The Town of Ponoka and MKM Marketing will host a branding prelaunch event at 5 p.m. July 18 at the Kinsmen Hall. There will be a general agenda but everyone is welcome to drop in between 5 and 7 p.m.
Sarah Olson, economic development officer, said MKM will begin with a reminder presentation of what branding is and why it is important to Ponoka. This will be followed by a review of what MKM heard from the public in the visioning session and stakeholder interviews.
“They will also present an overview of the Keep it Real campaign and the branding strategy behind it,” Olson said. “They will explain the creative and people will get a sneak peak at upcoming promotional materials. The evening is meant as connecting point with the community and will provide opportunities for feedback and for the community to connect with the town’s brand and our programs.”
Branding started with a meeting last winter to get an idea of how residents feel the town should be marketed. Feedback also came from interviews with businesses and community leaders.
The dominating theme will be the idea of authenticity and the slogan, Keep it Real.
Research from the project showed residents wanted to be known not just for being a rodeo town. The brand is designed to show that Ponoka is a place where people can be true to who they are.
Although some nominations have been received, there is one last chance for people to nominate their neighbor for the contest. We will also introduce the shoot date and the local photographer for the winner’s professional photography session. There will be forms for the Pride in Your Property contest, where you can nominate yourself or someone else for best kept or most improved properties for a chance of winning free utilities. There will also provide opportunities to participate in the summers end global video shoot, introduce the open air market and pop up shop ideas.