The Greater Kokomo Visitors Bureau is preparing to launch its new branding effort locally.
The organization, part of the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance, will debut its new branding and logo on approximately 300 banners in mid-March on light poles in downtown Kokomo. That’s according to a report given by Sherry Matlock, manager of the county convention and visitors bureau, last week at the Howard County Convention, Visitors and Tourism Commission meeting.
The installation of the banners throughout downtown is the first effort by the organization to introduce the new branding effort to the local community.
Previously, the visitor’s bureau has used the new branding effort in outside advertising and marketing efforts, including in the Travel Indiana magazine and the bureau’s annual area guide book.
The new branding effort was started in 2022 to create a logo and cohesive branding for the city through focus groups and surveys. While many logos were used for the city in the past, no cohesive message existed.
In early 2023, the Alliance announced the new branding, including a new logo, color palette and messaging it said “reflect the community’s unique character and aspirations.” The new branding highlights Howard County’s history of manufacturing and its “makers” and “innovative” spirit that continues today.
It has since been used in various advertisements in travel publications and in marketing material the visitors bureau passes out.
For example, in a 2023 issue of Travel Indiana, the visitors bureau’s advertisement highlights the county’s Summer Concert Series. The ad’s text reads “We build things here. These days we’re building a fan base” and includes a QR code readers can scan to see the concert schedule.
The new icon features an uppercase “K” in Gotham Black font that can be featured using four brand-approved colors.
Lori Dukes, president and CEO of the Alliance, said it was important for the county’s new branding to first be utilized regionally to prospective visitors before then being showcased locally.
“That brand recognition of our community has been out and is establishing that momentum of recognition,” she said. “Now, you’re seeing the banner deployment, and we’ll continue to see more local avenues for the branding …”
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