June 29, 2015

Comptroller's Office Recognized for Social Media, Information Technology Initiatives

(AUSTIN) - The Texas Comptroller's Unclaimed Property, Innovation and Technology and Texas Procurement and Support Services (TPASS) divisions were among the winners of the 2015 Best of Texas Awards. The awards were presented on June 26 at the e.Republic's Center for Digital Government's annual Texas Digital Government Summit.

The Comptroller's Unclaimed Property Division won Most Innovative Use of Social Media for a successful campaign that has generated unclaimed property claims by Texans totaling more than $5 million since December 2013. To search for unclaimed property at any time, or view helpful how-to videos on the process, visit the Comptroller's unclaimed property website at ClaimItTexas.org, or call 1-800-654-FIND (3463).

"This is a great example of how government can use technology and social media to better serve taxpayers," Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar said. "We're proud that we have been able to develop new and innovative ways to improve our customer service. I applaud my staff for their outstanding efforts. This much deserved award is a testament to their hard work."

The TxSmartBuy system, an online state and local government purchasing tool administered by TPASS, won Best Application Serving an Agency's Business Needs for its system upgrade to Cloud-based eCommerce technology. In June 2014, the Comptroller's office launched a complete replacement of TxSmartBuy to enhance its functions and performance and increase the transparency of government spending on statewide contracts. State and local government purchasers and vendors can access TxSmartBuy at txsmartbuy.com.

Michele McCune, a contract analyst in the Comptroller's Planning and Architecture Department of the agency's Innovation and Technology Division, won an Outstanding Information Technology Service and Support Award. McCune was recognized for her efforts in ensuring the Comptroller's office meets customers' needs concerning contract analysis for information technology systems and services.

The Center for Digital Government is a national research and advisory institute focused on technology policy and best practices in state and local government.

Now in its 14th year, the Best of Texas Awards program recognizes public-sector professionals and local government organizations for their contributions to the advancement of information technology in Texas. Winners are selected based on a number of criteria, including collaboration among agencies, innovative uses of technology, economic benefits and improvements in public services and business processes.

For a complete list of winners, visit the Center for Digital Government.

Caption: Texas Comptroller employees were among the winners of the 2015 Best of Texas Awards.

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