Business

Allison wins top awards for design, branding

By Bill Moss, Published: December 5, 2012

Allison Development Group, a Hendersonville public relations and marketing firm, received two Gold awards for design and branding projects, placing the firm among an elite group of award winners in an international competition that drew 6,000 entries.

Erica AllisonErica Allison, founder and principal of the firm, submitted two pieces for the competition in September: the 2012-2013 Concert Program for the Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra and the rebranding campaign for a regional planning process now known as GroWNC. The two works received Gold recognition for design and branding respectively in the 2012 MarCom Awards, an international competition that recognizes outstanding creative achievement by marketing and communication professionals.
MarCom entries come from corporate marketing and communication departments, advertising agencies, public relations firms, design shops, production companies and freelancers.
"We were so proud of the design for the 2012-2013 Concert Program for the Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra, and received such kind feedback from the community, we decided to give it a shot for an award," Allison said.
The Symphony is a new account for Allison Development Group; the firm handles concert promotion and design of their program. Allison credits her team for elevating the standard on this season's program. Nathan Billingsley and Derek Stipe, both Hendersonville graphic artists, were part of the design team.

The second award was for a rebranding effort that Allison tackled for longtime client, Land Design, a land planning and urban design firm in Charlotte. Allison Development Group was hired to coordinate public relations and community outreach for a regional planning process based in Western North Carolina.
"When I came on board, I immediately saw a 'disconnect' between the initial brand and the desired outcome and tone of the project," said Allison. After a pitch to the client and Steering Committee to change it up, Allison and her firm were given permission to revamp the brand, including logo and messaging. The new brand and communication process triggered invitations for Allison to speak at regional and national conferences, and she decided to submit that campaign for an award as well.