NEW BRAND BREAKDOWN

New Logo: Inspired by the compass as well as symbols of commerce, the forms come together subtly to create iconography that is emblematic of an organization dedicated to guiding businesses to success. New Tagline: "Your Unwavering Advocate" It's never an easy task to summarize an organization's work, values, and goals into a few words, but feedback from Sarpy Chamber stakeholders made it clear. No matter the circumstances or challenges, the Sarpy Chamber is there to support its members and community.

New Brand Colors: The palette of fresh colors speaks to the Sarpy Chamber's stability and dedication to its members, as well as its bright and sunny outlook for the community.

Primary Color Palette Secondary Color Palette

SARPY COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION IS NOW

Grow Sarpy works as a catalyst to attract new businesses, create jobs, enrich communities and build potential.

A Look Behind the Branding

The Sarpy Chamber’s rebranding process was set to begin in January of 2020 but, like the rest of the world, plans shifted quickly as the world changed rapidly. “It’s something we were completely comfortable with putting on the backburner because we knew 100% of our efforts needed to be helping our members navigate this unprecedented situation,” said Gibler on the Sarpy Chamber’s response to the pandemic. Postponing the rebranding gave the Sarpy Chamber the bandwidth to oversee a range of community initiatives like a food drive, relief grants for businesses, and developing programs to offer membership at no-cost for small businesses. “Ultimately this delay served to sharpen our focus and perspective on who we are to our community, which gave us a strong clarity of purpose when the time came to reignite our rebranding process.” It was spring of 2021 when the chamber returned to the task of rebranding. The Sarpy Chamber worked with KidGlov, a marketing, branding, and advertising agency, as well as a Marketing Committee made up of six Sarpy Chamber board members. However, it was the Sarpy Chamber’s members and supporters who were the most important voice in the process. “From the start, we knew this branding needed to come from the perspectives of the people we’re committed to serving,” Gibler explained. As part of the branding process, KidGlov conducted survey research to determine the qualities of the Sarpy Chamber that resonate most with the community. The initial discovery session gathered feedback from the board of directors and continued with follow-up surveys completed by community partners and engaged members. “We were really honored to get the effusive feedback we received,” said Gibler. Survey results indicated members most valued the Sarpy Chamber’s ability to create connections, its commitment to inclusion, and empowerment through leadership. “Our stakeholders lead us to a new look with updated messaging that best reflects who we have always been; your unwavering advocate.”

Annual Awards Dinner Returns

Sarpy County’s business and nonprofi t leaders gathered on November 3rd at Embassy Suites La Vista to attend the Sarpy Chamber’s Annual Awards Celebration. The Sarpy Chamber recognized outstanding members of the Sarpy Chamber community and celebrated a year of resiliency and growth, as well as the return to an in-person format. Awards were given in six categories and to special honorees for Chamber Excellence.

The award for Elected Offi cial of the Year was Commissioner Don Kelly, the Sarpy County Commissioner from the 1st District and the Chairman of the Board. His vision to resolve overcrowding issues in the jail with new facilities not only addresses the issues with more space, but a dedicated mental health unit to reduce repeat offenders. Kelly has also been integral to projects that grow the county like the expansion of Platteview road and the Sarpy County and Cities Wastewater Agency.

PostNet of Papillion was named New or Emerging Business of the Year. PostNet of Papillion was established in 2019 and sustainability is foundational to their business. Their commitment to “reduce, re-use and recycle” saves clients’ money and reduces their carbon footprint. They also provide a variety of discounts to military, non-profi ts, schools, and churches.

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STAND STAND GET FOUND Our mission Our mission Our services are designed to help you achieve the trifecta in the digital world: Get found. Stand out. OUT OUT Reach everyone.

REACH EVERYONE While we work with companies of all shapes and sizes across the country, we will always be here for the small and middle-sized companies – the “li le guys” – that helped us get to where we are today.

