Economic development marketing is critical for establishing a competitive advantage. Great destination marketing attracts businesses and residents, supports retention, bolsters tourism, and engages target audiences near and far. The key to great economic development branding, PR, and marketing is understanding the audience – and keeping a close eye on the competition.

As one of the region’s leading economic development organizations, MetroHartford Alliance is the voice of businesses across its target market. It relies on a mix of hyperlocal and global communications to effectively reach its audiences. Co-Communications was initially engaged to conduct stakeholder research and develop a marketing plan. Our findings led to the development of the Alliance Newsroom, an online hub for member news, and The Daily Brief, a daily e-communication to keep members well-informed about local news and events. Both have been going strong since 2012 and were recognized with a Gold Mercury Award from the Public Relations Society of America.

When Westchester County Government was seeking branding support for the Office of Economic Development, Local Development Corporation, and Industrial Development Agency, they turned to us for market research and creative services. Celebrating the agencies collective role in business recruitment, retention, and growth – as well as the County’s excellence in bioscience – we developed The Catalyst, which serves as their umbrella brand.

Entrepreneurs play vital roles in growing local and regional economies. When we set out to develop the brand for Innovation Destination Hartford, we focused on the vast resources available to budding entrepreneurs and stage two companies who were looking to scale. We wanted them to see opportunity and a home for their company in Hartford, thanks to the incubators, mentors, and partners who were here to support them. The energy and ideas in the region led the client to uncover countless success stories to populate the website and corresponding social media channels. Innovation Destination Hartford celebrated its fifth anniversary in 2020 and we couldn’t be happier to have played a role in its launch.

Economic development organizations are tasked with engaging site selectors, corporate executives, local businesses, and tourists, among other audiences. They rely on timely consumer insights, nimble strategies, and creativity to stand out among competing markets. Connecting with local, regional, national, and global audiences requires a dynamic marketing program, and our team is always ready to meet that challenge. Let’s get started!