Former Vitrue & Oracle Executive Launching Social Democracy Platform July 4
Atlanta, Georgia (PRWEB) July 01, 2016 -- Atlanta entrepreneur Horace Williams is launching a social democracy platform to build an ecosystem of knowledge to help spur involvement, engagements and actions between constituents and civic leaders. The Empowrd platform, which launches officially on July 4 in the Apple, Android and Microsoft stores, is hosting a pre-launch event party from 4-8pm ET today at the Microsoft Store in Lenox Mall.
The public’s civic knowledge and involvement, particularly with millennials, is at an all-time low. Most can’t name their state elected officials, and those numbers get worse when it comes to local officials. Consider this excerpt for an article in The Atlantic:
“Only one in five Americans aged 18 through 29 cast a ballot in last year’s elections, marking 2014 as having the lowest youth voter-turnout in 40 years. Some reason that young Americans are apathetic about public affairs. Others argue that cynicism about the electoral process is what’s keeping young adults from the polls: They’re so disillusioned with politics they’ve simply given up on it.” (Source: The Atlantic)
“Knowledge and the power to connect and engage—dare I say hold accountable—doesn’t really exist today in the civic ecosystem,” said Williams. “Empowrd hopes to change that. And the platform delivers value not just for citizens but also for civic leaders willing to better understand and engage with their constituents.”
Empowrd is a social application designed to provide a complete knowledge and engagement ecosystem for the nation’s civic system. You can check out their launch video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FElt9VyRXJw
Launching first with Georgia, Empowrd will have thousands of Georgians pre-registered prior to launch date. It is the only digital repository that contains every single elected official throughout Georgia as well as mapping and geolocation information for the more than 5,000 districts across the state. What does that mean? Not sure of your congressional district? What about all your local elected leaders? No worries, Empowrd can provide all that information and connections in a few clicks and swipes.
Williams, a technology and design executive, has been involved in two startups: UGENmedia, acquired by Vitrue in 2008; and Vitrue, acquired by Oracle in 2012. His passion and love behind Empowrd is equal parts technology and politics. His father was a passionate New York City public servant and mentor to many NYC officials. Williams’ roots with civic involvement runs deep.
Williams also has several different revenue streams established, including Jurisdiction Management Deals selling to cities, counties, colleges and the state. “By end of year we will close many sizeable deals with civic and governmental organizations across Georgia,” he stated. “The potential in revenue generation is really tremendous. The governmental systems around the state are seeing the benefits that Empowrd can deliver—all in a modern, mobile and intuitive experience. Today’s generation isn’t dialing up ATL311.”
Based in Atlanta, Empowrd is headquartered in the Hurt Plaza building and currently employs ten professionals. The company says it plans to expand both locally and nationally as the platform grows and adds states. Williams estimates he will triple his staff by mid-2017.
Williams added: “As founding father and former President James Monroe said of the public’s involvement in civic action they, ‘Must arm themselves with the power knowledge gives.’ Empowrd aims to do just that.”
CONTACT:
Larry Stewart
Larry(at)empowrd(dot)com
Larry Stewart, Empowrd Apps LLC., +1 4045504885, [email protected]
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