NORFOLK – Radio stations are one of the more important regional brands that define a community. In a geographic region, and through the years, a radio station’s call letters become associated with a set of numbers, namely the station’s frequency. (A great discussion of the history of the Federal CommunicationsMORE HERE
RICHMOND – Adweek has a Q&A with Virginia’s Gov. Tim Kaine, on the 40th anniversary of the Virginia is for Lovers ad campaign. Great insights into its birth, and where the campaign is going. It’s on their site with ads posted timeline style on their Adfreak blog. Amusing that KaineMORE HERE
CHARLOTTESVILLE – Any person who lived in Virginia in the 1970s would know these regional bank jingles. “F&M’s free banking puts you and your checkbook … a jump ahead.” “Virginia National is the way Virginia Banks today.” The two banks merged, and became Sovran. Something was lost. Little was gained.MORE HERE
RICHMOND — Original neon signs from two well-known Virginia retailers have been restored to original working condition and are on display at the Valentine Richmond History Center. The exterior sign from the former Mill End Shop in Richmond ‘s Carytown and a mid-century A&N Store sign join the History Center’sMORE HERE
MARTINSVILLE – While it is High Point (and North Carolina) that is associated with the American furniture industry, it is the southern part of Virginia that is the hub for traditional American furniture. The region is home to a cluster of old-school, middle class brands including Stanley, Hooker, Pulaski, RoweMORE HERE
PETERSBURG – It’s the greatest pen sign ever. It’s the Remmie Arnold Pen of Petersburg, Virginia. The company was founded by Remmie Arnold, who ran for governor of Virginia, but lost. He won at the pen game, and for a time Remmie Arnold was one of the world’s largest penMORE HERE
Each little region of the United States has its own brand names. These brand names are the most fragile of brands, as even a great (and successful) 75-year-old local retail company can shut down because of real estate, family issues, changing demographics or a myriad of other things. These brandsMORE HERE
If you are in the Glen Allen region of Richmond, motor on over to the Courtney Road Texaco station. It’s an old country store on a corner that has been restored by the Henrico County Department of Recreation and Parks. It is one of a number of restored Texaco stationsMORE HERE
There is something great about a brand that does not stick to its brand. Particularly industrial companies that go into the business of resorts. Modern management theory HATES this sort of thing, but they are wrong. Brands that do not stick to their brands are MORE interesting. They have depth.MORE HERE
Part of what makes a brand authentic is where it is made, what company makes it and what other things the company does. Budweiser is one of those brands. Not only is Budweiser about beer, it is about American culture. It is about family time. It is about conservation andMORE HERE