Think Local First
Downtown Bellingham Partnership, Sustainable Connections, Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism, Ferndale Chamber of Commerce, Mount Baker Foothills Chamber of Commerce, Historic Fairhaven Association, Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce, Blaine Chamber of Commerce
Regional
Campaign films, Animations, Social media film edits, Photography, Gift guide, Banner designs, Website design
opportunity
Covid-19 was killing local businesses:
Like so many communities around the world, Whatcom County’s local business took a massive hit due to Covid-19. As our understanding of Covid-19 changed and evolved, we all wondered what we could do to save our dying business. A major issue was the tensions between rural and urban parts of the county.
solution
Political tensions were high but our goal was clear: create a unifying campaign inspiring both urban and rural populations to come out in support of local businesses during the pandemic leading into the holiday season. It was a big ask, but who better to fill those shoes than Sasquatch - the mythical creature prevalent to, and well-loved by, everyone in the PNW.
We created a 360 degree campaign using design, Sasquatch “sighting” photography at dozens of local businesses, live action films, animated cartoons, street banners, bus advertisements, and giant foot print stickers businesses used to show traffic where to go.
We made it simple to support local businesses while finishing up holiday shopping by partnering with Yiftee to design a Think Local First gift card, redeemable at over 266 local businesses.
The campaign was such a success (businesses saved, money kept in the community, and unifying residence) that Whatcom County continues the campaign to this day.
testimonial
We gave Soulcraft a big challenge, promoting safely supporting local businesses during COVID, with nearly impossible deadlines. They pulled it off! The team is creative, hard working, responsive and fun. I should also mention adaptability. Schedules and plans needed to constantly change due to evolving COVID restrictions. Soulcraft associates smiled, thought hard and worked through the necessary changes.
Derek Long, Executive Director, Sustainable Connections
