awarded companies: http://www.govtech.com/100!

Brandt Information Services Named Best & Brightest Company to Work For Seventh Consecutive year

Brandt Information Services is honored to have been selected for the seventh consecutive year as one of the 2022 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® In The Nation. Brandt has been named as one of 135 winning organizations out of 1,000 nominations across the country. We will be honored at the virtual Illuminate Business Summit week in February 2022.

With over 20 years of experience conducting the Best and Brightest competitions, the National Association for Business Resources (NABR) have identified numerous best Human Resource practices and provided benchmarking for companies that continue to be leaders in employment standards. All 2022 companies that will be selected to be recognized nationally as a Best and Brightest Company to Work For® will be featured in the online edition of Corp! Magazine and in the Wall Street Journal.

About the Best and Brightest Programs
The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® competition identifies and honors organizations that display a commitment to excellence in operations and employee enrichment that lead to increased productivity and financial performance. This competition scores potential winners based on regional data of company performance and a set standard across the nation. This national program celebrates those companies that are making better business, creating richer lives and building a stronger community as a whole.

To learn more about Brandt’s culture and career opportunities, please visit the Brandt Careers page.

Go Outdoors NE is the New and Improved Permitting System for Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

On November 15, 2022, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and Brandt launched Go Outdoors NE, a new permitting system for the state’s hunt, fish, and parks needs. The new user-friendly system will allow customers to purchase all fishing and hunting permits by creating a customer account or looking up their account information. Customer information has been migrated into the new system to prepare for this transition. Park entry permits, Nebraskaland Magazine subscriptions, and donations may be made as a guest user and do not require an account.

2023 permits are available for purchase in the GoOutdoorsNE system; however, the previous system will remain operational through January 31, 2023.

Durable hard cards are available in two designs, crappie or pheasant (artwork by Bryan Owen and Ed Anderson).

“We are excited for the launch of Go Outdoors Nebraska! It has been a collaborative effort between the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and Brandt’s Terra team to implement a new system that makes the process simpler and more efficient for the state’s constituents,“ stated Richard Wise, CEO of Brandt.

GoOutdoorsNE is available exclusively online at http://GoOutdoorsNE.com!

Learn more on outdoornebraska.gov.