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services services seo • branding services services ADA COMPLIANCESOCIAL MEDIA • graphic design marketing plans • websites VIDEOMARKETING PLANS Logo design • video • social media ada compliance • photography

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contact 402.882.1133 info@lgxbranding.com

It’s where your old friends gather to make new memories.

From home improvement to debt consolidation, a home equity loan can help you continue building those memories. We’ll be there to walk you through every step of the loan process so you can stay focused on what matters most to you. For more information or to get started today, contact your local Home Equity Specialist:

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Academy (HETRA) was named Nonprofi t of the Year. During an average week they provide therapy services to 130-150 participants including children and adults with disabilities. Among their part time staff, HETRA has 22 therapy horses, PATH Intl. certifi ed instructors, and licensed therapists for occupational, physical, and mental health.

Kahler-Dolce Mortuary took the title of Business of the Year 1-24 Employees. They have supported area schools as well as organizations like the Sarpy YMCA with yearly donations to its Strong Kids and Silver Sneakers Programs. They have sponsored events with the Midlands Community Foundation for over 40 years, sponsored appreciation lunches for the Papillion Police Department, Papillion and Springfi eld Fire Department, and Sarpy Sherriff’s offi ces.

Offutt Collision Repair was recognized as Business of the Year 25-plus Employees. To adjust to the pandemic, they implemented new online photo estimating software and updated to a 3-D measuring system which allows their customers to take pictures of their damage without having to come into the facility. They are also focused on supporting and giving back to local schools, churches, chambers and men and women in uniform.

Renee Hennings was named as Business Leader of the Year. With over 25 years of experience as an Independent Insurance Agent Renee shows great leadership at UNICO, as well as in the Sarpy Chamber T.I.P.S. Group, Fusion. During the pandemic she organized events to support local business

(Sarpy Chamber Staff: Evan LaMontagne, Karen Gibler, Tara Simons, Celeste Pille, Breann Lundblad, Shelly Stotts, Kelly Deane)

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(Front Row left to right: Karen Gibler-Sarpy Chamber, Dean Wilson-PostNet of Papillion, Lucy Charvat-HETRA, Angie Connell-HETRA, Renee Hennings-UNICO Back Row left to right: Don Kelly-Sarpy County Commissioner, Chad Kunkel-Offutt Collision Repair, Patrick Shannon-Kahler-Dolce Mortuary)

and enlisted FUSION and UNICO to help collect food for the TRI City Food Pantry.

Additionally, two Chamber Excellence awards were given. The fi rst went to the school districts of Sarpy County: Bellevue Public Schools, Gretna Public Schools, Papillion La Vista Community Schools, and Springfi eld Platteview Community Schools. The second went to Sarah Schram with the Sarpy/ Cass Health Department. Both recipients have worked tirelessly over the past 18 months to not only carry out their regular responsibilities, but to do their best to keep their communities safe and healthy in a pandemic.

Karen Gibler, Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce President, presented a fi nancial report covering the Sarpy Chamber’s fi scal year. This past year the chamber had its best fi nancial year in its decades-long history and had its largest ever Partner Program with 44 businesses participating. She announced that there will be no membership price increases for the fi fth year in a row and shared how support for the chamber’s Small Business Support Program gave over 70 small businesses a chamber membership at no cost, and over $200,000 in small business grants.

Gibler also highlighted progress on the chamber’s new branding initiative and expected new messaging, colors, and logo to debut next year. She closed out her speech by encouraging everyone to get back to building relationships in person by getting active with the Sarpy Chamber. With over 175 events already planned for 2022, there will be plenty of opportunities for members to engage with their chamber resources.

WE EXIST TO UPLIFT

Lift Up Sarpy Couty's mission is to collaborate to meet the needs of people experiencing life challenges. Our vision is to ensure every individual in Sarpy County has access to the support they need to lead healthy, happy lives by 2025. Donate today at

LiftUpSarpyCounty.org.

If you are in need of assistance with rent, mortgage, utilities, financial stability, food insecurity, transportation, school readiness or supplies, please scan the code and download the MyLnk app (select "Sarpy County") or call us at (402) 293-3842.