The Halifax County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) has completed its new branding designs for its properties and programs. "Halifax County has worked hard to build out the critical assets that business and industries look for when deciding to expand. What we haven't done is present them in a way that shows how they go together," says Matt Leonard, the IDA's Executive Director. "We have been working for the last year to build a brand that tells a fuller story to those inside and outside of our region."

The IDA will build off of the more recognizable "Southern Virginia" identity already used by its critical mission partners such as the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center, Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Tobacco Indemnification and Communities Revitalization Commission, Southern Virginia Regional Alliance and Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corporation. The IDA used the new logo and tag line it unveiled at the end of 2012 to complete its rebranding. The chart shows the changes being made.

"When we market Halifax Virginia to prospect industries, they need to quickly recognize the advantageous positioning and collaborative nature of our community and our assets," says Kristy Johnson, the IDA's Manager of Marketing & Business Development. "These immediately paint a picture, which we can then readily guide our prospects through to show them how Halifax County in Southern Virginia brings it all together in a way that meets their needs – from its placement logistically to its workforce training to its R&D, business and product support assets."

The IDA has already reworked its website and marketing materials using these new brands. Over the next few months the IDA will be changing its property signage to complete the rebranding.