BERNE, Ind.—DRG recently received word that the Web Marketing Association has named Rare Bird Inc. as the recipient of the 2009 Web award for Outstanding Achievement in Web Development for its redesign of DRG's free pattern Web site, FreePatterns.com.

The WebAward Competition is the premier award recognition program for Web developers and marketers worldwide, and the Rare Bird redesign received the Toy & Hobby Standard of Excellence Award.

Rare Bird Inc. is a marketing communications firm specializing in Web development and Internet applications, such as intranets, extranets and electronic commerce. The company is known for its attention to detail, strategic thinking, and its focus on providing a measurable return on investment.

According to Jim Cota, president of Rare Bird Inc., "The key to improving usability on the new site is the robust search function that allows customers to quickly sift through thousands of available patterns to easily find those that match their interests." He went on to say, "We’re proud to be recognized for this work, and DRG's commitment to evolving their technology and improving the customer experience makes them the ideal partner."

FreePatterns.com launched in 1999, and the redesign represents DRG's ongoing effort to stay on the cutting edge of Web-accessibility in offering crafting products to the public. The site provides a variety of needlecraft and crafting patterns published by industry leaders Annie's Attic, The Needlecraft Shop, House of White Birches and American School of Needlework.

Since 1997, the Web Marketing Association's annual competition has been setting the standard of excellence for Web site development, with more than 2,000 sites vying for recognition during this year's 13th annual competition. The winning DRG site is accessible at FreePatterns.com.