“Every strong civic brand starts with listening,” said Chamber President and CEO Christy Gillenwater. “Oklahoma City is complex and diverse, and reflecting that honestly will require deep engagement with residents and businesses. Our goal is to ensure the community sees itself in the story we’re telling and feels ownership of it.” The Chamber views this work as a long-term investment in Oklahoma City’s competitiveness. As the region continues to grow, leaders say having a shared narrative will help ensure that economic development, tourism promotion, talent recruitment, and community pride are moving in the same direction. Rather than each organization telling a slightly different version of the OKC story, the community brand will provide a common foundation that partners can adapt and use in ways that feel authentic to their audiences. The Chamber works to strengthen the region’s economy and brand while also promoting Oklahoma City as a top destination through Visit Oklahoma City. In partnership with the City of Oklahoma City and other
civic stakeholders, the community brand will help align shared values and messaging across organizations that collectively shape how Oklahoma City is experienced. The agency selection followed a rigorous RFQ process that generated 32 proposals from local, national, and international firms. A 25-member task force made up of civic leaders helped evaluate submissions, reinforcing the Chamber’s emphasis on inclusivity and broad input. “From the beginning, we’ve been intentional about bringing diverse perspectives into this process,” Love Meyer said. “A community brand is bigger than any one organization, and this approach ensures Oklahoma City’s story is shaped by the people who live, work, and invest here.” Community engagement and research are scheduled to begin in February. Over the coming months, the Chamber will share opportunities for residents, businesses, and community leaders to participate in the process. The initiative is expected to take approximately one year, with a final community brand unveiled following robust public input.
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