A new survey has been launched to get public input on Hope’s community branding initiative.
The results will be used to determine the spirit and personality of Hope, and find out what makes the community an attractive place to visit, relocate or do business. The project is a partnership between the District of Hope, local Chamber of Commerce and AdvantageHOPE.
“Branding as a whole is an ongoing process,” said branding coordinator Alison Harwood, who has been involved in similar processes in Golden and Fernie. “It’s about focusing in on a clear defined message. This first stage is really about taking a hard look at who we are, what our assets are and defining who we are.”
A brand book will be drafted by the end of June to articulate Hope’s values, competitors and target audience. It will be used by the three partners to influence marketing decisions, policy decisions, and budget allocations. A logo will also be produced, along with colour palettes and fonts for signage and websites.
“I think most people recognize that times have changed and the status quo doesn’t work for Hope,” said Harwood. “For any community that was based on mining, forestry or resource extraction, it’s a bit of a boom and bust. Towns that can adapt and really keep themselves flexible to opportunities and have fresh identities, those are the ones that are going to be able to sustain themselves in the future. That’s what we’re hoping for in Hope.”
The branding committee will be participating in a series of workshops this month to review the survey results. A report will be will be posted on hopechamber.net.
To complete the survey, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/hope-branding-survey. Hard copies can also be picked up at district hall or the chamber office, which is located at Pixel Mountain Studio on Wallace Street. Completed surveys must be received by Feb. 12 at noon.