VERNON COUNTY

ABOUT

Nestled in the heart of Wisconsin’s Driftless Region, Vernon County is a place defined by its natural beauty, strong sense of community, and deeply rooted way of life. Unlike much of the surrounding Midwest, the Driftless landscape was untouched by glaciers, resulting in rolling hills, winding rivers, and breathtaking scenery that make the county one of the most unique and visually striking areas in the region.

But Vernon County is more than just a destination, it’s a community. Home to vibrant small towns, thriving local businesses, and generations of families, the county offers a quality of life that blends tradition with forward-thinking progress. Residents and visitors alike are drawn to its balance of peaceful rural living and rich cultural experiences, from farmers markets and Amish country tours to live music, local art, and award-winning dining.

The county has quietly built a reputation as one of the Midwest’s best-kept secrets. With access to high-quality education, healthcare, and a growing infrastructure that supports remote work and sustainable industries, Vernon County continues to attract individuals, families, and entrepreneurs seeking a more intentional way of life. Clean water, fresh air, local food systems, and a deep connection to the land are not just ideals here, they are everyday realities.

At the same time, Vernon County operates as a complex public organization, with multiple departments working together to serve its residents, support economic development, and promote tourism. Each department plays a critical role in shaping the county’s future, from infrastructure and public services to community programming and business support.

As the county continued to grow and evolve, so did the need for a brand that could fully capture its identity, not just as a government entity, but as a place. A place where community matters, opportunity exists, and the landscape itself tells a story.

opportunities

As Vernon County looked toward the future, leadership and stakeholders recognized a clear opportunity: to better define and communicate the county’s identity in a way that matched its character, values, and long-term vision.

While the county had built a strong reputation as a desirable place to live, work, and visit, its existing branding did not fully capture that story. The absence of a unified identity created challenges both internally and externally, limiting the county’s ability to present itself consistently, connect with its community, and position itself for continued growth. Several key challenges emerged:

Lack of a Unified Brand Identity
Across departments and communications, Vernon County lacked a cohesive visual and messaging system. Without standardized logos, colors, or guidelines, each department operated independently—resulting in inconsistencies that diluted the county’s overall presence and professionalism.

Inconsistent Communication Across Departments
With no centralized brand framework, internal teams faced challenges maintaining alignment. This made it more difficult to deliver clear, consistent messaging to residents, businesses, and visitors, and limited the effectiveness of county-wide initiatives.

Underrepresentation of Community Identity
Despite its strong culture and sense of place, Vernon County’s existing branding did not fully reflect the voices, values, and personality of its communities. There was an opportunity to create a brand that felt authentic—one shaped not just by leadership, but by the people who live and work there.

Untapped Potential for Tourism and Economic Development
As a region rich in natural beauty, local business, and cultural experiences, Vernon County had significant potential to further position itself as a destination. However, without a compelling and cohesive brand, it was difficult to fully leverage these assets in marketing and outreach efforts.

Need for a Scalable, Future-Ready System
As the county continues to grow and evolve, it required a brand system that could scale alongside it—supporting new departments, initiatives, and communication channels while maintaining consistency and clarity.

Lack of a Centralized Visual Asset Library
Although Vernon County offered no shortage of visual appeal, it lacked a professional, high-quality library of photo and video content that could be used across marketing efforts. This created a gap in the county’s ability to effectively tell its story in a modern, visually driven landscape.

Elevate Media Group was brought in to address these challenges through a comprehensive, community-driven rebrand. The goal was not simply to create a new look, but to build a unified identity system—one that authentically represents Vernon County, aligns its internal teams, and positions it for long-term success in tourism, economic development, and community engagement.

SERVICES PROVIDED

Elevate Media Group (EMG) partnered with Vernon County to execute a comprehensive, community-driven rebranding initiative. This engagement spanned strategy, design, content creation, and implementation, resulting in a unified brand system built to serve residents, departments, and future growth. Each service played a critical role in shaping a cohesive identity that reflects the county’s character while providing the tools needed for long-term consistency and impact.

