Proposes guide to ensure brand/signage consistency during bank’s major expansion

Kirkland, WA /prbuzz/  January 5, 2011 — TSF President Jim Risher knew from recent experience with another bank that Columbia Bank’s major expansion can make it difficult to integrate corporate brand identity into both newly built and acquired locations.  The team had recently created a brand signage guide for another financial services client going through the same scenario.  At the same time, he needed to ensure successful completion of the exterior branding project for the new Redmond location.

Completing the Redmond branch signage required close coordination with general contractor BPCI.  Doug Frederick is a senior project manager for the respected, full-service firm.  “The Sign Factory team made it as easy as ever to work together,” he said.  “Not only were their field employees reliable and courteous, but Jim even made himself available on a Saturday to help us out.  The process was flawless despite tight timelines and logistics.”

“Our FDIC assisted acquisitions of banks in Washington and Oregon last year required that we quickly remove existing exterior signage to build our brand,” said Mark Nelson, EVP/COO, Columbia Bank.  “Our collaboration with The Sign Factory is an important component of our strategy to clarify our brand.  We are excited to explore the possibilities with them to create new signage consistent with our corporate identity.”

Based on Nelson’s feedback, Jim and his team held brand strategy meetings with marketing and construction representatives for the bank.  Risher and his team have proposed the brand signage guide as the best solution to maintain consistent signage during a frenzied period.  “Implementing a guide for the first time can be a huge resource to ensure a turn-key formula to keep up with the rapid growth,” said Risher.  “We are unique for the fact that our team can handle all expertise and services in-house, including brand signage design guides.”

The Sign Factory specializes in helping financial institutions such as ING Direct and Columbia Bank make the most of their retail environments with state-of-the-art design and signage.  For more information, call 1-800-585-2066 or visit the Sign Factory website at www.thesignfactoryusa.com

For more information regarding BPCI, please visit www.bpci.net