“Pender County is diverse,” said Randell Woodruff, county manager. “We knew it would be a challenge to find a comprehensive design that included our vast agriculture and coastal lands.”
Ford Design Group, based in Wilmington, created a design that encompassed all of Pender County.
Greg Ford and Foster Barker used the shape of a pin-drop, similar to the drop pins used in mapping software to indicate “this is your destination.” The pin-drop, a carapace of a sea turtle, contains the rich agricultural fields, a bright sun, and the sky is also a wave.
“Ford Design Group was very thankful for the opportunity to brand Pender County this year,” said Ford. “The goal was to design a mark that was a strong and marketable representation of Pender; and as memorable and as unique as the county itself.”
Ford Design Group provided the brand with six stars, each representing the incorporated towns within Pender County. An alternative brand features the tagline “Find Your Treasure.”
“The tagline hints at our pirate legends and lore,” said Tammy Proctor, tourism director. “Pender County is a treasure chest full of gems to be discovered – from our beaches, blueberries and our history.”
“The tagline ‘Find Your Treasure’ is one that we proud of as well,” said Ford.
Greg Ford, the owner of Ford Design, is also a resident of Pender County.
"We're Pender Proud," he added. “We're excited about continuing our great relationship with the county and look forward to helping them expand their brand in the coming years. Our company offers a full array of services and we can assist with any avenue of their advertising and design needs.”
“Ford Design Group provided us with an eye-catching marketing brand that we will use to attract businesses and tourists,” said Woodruff.
The new brand is featured on a new billboard on Interstate 40 in Watha as well as a Find Your Treasure Facebook page highlighting the treasures of the county.
