OLD STRATHCONA BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

Strategy, Business Recruitment Package, Videos and Support Materials

After the COVID-19 pandemic, the Old Strathcona Business Association was eager to reinvigorate the district, in part by attracting new businesses to the area.

Through interviews and research, we developed a foundational communications strategy that outlined the unique character of the district, so that any recruiting package for new businesses would resonate with companies that had a values alignment with the area and could really see themselves as part of the larger business community, rather than simply tenants of a landlord.

Guided by the strategic insights, we developed a recruiting package that spoke to the area as a whole, but was also modular so that it could be tailored by industry. We produced videos that highlighted certain businesses that were excellent embodiments of the area’s values, and shared the stories of their success, with a lens on making sure that viewers could see themselves represented in the business owners that were already part of the community.

Grounded in the success of the recruitment strategy, we were brought in to facilitate their operational strategic planning. We worked with their board to develop their values, mission and vision (a first for the organization in spite of their 30 year history), and led them through visioning exercises to determine areas of priority, based on their values, to direct their operational efforts over the next 3-5 years.

The resulting document is an actionable report that provides insight, direction and a strong path forward for the organization.