The Eastown Community Association has seen a lot of change and progress since its formation in 1973 and is now proud to announce that the organization has completed a rebranding process, complete with the launching of a new website.
"The rebranding and introduction of our new website is a critical, forward step for our organization," said ECA Executive Director Lindsey Ruffin. "The past 40 years have been so important for the development of the ECA; it’s time for the face of our organization to reflect both this evolution and our future goals."
This year marks the 40th anniversary for the ECA and a time to reflect on where the organization has been and has accomplished. In assessing 40 years of community service, Ruffin, together with the ECA’s Board of Directors, decided it was time for organization’s brand to reflect not only past accomplishments, events and work, but the future mission and goals of the ECA.
"We’ve spent this last year reflecting on our 40 years working in Eastown and what the ECA currently means to this neighborhood," said Ruffin. "It was during this time that we realized it was time to go through the rebranding process. The old logo and mission statement no longer reflected all of the exciting changes taking place at the ECA and within our entire community."
Part of the unveiling of the new brand is the launching of the ECA’s new website. Created by Thinkbox Creative, Ruffin notes that the site is a much stronger reflection of the ECA.
"The new website not only reflects our new brand, but is more user-friendly," said Ruffin. "We are constantly looking for more and better ways for our residents to connect and engage. This website is definitely a strong starting point."
In addition to the new brand and website, the ECA plans to distribute and sell branded items, such as t-shirts and sweatshirts, water bottles and bags, at local shops and restaurants in the Eastown neighborhood. The ECA hopes to have the materials available for the holidays and, when available, these items will be on sale on the organization’s website and at the ECA office located at 415 Ethel SE.
To complement the new branding, the ECA recently announced its fund drive, releasing its 2012/13 Annual Report and Giving Circle, which indicates various levels of giving. As the city grants continue to diminish, Ruffin stresses that it is more important than ever for the Eastown residents and supporters to help support the work that the ECA performs in the community.
"Currently, charitable gifts make up only .5% of our total income, while city grants make up almost 40%," said Ruffin. "The ECA handles a wide range of tasks including facilitating community meetings and conflict resolution between residents, working closely with the GRPD on public safety concerns, training block captains, organizing thousands of volunteer hours focused on community improvement projects and much more. We need support and donations from the community we serve in order to continue the many services we offer."
The fund drive will run through the first week of February 2014. In the meantime, the ECA encourages residents, local businesses and Eastown patrons to engage with the new branding and website by viewing and sharing the information, utilizing the new merchandise and getting involved through volunteering.
The ECA’s new Web site can be found at www.eastown.org.
ECA’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/eastowngr
ECA’s Twitter page: www.twitter.com/EastownGR
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