February 2010
Brownstone Graphics was recently highlighted as one of several local “creative class” companies located in the Capital District. The article, which appeared in the winter issue of the Albany Local Development Corporation’s newsletter, discusses how these companies are a great addition to the business community.
“Brownstone Graphics, located on Hudson Avenue, is a creative partner that helps its clients achieve results with a wide range of design, marketing and communication services. The staff at Brownstone Graphics works to improve the effectiveness of their clients’ communications in each way possible by using advertising, brand identity, web marketing, strategic positioning and much more.” (ALDC Update)
We are grateful and honored to be featured in ALDC’s article discussing how local creative businesses contribute to the Capital District workforce and business community.
ALDC’s mission is to facilitate transformational projects that the City of Albany has indentified as priorities and it plays a primary role in the implementation of the Capitalize Albany Plan.
What did you do in 2009?
January 2010
New Years is generally a time for celebration, making resolutions, and looking to the future. However, the start of a new year is also a great time for an organization or business to review what was achieved in the previous year.
It is hard to discuss the year 2009 without our thoughts turning to the economic downturn in our country. Many individuals, organizations, and businesses felt the pinch of the recession.
At Brownstone Graphics, we looked for a silver lining in the cloud hanging over the economy. We used any extra time we had on honing our skills in several key areas:
- Wrote strategic communications and marketing plans
- Attended workshop training on the latest web search engine optimization techniques
- Worked on pro bono projects such as a new brand identity for the University Club.
- Polished our presentation skills for meetings and proposals
We also turned our attention to redesigning and updating our own company website. An important component of our web site is highlighting the company goals which make Brownstone Graphics so unique. We achieved this by developing large image areas on each page which focus on a particular company goal. We began the process by developing the concept and imagery for each piece, then we wrote the text for each goal, and finally we brought all the elements to life by animating them in Flash.
By focusing our energy on advancing the skills and services we offer to our clients, Brownstone Graphics is better positioned to continue its progress towards our company objectives and to help our clients reach their goals in 2010.
Twenty Years Strong
December 2009
The holiday season is often a time for celebration, and here at Brownstone Graphics, this is no exception. This year, Brownstone Graphics is celebrating a true milestone - twenty years in business! As we were deciding on this year’s holiday gift, we couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate our anniversary than with everyone who helped us get here.
Staying true to our name and location in downtown Albany, we designed a stylized illustration of a historic brownstone that we had custom molded into bars of chocolate to commemorate our twenty years in business. A sweet treat to say thank you to everyone who has helped Brownstone Graphics grow over the past twenty years!Local City Gem Gets a New Look
November 2009
At Brownstone Graphics our company goals are more than just aspirations, which is why we are always looking for ways to put them into practice through the work that we do. Fostering smart growth is one of the core concepts we strive for, so when we saw a historic gem in the city of Albany in need of assistance, we were delighted to donate our services.
The University Club of Albany, a membership-owned facility in the heart of downtown Albany, needed a new brand identity to help them move forward with the changing times. The club’s existing materials were not projecting the fresh and updated direction that they wanted to move toward. They also wanted to promote their wedding and banquet facilities which are great resources for members.
We recently completed implementing a comprehensive identity for the University Club which consists of a new logo, brochures, advertisements, and direct mail pieces. We also spent some time at the club photographing their facilities. These photographs provide the club with original imagery highlighting all aspects of their services. The imagery is used to personalize all the new printed materials, as well as to create a photo library that the club can draw from in the future.
We feel clubs are an integral part of any city and the University Club’s location in a beautiful historic building harmonized that much more with our desire to encourage reusing historic urban centers. We are always pleased to have the opportunity to work on projects that not only help our clients reach their ambitions, but also help serve the community at large.
Brownstone Wins Special Recognition Award
October 2009
Ken Jurman, IREC’s Board Chairman hands award to Kathryn Sikule.
Principal Kathryn Sikule was presented with a special recognition award by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) on October 26, 2009 in Anaheim, CA at their annual meeting. IREC is a non-profit organization breaking down barriers and accelerating renewable energy since 1982.
“Brownstone Graphics has been making IREC look good in our print and electronic media since the early 1990s. For 15 years, Brownstone Graphics has been by our side promoting renewable and sustainable energy resources and practices. We consider Brownstone Graphics an important partner and friend and recognize Kathryn and Brownstone for making IREC a better organization” said Jane Weissman, IREC’s executive director in announcing the award.
We are grateful and honored to receive this recognition because one of our key commitments as a company is to promote renewable energy.
Brownstone Graphics—Quietly Making a Difference.If life deals you lemons, make lemonade
September 2009
Welcome to “Bricks” a monthly offering of examples, stories and facts relating to our industry, our clients and to the world around us.
Our motto, Quietly Making a Difference resonates in the little things we do behind the scenes to improve our work for our clients. Here are a couple of examples.
When the stock market plummeted last year, we were in the process of recruiting new business. As we realized what was happening and the effect it could have around us, we switched gears.
We were approached by existing and new clients looking to improve their marketing plans and ideas. How could they make an impact without spending too much money? We had to look at things a bit differently. We decided to help our clients make the same impact by using web-based e-mail blasts or by sending company brochures or other information via e-mail. This way, they would be saving the bulk of the budget normally spent on printing and mailing, yet still reaching their customers or member base with new updates.
We also did research to help our clients identify local companies that could help them save money. For instance, whether it’s paper clips or presentation materials, we all need office supplies. Many companies deal with the big name providers and spend more than they need to. We found that Superior Business Products out of Schenectady (not a client) is a small company that delivers locally next-day for free. Not only are they prompt, but we found their items to be discounted significantly compared to the other stores. So next time you’re getting your office supply list ready, keep them in mind. Don’t take our word for it though, check it out for yourself. We think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
These are two of the many ways we are Quietly Making a Difference.