The district is currently working with the local Chamber of Commerce and AdvantageHOPE to establish a common identity for Hope.
The branding project aims to create a comprehensive document which can be used to unify local organizations.
“It’s about what we want to communicate to the public and then signage becomes a tool to achieve our objective,” said Tyler Mattheis, executive director of AdvantageHOPE. “I think having an overall brand makes sure that our efforts have more longevity.”
The three partners signed a memorandum of understanding in August stating their commitment to cooperating and collaborating where possible to address matters of common community concern. Each party is providing $5,000 initially towards the project, but is obligated to look for additional grant funding to supplement spending.
“We’re in the stage of developing the roadmap and developing how we’re going to get to the end in consultation with stakeholders,” said John Fortoloczky, the district’s chief administrative officer and staff liaison for the project.
“It’s important that the brand reflects the community of Hope itself and the district. It’s also important that a sense of accountability is there for the people.”
The first stage of the process is expected to take six to 10 months. It includes researching Hope’s image and establishing a definitive brand with the help of a hired professional. Regular updates on the project’s progress will be given to council and posted on the district and Chamber websites.
“It’s important that we look at our history, look at our present and look at our future to see what we want to be,” said Chamber president Glen Ogren.
“It’s developing the story of Hope. Once we get through this first phase, then we’ll be looking at where the gaps are in what our story is and how to get to that story by addressing those issues.”