To have a successful brand that connects with the masses, the sight, sound and soul of the brand need to be ignited. These elements are crucial to successful brand development.

This philosophy has guided my journey with Northeast Indiana (NEI), where we’re proving that innovative strategies can transform not just a brand but an entire region.

Our platform, “Pioneer Starts Here” (PSH), positions Northeast Indiana as an example of innovation, grit and resilience.

The goal was to develop a movement for the region that would be much bigger than a campaign. NEI would be the stage and the megaphone for Hoosiers to narrate their own stories.

Other communities will see these stories shared through all of NEI’s assets, including our eNewsletters, email campaigns, two websites (NEIndiana.com & PioneerStartsHere.com), our podcast, social outlets, collateral materials and annual Pioneer Event.

The proof of our success lies in the numbers and impact. The star of the year has been the NEI Pioneer Podcast.

By the end of the year, we will have released 24 episodes of the podcast in its first year. And it’s gone viral thanks to Ariana McGee, Founder and CEO over Navigate Maternity and our 2023 Pioneer of the Year. She was an amazing guest on a recent episode, and one of her shorts on YouTube has reached over 3 million views!

If you haven’t seen it yet, check it out here.

We have built a strong foundation to build upon for people to come in and tell their stories, starting with the NEI Pioneer Podcast and Pioneer Video series leading up to the event. This will only continue to grow and become an effective resource for those living in Northeast Indiana and those looking to move here.

The groundwork has been set and now we can take it to another level.

Northeast Indiana is on a path to becoming a national model for regional branding and economic development. With the momentum of “Pioneer Starts Here,” we’re not just sharing our stories, we’re reshaping how the world sees us.

-SACKETT!!!