Nearly 700 economic development and community representatives will gather at the (AZ) Governor’s Rural & Regional Development Conference in Carefree, AZ this week to learn about community building strategies such as ‘place branding’. Economic development marketing utilizes place branding strategies to help growth-minded communities and regions Be Visible and Get Found … so that they attact the companies, workers, residents and visitors that they need to prosper. Place branding is also a highly effective tourism marketing strategy.
Strong place brands are relevant, unique and compelling … and they are viable and visible. They are given strength by community leaders, stakeholders and organizations that promote the brand with a unified voice. A place brand is a ‘long-term vision’ that requires such a community-wide commitment to deliver the promised Brand Experience.
An Effective Place Brand … 1) Makes a Promise; 2) Speaks Directly to the Target Audience; 3) Resonates with Stakeholders; and 4) Is Unique. It enables a community or organization to go from being lost in a crowded Where’s Waldo environment … to being a real stand-out in the marketplace. …. Lori.