Tools & Platforms
Explore Siouxland utilizing AI and access to new data to get more accurate information on visitors and events

SIOUX CITY (KTIV) – Siouxland’s tourism organization is utilizing new technology to attract larger events to the community.
Explore Siouxland is Siouxland’s destination management organization, and is also known as the Sioux City Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau.
The organization is using new technology called PlacerAI. It’s another platform that other Destination Marketing Organizations, like Explore Siouxland, use to get insights and data on some of the big events that come to the area.
It can pull data like total visits, total visitors, popular visit hours, and visit frequency at any event.
Kristen Heimgartner, Director of Sales & Services, Explore Siouxland, says, “It can tell us how many visits there were, how many visitors were there, if they came and they went, what time of day was the busiest? It also gives us some more in-depth information about the demographics of the people that are coming, it also lets me pull information on where they came from and how many are from out of that 50-mile radius of Sioux City.”
Explore Siouxland has been using this technology since the beginning of the summer.
During KTIV’s interview, the organization took a look to see how many people visited Sioux City, specifically Lewis and Clark Park, over the week of the Iowa High School State Baseball Tournament in July.
“It looks like Monday and Tuesday were the busiest days, which we kind of expect because there were the most games, and then it breaks it down too, there were 5,400 people at Lewis and Clark Park on Monday the 21st,” said Heimgartner. “It also shows hourly visits, so we can tell that about 7 p.m. was the most people. It must have been when the game started.”
So, how does this technology know where you were and for how long? It’s all based on the cookies that you have enabled on your cell phone.
“It’s already built into your system, and they use your information, but they code it in a certain way that we can’t pull your personal information out in any way. It’s more a generalized information,” explained Heimgartner.
This information is only available based on your phone’s settings. It also tracks data before and after the event being tracked.
“This shows their favorite places they went throughout the week, and before and after Lewis and Clark Park, the top place,” said Heimgartner.
The Sioux City Parks and Rec Department was able to pull data from the latest mountain bike festival, Trail Fest. Data showed about 2,900 people at TrailFest at Cone Park this year.
Parks and Rec plans to use the data gathered for future events.
Justin Atlas is the Superintendent for Sioux City Parks and Rec. He said, “We have an understanding of who is actually utilizing our facilities, how long they are staying there, and what benefit it is for us to be able to provide services there that might accomplish the needs of our user group from event to event.”
“We want these businesses and planners to use this information to see how these events have succeeded here, but also for our businesses in town. We want you to use this information to know where your people are coming from and how you can better support them,” said Heimgartner. “This is going to be a good tool as well to use to give us a little more accurate numbers. Because a lot of times, those numbers, the planners or partners are providing us with are estimates, now we can get accurate.”
Explore Siouxland says it has also worked with Downtown Partners to see how many people have come to downtown in the past year.
“I can narrow it down to a single day. If you have a day event or if you just want one day’s numbers up to a full year,” explained Heimgartner.
Explore Siouxland uses an economic impact calculator when it gives out grants. Paperwork must be filled out, and they can use PlacerAI and see how much economic impact was brought into the community.
Explore Siouxland classifies someone as a visitor if they come to the area from 50 miles away.
“Add that filter, and then it will tell me how many people actually came from outside of that 50-mile radius, which was about 5,300,” Heimgartner said, talking about the IHSAA State Baseball Tournament.
She explained with another example, “For example, when we were looking at Saturday in the park, we set a 30-minute limit because sometimes there were deliveries coming in and out, and so that could take up to 20 minutes. So we weren’t counting those people.”
PlacerAI claims it collects device data from personal identifiers, such as Mobile Advertising Identifiers.
This Mobile Advertising ID is a unique string of letters and numbers assigned to identify a mobile device by its operating system, like iOS or Android.
PlacerAI’s policy says it uses its own technology and a technique called “K-anonymity” to protect private data. This removes identifying information before it’s shared or used for analysis.
Read more about its privacy center’s FAQ by following this link.
