Thrival of the fittest.
Thrival of the fittest.
Communities and municipalities must work to attract businesses, residents, visitors, and investment but often lack cohesive branding elements that help to establish a sense of place. Managing a place brand requires knowledge of tourism, culture, economic development, and community engagement. Inspiring residents to become active, participatory members of their community requires nurturing a sense of community pride using grassroots methods. Working to address this range of communications-, public relations-, and marketing-related needs can often be a daunting task for small municipal staffs focused on (and stretched thin by) the logistical, day-to-day operations of their communities.
Common Challenges We See
Branding doesn’t reflect image of the community
Inconsistency in brand representation across departments
Providing modern and innovative communications with residents
Dated business attraction strategies and tactics
Lack of internal capacity to conduct strategic, place-based marketing
Attracting needed businesses and new residents
Supporting small business marketing technical assistance
Plans collecting dust on the shelves
How We Help
To assist communities and municipalities in their efforts to (re)define themselves, improve interactions with community members, inspire resident participation, and attract development, we apply a variety of effective strategies. We often start by developing or revamping a clear identity for the community through a recognizable aesthetic; this often translates into concrete changes like developing a new logo/brand, website, and digital media campaigns designed to reach and influence constituents. This includes destination-based marketing. Communicating the organization’s up-to-date vision and story through emails, newsletters, and/or public events also works to create a sense of inclusion while exciting public interest and involvement in communal/municipal projects. In business districts, for example, we have branded the district, provided event management and marketing to activate public spaces, and established marketing technical assistance programs for businesses located within the community.

= > ÷
TrailBlaze believes actions and opportunities that create equity are critical to developing a society without division. Vibrant communities develop more efficiently and sustainably when division is acknowledged and reduced. We offer this perspective in every project we do.