Media Releases

To celebrate the Niagara Original Brand's 3-year anniversary, the Niagara Economic Development Corporation (NEDC) hosted a public seminar this past Thursday, November 17, from 5 until 7 pm at Niagara Regional Headquarters.

The purpose of the seminar was to inform stakeholders and the community on how Niagara's award-winning place brand is being used to tell Niagara's story to the world. There was an overview of the brand platform, and also an introduction to a new Best Practices Guide.

The seminar comes on the heels of a second national marketing award for the Niagara Original Brand program bestowed on October 3, 2011 by the Economic Developers Association of Canada.

Guy Graveline, NEDC's Director of Economic Development and Marketing says: "We are delighted with the success and impact that the Niagara Original Brand has had over the past three years. It's hard to believe that just three years ago we had no brand platform for Niagara. We've come a long way. We now have an award-winning brand - recognized both provincially and nationally as a best practice - that unites our regional marketing and communications strategies to stimulate economic growth for our region.

NEDC has acted as the brand's custodian, fully integrated the brand in all of its corporate and tourism materials, and taken a leadership role in its continued development. There are nearly 200 identified brand participants, and Niagara Original is being experienced by thousands of visitors, investors and residents alike."

"This anniversary is a significant milestone for the Brand," added Graveline," but we need to remember that place branding is a long-term commitment. To successfully tell the world how truly original, vivid, abundant, accessible and inventive Niagara Canada is, requires all of us to continue to collectively embrace the brand and deliver the brand experience. Adoption and usage of the Niagara Original brand is good for business and tourism, and it's great for Niagara."

Guy Graveline, Director of Economic Development and Marketing, speaks at the Niagara Original Brand 3-year anniversary seminar.


What is Niagara Original?
The Niagara Original brand was launched in November 2008 after a need to develop a stronger branding position for Niagara was identified as a priority item in Niagara's Economic Growth Strategy. Niagara Original is the regional brand platform for Niagara Canada that NEDC, its partners and stakeholders, local businesses and educational institutions are using to tell the world who we are, what we have to offer and what makes Niagara such an "original" place to live, work and play. Since its launch there has been substantial progress in adoption and usage.

For media inquiries or brand artwork, please contact:
Guy Graveline
905-685-1308 ext. 3333
ggraveline@niagaracanada.com

Click here for PDF of the Official 3-Year Brand Seminar Invitation with full event details.