Thanks to my great friends
It’s been crazy at BrandAcceleration. Between numerous economic development conferences and client
trips, I’ve personally visited eleven states in the last couple of months. Our
team seems to constantly be heading off in different directions. I guess that’s
the blessing and curse of being a very busy branding and marketing
communications firm.
One of the other blessings
is the pleasure of seeing so many friends along the way. Clients, business colleagues,
and acquaintances, all of them friends, make a heavy travel schedule quite
nice.
One such friend, and one
of my industry mentors, is Ed Burghard. A longtime marketer and brand
professional at consumer products company Procter & Gamble, where he was
recognized as one of the top three global marketers, Ed has since turned his
focus on the public sector. In 2009, he established the Strengthening BrandAmerica Project, an effort to improve the competitiveness of states and
communities.
While attending the
International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Annual Conference in
Philadelphia, I had a nice discussion with Ed about the subject of community
branding. It’s a subject near and dear to each of us. I am particularly
impressed with his passion for using economic development as a tool to help
people find and live the American Dream. He has a unique ability to articulate
the linear connections between public policy, community development, marketing,
employer investment, jobs, and a robust quality of life.
A prolific writer on the
subjects of marketing and place branding, Ed’s social media and blog posts are
at the top of my reading list. A great staring point, for anyone wishing to tap
into his wisdom, is his web site, StregtheningBrandAmerica.com.
Recently, I was honored to
be recognized by Ed as a place branding expert who “gets it.” While it’s always
a thrill to know my many years of work and study are not overlooked, I want Ed
to know that much of my depth of knowledge can be attributed to him.
Also, while at IEDC, I had
the pleasure of connecting with Brand Acceleration advisers Jay Garner, Cecilia
Harry, and Chris Manheim, friends who help me and my company to improve and
better serve our clients. I’m just sorry advisers Ronnie Bryant and Eric Canada
weren’t there.
In the midst of a very
busy time and a hurried life, it’s a real blessing to have such wonderful
friends to help me smell the roses.
I’d
love to hear from you. Feel free to share your thoughts and personal
experiences below.
Have a
great week and I’ll see you soon,
Jim Walton
CEO
Brand Acceleration, Inc.
Branding // Marketing Communications // Public
Relations
Indianapolis: 317.536.6255
Charlotte: 704:230:0394
Atlanta: 404.474.7980
Fax: 317.222.1425
Cell: 317.523.7380
Brand
Acceleration is a full-service marketing communications, brand management and
public relations firm with a focus on economic development, architecture,
engineering and construction.
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