Key Challenge Sometimes the very nature of a place can make branding that place difficult. Take the authentic fishing village of Petersburg, Alaska. With their strong Norwegian heritage, the people of Petersburg are hardworking, modest, courageous, quiet and a bit stubborn. Combine that salty character with...
Key Challenge Green County, Wisconsin is known worldwide for its choice cheese and astounding number of master cheesemakers. And because cheese pairs perfectly with craft beer, the County also brews up a wide selection of some of the region’s finest. But while there’s not much in...
Key Challenge Boasting all the natural beauty of the Sonoma wine country, this pastoral California community grew from the traditions of apple farming. Today Sebastopol is home to educated, artistic and eclectic residents with a deep commitment to living simple, genuine lives and preserving Mother Earth....
Key Challenge Broken Bow is not a place where whiners or fiscal irresponsibility are welcome. This small town has a proud agricultural heritage that keeps the community grounded but strong planning and a get it done attitude have given the town wings to soar (even as...
Key Challenge Communities steeped in history are grounded in a reputation (and thus a brand) that is decades old. But when your reputation isn’t set in the stone of ages – such as with new communities – identifying your true and authentic essence can be a...
Key Challenge McKinney has a solid dose of Texas swagger and a tendency to do things their own way. But their location – in the mammoth shadow of the Dallas Metroplex – meant they were often viewed as a cookie cutter bedroom community. How, then, to...
Key Challenge Scattered throughout this nation are hardworking, efficient communities who make smart decisions and offer residents and businesses a strong toehold for success. These communities aren’t ostentatious or high profile. They prefer to spend money on function rather than flash. West Plains, Missouri is just...
Key Challenge Dublin’s distinct name and shamrock logo were working together to position the community as Irish, which entirely missed the point in terms of elevating Dublin’s unique point of difference. However, the community name is here to stay (and does reflect its founding heritage) and...
Key Challenge Denison, Texas is located on the shores on the fourth largest lake in the nation, Lake Texoma. Lake access is a significant asset for residents, economic development and tourism. But many other communities in the region were using the lake as their marketing point...
Key Challenge Sometimes a city’s challenge is simply living up to the expectations its heritage has set. Such was the case with Providence, RI. Founded as a place for religious freedom, Providence was first referred to as a lively experiment. Today, the experiment has proved to...