2016 Story of Texas Workshop--Follow-Up Resources

Workshop speakers graciously provided the following information.

10:00 AM: Opening Panel––Know Thyself . . . and Thy Neighbor

Slideshow from Ryan Robinson
City Demographer, Planning and Zoning Department, City of Austin

Conclusions:

Simple demographic data can say a lot about a community—where it is today and how it’s changing over time.
Learning how to access demographic data can be your way of keeping a finger on the pulse of your community.

Slideshow from Stacey Ingram Kaleh
Outreach Manager, Sherry Matthews Advocacy Marketing

Conclusions for branding organizations:

To build a strong brand identity you must understand your audience--this enables your organization to identify and respond to audience needs.
Responsive strategies make your organization more attractive to both visitors and donors--this is a mutually beneficial relationship.
Strong, lasting brands are trustworthy, authentic, unique, and responsive.

Slideshow from Sarah Marshall
Assistant State Coordinator/Small Business Specialist, Texas Main Street Program

Conclusions for branding communities:

Every place has a current brand whether it is calculated or not.
A successful city brand markets its history, quality of place, lifestyle, culture, diversity, and proactively forms cooperative partnerships between city municipalities and government.