Archive

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...

Key Challenge Defining a community succinctly and memorably is difficult because so many organizations, assets and agendas must be taken into account.  In beautiful open Miami County, Ohio the situation becomes more challenging because it is regional with the added element of multiple preserved historic downtowns...

Key Challenge Playing it safe doesn’t always pay off.  Located in the midst of Los Angeles, Pasadena and Burbank, Glendale, California has a reputation as a quiet, productive, safe community.  But that can translate into boring surrounded by all that glitz and glam. While being safe...

Key Challenge Some opportunities require immediate action. Consider the case of Lima-Allen County, Ohio. The state DOT gave leaders a chance to submit input regarding the design of four concrete interstate overpasses within the county. Traveled by about 30,000 vehicles a day, this project represented a...

Key Challenge Is it possible for a community brand with a strong economic development focus to also resonate with residents and visitors? Marathon County, Wisconsin – located between Green Bay and Minneapolis wanted a community brand with a focus on recruitment and retention of business and...

Key Challenge As Lancaster, California approached its 30th anniversary city leaders were looking for a positive platform from which to promote all the good things happening in the city.  Despite all the progress, some people were focusing more on the challenges that come with being the...