• Brand Strategy & Positioning

  • EMG led Vernon County through an in-depth discovery and strategy process, gathering insights from stakeholders, community members, and regional data sources. This phase focused on defining the county’s core values, personality, and long-term vision. Through collaborative workshops and research, EMG established a clear strategic foundation to guide all branding decisions. The result was a direction that felt both authentic to the community and aligned with future growth.

• Department Branding System

  To address inconsistencies across departments, EMG created a scalable logo system that allows each department to maintain its own identity while staying visually aligned with the county brand. This included custom variations and iconography designed for flexibility and ease of use. The system ensures consistency across all departments without sacrificing individuality. It also simplifies future expansion as new departments or initiatives are introduced.

• Video Production

  • EMG captured and produced high-quality video content to showcase Vernon County as a place to live, work, and visit. Utilizing 4K cameras and licensed drone technology, the team documented the county’s landscapes, communities, and culture. The video content was designed to support brand awareness and future marketing efforts across digital platforms. Each piece emphasizes authenticity, storytelling, and visual impact.

• Social Media Templates

  • To support brand rollout and ongoing communication, EMG designed a suite of social media templates aligned with the new identity. These templates make it easy for departments to create consistent, professional content without needing advanced design skills. Built for flexibility, they can be adapted for various announcements, events, and updates. This ensures the brand remains cohesive across all digital touchpoints.

• Logo Design & Visual Identity System

  • EMG developed a complete visual identity for Vernon County, including logo concepts, color palettes, typography, and supporting design elements. Using an iterative process, multiple concepts were refined through feedback and collaboration to ensure the final direction resonated deeply with stakeholders. The final identity balances professionalism with personality, capturing the essence of the Driftless region. This system serves as the visual cornerstone for all county communications.

• Brand Book & Guidelines

  • EMG produced a comprehensive Brand Book outlining how to properly use the new identity across all platforms. This guide includes standards for logo usage, colors, typography, imagery, and messaging. Designed to be both practical and accessible, it empowers county staff to confidently apply the brand in their day-to-day communications. The Brand Book serves as a long-term resource for maintaining consistency and quality.

• Photography & Visual Asset Library

  • Over the course of a full year, EMG built an extensive photography library capturing life across Vernon County. This included community events, local businesses, natural scenery, and everyday moments that define the region. The result is a versatile collection of professional images that can be used across marketing, tourism, and internal communications. This library provides long-term value by ensuring the county always has access to high-quality, on-brand visuals.

• Implementation Planning & Launch Support

  • EMG developed a strategic plan to guide the rollout of Vernon County’s new brand across channels and departments. This included organizing deliverables, preparing digital assets, and ensuring all teams were equipped for launch. EMG worked closely with stakeholders to create a smooth transition from old branding to new. The result was a coordinated launch that set the foundation for long-term success.

PROJECT

Vernon County rebrand campaign

Elevate Media Group partnered with Vernon County to lead a comprehensive rebranding initiative, developing a unified identity system that reflects the county’s character, aligns its departments, and positions it for long-term growth. This full-scale rebrand encompassed strategic planning, community engagement, creative development, and implementation across all county touchpoints.

The process began with an in-depth discovery phase, working closely with county leadership, UW-Madison Extension, and community members to gather meaningful input. Through surveys, stakeholder discussions, and public feedback, EMG ensured the new brand was shaped not just by internal goals, but by the voices of the people who call Vernon County home. This community-first approach became a defining element of the project, reinforcing authenticity and local pride throughout the process.

From there, EMG guided Vernon County through a structured strategic planning phase, defining core values, brand personality, and a clear vision for the future. This foundation informed the development of a cohesive visual identity system, including logo design, color palette, typography, and supporting brand elements. Using an iterative design process, multiple concepts were refined through ongoing collaboration, ensuring the final identity resonated deeply with stakeholders and accurately represented the county’s unique sense of place.

A key component of the rebrand was the creation of a scalable department branding system. EMG designed custom logo variations and iconography for individual departments, allowing each to maintain its own identity while staying aligned within a unified visual framework. This was paired with a comprehensive Brand Book, equipping county staff with clear guidelines and tools to ensure consistency across all communications moving forward.