If you don’t want to share your data, you can opt out by going into your phone’s settings. Apple shares instructions here on how to stop sharing analytics. Android also shares how to change privacy settings here.
Heimgartner is looking to host a training session in the next few months with general information on how more organizations can utilize the technology.
Want to get the latest news and weather from Siouxland’s News Source? Follow these links to download our KTIV News app and our First Alert Weather app.
Copyright 2025 KTIV. All rights reserved.
Tools & Platforms
San Jose, Calif., to pilot AI tool to speed up build permitting

San Jose, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley, is testing new artificial intelligence software designed to speed up the city’s building permit process, with the goal of making it easier to build residential housing.
The pilot program, launched Thursday by the city’s Planning, Building and Code Enforcement Department, uses AI from CivCheck to pre-check applications and flag problems before they’re submitted. According to the department’s Housing Production Dashboard, more than 90% of accessory dwelling unit applications are returned to applicants due to missing information, which can delay construction. The city aims to build 62,200 units by 2031.
The pilot is part of San Jose’s larger push to use technology across government, from optimizing bus routes to installing license plate readers.
Tasha Dean, chief communications officer for Mayor Matt Mahan, called the effort a step toward “bringing government into the 21st century.”
“I think that most residents interact with their government in a few ways, right? They wait in line at the DMV, they come to their city council meeting and sit through hours of back and forth with elected officials, or they apply for and they spend weeks going back and forth with planners. These are all things that are incredibly frustrating — they’re slow, and ultimately, they reduce trust in government,” Dean said in an interview, “We’re trying to change that view [and] prove that government can be responsive to the needs of the people.”
The testing phase for building permits will begin this fall, with staff using the tool alongside manual reviews. If the pilot project proves successful, Dean said, the city will release it to the public as early as next year, first for accessory dwelling unit permits, which account for roughly a quarter of new-build permit applications, and eventually for single-family homes.
“I mean, part of the big delays and the issues that makes the housing crisis so bad in California is how long it takes,” she said. “And if we can reduce the friction there, ultimately we hope that we can get more shovels in the ground.”
Dean said the AI system could also help the city move quickly in emergencies, similar to the tool California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced last May, designed to expedite the building permit approval process in Los Angeles after the devastating Eaton and Palisades wildfires in January, which destroyed more than 16,000 homes, businesses and other buildings.
Tools & Platforms
CFOs must hone data interpretation skills in AI age, AuditBoard CEO says

Balancing growth against risk is nothing new to finance chiefs, but as CFOs look to navigate continuing economic uncertainty, alongside regulatory change, it’s a costly challenge that’s only grown more complex. The size of the governance, risk and compliance solutions market jumped over 14% to reach a valuation of $51.5 billion as of early 2025, as companies seek to hedge against regulatory and economic shifts as well as technology changes and risks, according to an April article by Securify.
In this environment, many finance chiefs are also being asked to cut down on costs amid ongoing pricing pressures, while at the same time, to find the space and resources needed to integrate emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence into their businesses.
That puts many finance chiefs in a bind: while “every CFO wants to leverage the savings associated with enhanced productivity through AI,” they also have to account for the risks that come alongside the technology — which are “enormous,” Raul Villar Jr., CEO of audit and compliance platform AuditBoard told CFO Dive.
Such risks include everything from false positives or “hallucinations” generated by AI tools, to fraud and cyberattacks utilizing the technology to unsafe practices by employees using the technology. As such, the “number one component of risk that CFOs are looking at today” surrounds where AI sits inside of their organization, Villar Jr. said in an interview.
Unraveling the AI risk tangle
Business and technology leaders have continued to shine a spotlight on AI’s potential, with many looking to tap the technology to help solve some of the challenges faced by continued economic headwinds. AI spending, especially on solutions like “agentic AI” tools that can perform tasks with little or no human supervision, has continued to jump in recent months, with a growing number of companies investing $10 million or more in the tool, CFO Dive previously reported.
In the face of all that attention, there’s “so much pressure for every CFO to be leveraging AI,” Villar Jr. said. If you’re a CFO at a public company, “it comes up on every public call. If you’re [in] a private company, your board is definitely asking you. It’s top of mind,” he said.
