Contributed Photo Thrivent Financial Wolf River Associates recently received a $2,500 Shawano Country Vision 2017 facade improvement grant. Shown are, from left, Dennis Heling, Shawano County Economic Progress Inc. chief economic development officer; Dave Passehl and Scott Parson, Thrivent Financial Wolf River Associates; and Nancy Smith, Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce executive director.
Thrivent Financial Wolf River Associates has received a Shawano Country Vision 2017 facade improvement grant totaling $2,500. The grant was awarded to help cover costs to purchase and install signage at the Thrivent office at 310 E. Green Bay St. in Shawano.
The new free standing sign and building signage features a redesigned logo introduced by Thrivent earlier this year.
“Branding is very important in our line of work,” said Scott Parson, financial consultant with Thrivent Financial Wolf River Associates. “In order for us to grow, people need to recognize us and know who we are and what we do. This grant enabled us to make the sign changes we needed to increase our brand awareness.”
According to Nancy Smith, executive director of the Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce, signage is one of the most important elements of business branding and marketing.
“Quite often, signage is the first exposure someone has to a particular business,” she said. “It’s vital the signage be visible, attractive and reinforces the business brand.”
One of the purposes of Shawano Country Vision 2017, according to Dennis Heling, chief economic development officer for Shawano County Economic Progress Inc., is to provide a little push to those business owners who have been considering sprucing up their business facades but may need a financial incentive.
“We encourage Shawano County businesses to step back and evaluate what their business facade and signage is portraying,” he said. “Is it attractive, welcoming and easy to read? Now is a great time to upgrade if it’s needed.”
Parson agreed the program provides an opportunity for business owners to evaluate their overall look and plan for growth.
“Most of us are reactive when it comes to expansion,” he said. “Vision 2017 is proactive toward business growth in our community. It allows us to think ahead and gives the needed resources to accomplish our task.”
Any employer or entrepreneur operating in Shawano or Menominee Counties can apply for Shawano Country Vision 2017 grants. To determine if your project or business development idea is eligible, contact Dennis Heling at 715-526-5839 or scepi@frontiernet.net, or Nancy Smith at 715-524-2139 or nsmith@shawano.com.