Key Challenge Regionalism is hard. Most don’t even attempt it. But Fayetteville and Cumberland County in North Carolina are not most places. You probably know something about this strategic spot in the Carolinas. It is home to Fort Bragg, the world’s largest US military installation. But...
Key Challenge What’s a community to do when common descriptors are overshadowed and overlooked? Such was the dilemma for La Vista, Nebraska: Overshadowed by its older, slightly larger neighbor Papillion, which takes top billing for shared assets like the school district. And overlooked by an even...
Key Challenge “I can’t put my finger on it.” A majority of folks in Marshall beamed with pride as they spoke about their love for their community. But North Star’s query of “What makes Marshall special?” received the same chorus of responses: Crickets. So it’s hard...
Key Challenge Santee has spent decades surprising newcomers that ventured its way. But many in San Diego County were still completely unaware or just thought of it as the far East as in way inland, way far away, Santee found that old perceptions and expectations live...
Key Challenge Is it true that the outcome of coming together is working together? Sioux Falls decided to put that to the test. Multiple organizations wanted to maximize their own efforts by pursuing an integrated brand identity that delivered consistency but retained individuality. Could economic development,...
Key Challenge Kern County, California, and itslargest city Bakersfield sounded familiar to some, but most just know of it in passing. On I-5. On the way to glitz and glamour or gigawatts. It’s a place famous for the Bakersfield Sound but also breaking the sound barrier....
Key Challenge In Frankfort, state government is the talk of the town — left, right, and center. But Kentucky’s capital is so synonymous with politics that people often don’t take the time to discover the city’s many other charms. From nature to culture, many of Frankfort’s...
Key Challenge Over the past decade, Nashville has taken center stage on the national radar. Many of the smaller surrounding communities have been absorbed by Nashville’s famous brand becoming known as suburbs or bedroom communities. But nearby historic Gallatin has too much attitude and sense of...
Key Challenge Sometimes a community pursues a brand not because it has a big obstacle to overcome, but simply to move itself from good to great. Such was the case with Shawnee, Kansas. This charming community was doing most things right. But forward-thinking leadership recognized that...
Key Challenge Goshen, Indiana is a city where citizens and leaders alike are focused more on the greater good than on themselves. The result is a community that works together to support every citizen equally with a focus on volunteerism and giving. But when developing a...