Villar Jr. has served as CEO for the Los Angeles, California-based AuditBoard — which offers audit and compliance software — since July of this year, according to his LinkedIn profile. Prior to the platform, he served as executive chair for business management software provider Simpro. Past roles also include a 21-year span at human resource software company APD, where he held a number of positions including serving as its SVP, sales, major account services.
As finance chiefs mull the potential return on investment of AI, however, the risks — and potential costs —associated with the technology are looming large in their minds as they seek to navigate a host of economic and regulatory challenges, including potential shifts to how AI itself is regulated.
That means CFOs have to strategically “pick their spots” when it comes to investing and integrating AI tools into their organizations, Villar Jr. said. To do so effectively, they don’t need to just understand AI capabilities and their associated risks, but the data that is being fed into the technology and the risks associated with those data sources, he said.
Keeping the focus on data
As AI becomes more commonplace inside of businesses, CFOs will face a twofold challenge: they will need to ensure the security of the data being fed into emerging AI tools, while also being able to quickly parse the insights they need from that data, he said.
“Protecting your data is critical, but turning data into insights is probably the most important thing a CFO has to learn to do because we’ve all gotten accustomed to a certain data layer…that [companies] report on,” he said.
As the technology matures, CFOs should approach their AI investment decisions similarly to how they approach headcount decisions: “It’s just another lever to pull from a productivity perspective, but each function is different and you’re going to have to pick winners and losers within your firm and test and manage quickly,” Villar Jr. said.
Tools & Platforms
Trotter Overhead Door Becomes First Oklahoma Company to Implement AI-Powered Diagnostic Technology for Precision Garage Door Opener Installation Services

Company vehicle and branding from Trotter Overhead Door Garage + Home, representing their trusted garage and home solutions.
Trotter Overhead Door Garage + Home, serving Oklahoma City since 1983, is the first in the state to use AI diagnostic technology for garage doors. The new system ensures precise, reliable opener installations by analyzing door specs, weight, and usage patterns.
Richardson, TX – Trotter Overhead Door Garage + Home has announced the implementation of groundbreaking artificial intelligence diagnostic technology, positioning the company as Oklahoma’s first garage door service provider to integrate AI-powered precision systems into daily operations. This technological advancement represents a significant milestone for the family-owned business that has served the Oklahoma City metropolitan area since 1983.
The innovative AI system analyzes door specifications, weight distribution, and operational patterns to ensure optimal performance and longevity. This technology particularly benefits garage door opener installation projects by providing precise compatibility assessments and optimal configuration settings. This development comes as property owners increasingly seek reliable solutions for garage door repair services that minimize future maintenance requirements.
Revolutionary Technology Transforms Service Delivery
The new AI diagnostic platform utilizes advanced sensors and machine learning algorithms to evaluate garage door systems before service begins. This technology provides detailed assessments of mechanical components, electrical systems, and structural integrity, allowing technicians to identify potential issues before they become costly problems.
Property owners throughout the Oklahoma City area can now benefit from enhanced accuracy in service recommendations and installation procedures. The system’s diagnostic capabilities extend beyond standard visual inspections, offering comprehensive analysis that improves both safety and performance outcomes for overhead door installations in OKC.
Enhanced Safety Protocols Through Smart Technology
Safety remains paramount in all garage door operations, and the AI system introduces multiple layers of protection for both technicians and property owners. The technology continuously monitors installation processes, alerting technicians to potential safety hazards or installation irregularities in real-time.
The diagnostic system evaluates spring tension, cable integrity, and opener compatibility to prevent accidents and equipment failures. This proactive approach has already shown promising results in reducing service callbacks and improving customer satisfaction rates across garage door repair projects in OKC.
Family-Owned Innovation Meets Modern Technology
Despite embracing modern technology, Trotter Overhead Door Garage + Home maintains its commitment to family values and personalized service. Jesse and Tina Trotter established the company with a vision of combining superior products with exceptional customer care, principles that continue to guide operations today.
