Athens Area Chamber of Commerce
ANNUAL REPORT
We are poised for what’s next. Our story shows that.
Done in partnership with C. Toney Communications
Project Overview
The Athens Area Chamber of Commerce has become an integral player in the Athens community. They don’t shy away from two equally important characteristics: initiative and follow-through. As a team, they wanted to show the momentum they had built up after the pandemic, and the ways in which they part of the fabric of Athens - in business and beyond.
Phase Two: Narrow the Focus
The team chose the second approach. They were especially drawn to the colors and big blocky text in the middle spread. The first option was too playful and the third option was too professional - balance is key! They also highlighted the importance of authentic photography in this meeting.
Phase One: Establish the Vision
We talked through three different directions with the ACCOC team, allowing us to narrow the focus and create within new boundaries.
Phase Three: Find the Edge
I took their charge to be authentic seriously. I decided to roam around Athens and take pictures of local landmarks I encounter every day.
I took the colors from the photos to create a palette for the title. Their 2023 theme, “Championing Community” was the perfect headline for the cover.
To avoid singling out any specific business, I image traced and changed the texture of the images. This styling also helped them blend better.
Phase Four: Play
The team wanted a short and punchy report. The entirety of the report includes a letter from the current and future chair, a letter from the president, a stat overview, and testimonials.
I decided to bring in elements from the cover throughout the book. The photos show up in the background or margins of each spread. The colors (exactly matched to the various businesses) created the palette for the entire report.
This report made its debut at the 2023 Annual Dinner, and it was a hit! I think it reflected a vibrant, growing chamber that people are proud to be a part of.
