Blount County Economic Development Council
The Blount County Economic Development Council (BCEDC) is dedicated to promoting and facilitating entrepreneurship, retaining and expanding industries, developing commercial enterprises, and enhancing trade. Its mission includes providing aid, support, and guidance to government bodies, corporate entities, and citizens in their efforts to advance economic development and growth in Blount County and the surrounding region.
Significant development projects, such as a new travel sports facility, an agribusiness center, and an amphitheater, infused the region with new energy. County leadership was eager to leverage these investments to increase revenue by attracting more visitors. The BCEDC had partnered with Red Sage to create a distinct travel and tourism brand.
The BCEDC expressed a desire to make Blount County, Alabama, a true “destination of choice.”
Today’s travel and tourism marketing is crowded. Smaller communities need a laser-focused value proposition to convince people to” choose them” as an ideal destination.
To stand out in a sea of regional competitors in Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee, Blount County, AL’s stand-alone brand needed to be rooted in research about what drives travel behavior among target visitors.
To establish Blount County, AL, as a premier day-trip destination, the objective was to position the brand as the preferred stop for day-trippers and travelers passing through via I-65. The brand needed to engage Alabamians by encouraging them to take day trips to Blount County, AL, highlighting the outdoor attractions and experiences available that can turn a simple visit into a memorable getaway. Although there are no hotels, Blount County offers various VRBO and Airbnb options, which were identified through our research to appeal to overnight visitors who want to explore the area further.
Our branding development focused on visualizing Blount County, AL, as a day-trip destination, backed by research indicating that this approach would drive a rapid increase in visitor traffic. By implementing these branding strategies, we brought the Blount County, AL Tourism vision to life, which now attracts both locals and travelers alike.
