• This nonprofit marketing brand refresh included focused messaging.
  • This nonprofit marketing brand refresh included posters displaying Cascade Employers Association's core values.
  • This nonprofit marketing brand refresh included focused messaging that shared the brand.
  • This nonprofit marketing brand refresh included focused messaging, here's some of that.
  • This nonprofit marketing brand refresh included a focused messaging hierarchy.
  • This nonprofit marketing brand refresh included focused messaging, including these components.
  • cascade-employers-infographic-brochure-cc-folio-1000x463.jpg

CASE STUDY

CLIENTCascade Employers Association

MARKETRegional employers

PROGRAMMessaging hierarchy and brand refresh

A brand refresh to build recognition.

Loyal membership loved the services provided by this nonprofit, but also commented Cascade was “the best kept secret” in human resource services. The goal was to focus on the aspects which keep members loyal. 

This nonprofit marketing brand refresh included posters displaying their key messages.
Posters highlighted key messages and are framed and hung as artwork throughout the office.

Business

Cascade Employers Association is a nonprofit which offers a range of human resource services to more than 500 member organizations.

Audience

Current membership and potential business members.

Challenge

Cascade’s leadership knew it was time to reinvent the organization to focus less on the list of services offered and more on the the relationship and support provided. That's what separates them from from the competition.

Initially the plan was to rename and rebrand the organization, but the economic downturn put a rename on hold. Instead, we focused on messaging and a brand refresh to frame the value of membership, establish a new brand promise and engage the staff in the new direction. It served as the foundation for updated nonprofit marketing.

This nonprofit marketing brand refresh centered around a messaging hierarchy.
Messaging hierarchy identified the brand promise and value propositions, as well as three key messages to use as a foundation for communications.

Optimized

Working with leadership and staff, we defined what members loved most about the company. The new brand promise — unsurpassed resources for great employers makes a bold statement about both the level of services provided and the target audience.

Messaging architecture framed key ideas and phrases and set the stage for effective nonprofit marketing. The vital touchpoints where the brand could have the biggest impact were business cards, the website, conference room displays and a system of posters in the office.

The new messaging and updated brand redefined perceptions. Posters with key messages were framed as artwork.  A system of business cards with rotating messages on the back inspired feedback.

Each staff member received cards with a series of messages designed to start a conversation about the value of membership. A refreshed website also brought new energy and clarity to how services are presented.

Components

  • Messaging hierarchy
  • Messaging posters for internal display
  • Pull-up banners for conferences
  • Refreshed business cards with multiple messages
  • Website reskin with new colors and fonts
  • Posters of core values
  • Updated website copy based on messaging
  • Identity system for the Salary Trends product
  • Salary Trends website and email format

Results

The staff is fully engaged in the new language and talking points. Board members commented the messaging architecture and brand refresh were extremely valuable, even during the economic downturn. Members who attend training at the office have given positive feedback on the messages and posters, and the updated website is generating interest and response.

The brand refresh and messaging have boosted the overall marketing program for this nonprofit -- generating recognition and response.

The work we have done with Creative Company to evaluate and reposition our organization and distill our messages from our audience’s point of view has been extremely valuable. We have moved Cascade Employers forward, even in an economic downturn — we have thrived rather than merely survived.

—Patrice Altenhofen, President, Cascade Employers Association
download pdfGET CASE STUDY