The integration of AI technology enhances rather than replaces the human expertise that has made the company successful. Skilled technicians now have access to precise diagnostic information that enhances their ability to recommend appropriate solutions for each unique situation requiring overhead door services in Oklahoma City.
Comprehensive Service Platform Expansion
The AI diagnostic system supports the company’s full range of services, from routine maintenance to complex installations. Property owners can schedule comprehensive evaluations that provide detailed reports on the health of their garage door system, including recommended improvements and preventive maintenance schedules.
This technology particularly benefits commercial properties that require reliable access and security. The system’s ability to predict maintenance needs helps business owners avoid unexpected downtime and costly emergency repairs, making it a valuable tool for planning garage door repair in OKC.
Training and Certification Programs Launch
To support the new technology implementation, Trotter Overhead Door Garage + Home has developed comprehensive training programs for all service technicians. These programs ensure consistent application of AI diagnostic procedures across all service calls and installations.
The training curriculum includes both the technical operation of the diagnostic equipment and the interpretation of data analytics. This investment in staff development reinforces the company’s commitment to maintaining service quality standards while adapting to technological innovations in overhead door solutions.
Future Impact on the Oklahoma Garage Door Industry
The implementation of AI diagnostic technology positions Trotter Overhead Door Garage + Home at the forefront of industry innovation in Oklahoma. This advancement demonstrates how family-owned businesses can successfully integrate modern technology while preserving traditional values of quality and service.
The company’s 15,000-square-foot facility at 14000 North Santa Fe Avenue in Edmond now serves as a technology hub for garage door services throughout the region. Property owners can visit the showroom to experience the diagnostic technology firsthand and learn about available service options.
Industry analysts expect this technological advancement to influence service standards throughout the Oklahoma garage door market, potentially inspiring similar innovations among other service providers.
About Trotter Overhead Door Garage + Home
Established in 1983 by Jesse and Tina Trotter, Trotter Overhead Door Garage + Home has provided garage door solutions to the Oklahoma City metropolitan area for over four decades. The family-owned company operates from a 15,000-square-foot facility in Edmond, offering installation, repair, and maintenance services for both residential and commercial properties. The company maintains core values of integrity, quality, service, continuous learning, care, and excellence in all operations.
For more information about AI diagnostic services or to schedule a consultation, please get in touch with Trotter Overhead Door Garage + Home at (405) 341-9601 or visit our showroom located at 14000 North Santa Fe Avenue, Edmond, Oklahoma.
Media Contact
Company Name: Trotter Overhead Door Garage + Home
Contact Person: Nate
Email: Send Email
Phone: (405) 341-9601
Address:14000 North Santa Fe Ave.
City: Edmond
State: Oklahoma 73013
Country: United States
Website: https://www.trotteroverheaddoor.com/
-
Business6 days ago
The Guardian view on Trump and the Fed: independence is no substitute for accountability | Editorial
-
Tools & Platforms3 weeks ago
Building Trust in Military AI Starts with Opening the Black Box – War on the Rocks
-
Ethics & Policy1 month ago
SDAIA Supports Saudi Arabia’s Leadership in Shaping Global AI Ethics, Policy, and Research – وكالة الأنباء السعودية
-
Events & Conferences4 months ago
Journey to 1000 models: Scaling Instagram’s recommendation system
-
Jobs & Careers2 months ago
Mumbai-based Perplexity Alternative Has 60k+ Users Without Funding
-
Education2 months ago
VEX Robotics launches AI-powered classroom robotics system
-
Funding & Business2 months ago
Kayak and Expedia race to build AI travel agents that turn social posts into itineraries
-
Podcasts & Talks2 months ago
Happy 4th of July! 🎆 Made with Veo 3 in Gemini
-
Podcasts & Talks2 months ago
OpenAI 🤝 @teamganassi
-
Education2 months ago
Macron says UK and France have duty to tackle illegal migration ‘with humanity, solidarity and firmness’ – UK politics live | Politics