To support implementation, EMG delivered a full suite of branded assets, including social media templates and digital resources designed for ease of use across departments. A structured rollout plan ensured a smooth transition, giving the county the clarity and confidence to launch its new identity effectively.

The Vernon County rebrand officially launched in March 2026, introducing a cohesive, community-driven identity that not only enhances how the county presents itself, but strengthens how it connects with residents, visitors, and future opportunities.

PROJECT

Vernon County
Video Series

As part of the broader rebranding initiative, Elevate Media Group developed a cinematic video series designed to showcase Vernon County’s identity through authentic, year-round storytelling. Rather than relying on stock visuals or short-term shoots, EMG committed to capturing the county over the course of an entire year, ensuring each season, story, and experience was represented in its most natural and compelling form.

This long-term approach allowed the team to document Vernon County as it truly is, vibrant, diverse, and deeply rooted in community.

The seasonal video series highlights the unique character of the county throughout the year:

• Winter captures the quiet beauty and energy of the colder months, featuring scenes of families playing in the snow, ski jumping, cozy coffee shops, local shopping, and the sense of warmth that defines the community even in the coldest season.

• Fall showcases the rich colors and traditions of autumn, including pumpkin patches, harvest season moments, and the unmistakable atmosphere of the Driftless Region as it transitions into winter.

• Summer brings the county to life through its busiest and most vibrant season, featuring farmers’ markets, the county fair, outdoor recreation, and community gatherings that highlight the area’s culture and energy.

• Four Seasons Compilation weaves together the strongest moments from each seasonal shoot into a single, cohesive narrative—offering a high-impact overview of what makes Vernon County special year-round.

In addition to seasonal storytelling, EMG produced a Small Business Feature Video focused on the people and entrepreneurs who power the local economy. Through on-location interviews and candid footage, this piece highlights the passion, resilience, and individuality of Vernon County’s business community, adding a personal, human layer to the county’s brand.

Across all videos, EMG utilized high-end production techniques, including 4K cinematography and licensed drone footage, to capture the county’s landscapes and experiences from both intimate and cinematic perspectives. From sweeping aerials of rolling hills and river valleys to candid moments at local events, each video was crafted to feel authentic, immersive, and emotionally engaging.

The result is a versatile video library that not only supports the county’s new brand, but provides a powerful tool for tourism, economic development, and community storytelling, designed to resonate with both residents and those discovering Vernon County for the first time.

Conclusion

While the rebrand launched recently, several immediate impacts are already clear:

• Stronger Community Representation
  By incorporating extensive public input, the final brand reflects the voices and values of Vernon County residents—creating a sense of ownership and authenticity.

• Improved Internal Alignment
  For the first time, all departments operate under a unified brand system, complete with consistent logo variations and clear guidelines. This has streamlined communication and elevated professionalism across the board.

• Robust Marketing Asset Library
  With hundreds of hours of captured photo and video content, Vernon County now has a powerful collection of assets to support tourism, economic development, and ongoing communications.

• Future-Ready Brand Foundation
  The new identity and Brand Book provide a scalable framework that will support Vernon County’s growth and storytelling for years to come.

The Vernon County rebrand is a testament to what’s possible when strategy, creativity, and community come together.

By grounding the process in local voices and backing it with high-quality visual storytelling, Elevate Media Group delivered more than just a new look—it created a unified identity that reflects the heart of the county.

With a cohesive brand system, aligned departments, and a deep library of authentic content, Vernon County is now positioned to confidently share its story, attract visitors, and support its communities well into the future.

VIDEO

DIGITAL MARKETING

WEB DESIGN

GRAPHIC DESIGN

DRONE

SOCIAL MEDIA

PHOTOGRAPHY

VIDEO DIGITAL MARKETING WEB DESIGN GRAPHIC DESIGN DRONE SOCIAL MEDIA PHOTOGRAPHY

Elevate offers a comprehensive range of services to meet all your creative and marketing needs. From professional video production and stunning graphic design to cutting-edge web development and effective digital marketing strategies, we have the expertise to bring your vision to life. Additionally, our drone services provide unique aerial perspectives that can elevate any project. Whatever your needs, Elevate is here to help you achieve your goals.

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