Demand for brand development and management spurs growth in WNC strategic comms agency.
Hendersonville, NC – Award-winning PR and marketing firm Formation PR + Brand announced today that it has expanded its creative team with the addition of Senior Graphic Designer, Caleb Bourgeois. The recent expansion comes on the heels of also adding two new Senior Strategists and is in response to ongoing growth and demand for brand strategy and development among the agency’s clients.
The western North Carolina-based agency has seen tremendous growth in its client base in the last three years and was recently recognized by the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce with its 2023 Business Growth Award. Now in its 16th year, Formation PR + Brand develops standout brands, integrated communications, and lasting campaigns for clients that create transformative results.
“This year has been one of tremendous growth,” notes CEO and Founder, Erica Allison, pointing to the addition of new clients like The Duke Endowment and Golden LEAF Foundation, along with several new community colleges and regional development organizations throughout the country. “It was time to secure new talent for our team.”
Allison also notes a laser-focused commitment to grow at a pace that doesn’t overshadow client deliverables, high-quality results, or Formation PR + Brand’s mission: Listen. Create. Empower. Impact. “We relentlessly listen to our clients in order to create outstanding brands and communications strategies that will result in tremendous positive impact in the world around us – all while empowering our clients and their teams,” adds Allison. “Our greatest feedback from a client is when they say, ‘we can tell you and your team really listened to what we had to say.’”
The agency prides itself on its distinctive approach to strategic communications, particularly among organizations that have a significant and positive impact within their regions and communities. This approach has resulted in a national reputation among regional development organizations, as well as a strong portfolio of intentional work with community colleges and nonprofit and philanthropic organizations throughout North and South Carolina.
The agency recently rebranded the D.C.-based National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) and Dogwood Health Trust (Asheville). In addition to serving as the retained communications partner for Dogwood Health Trust, among others,
Formation has served as the retained PR agency for UNC Health Pardee since 2015 and the marketing agency of record for Blue Ridge Community College since 2017. As part of the expansion of the creative team, Senior Graphic Designer Caleb Bourgeois will join long-time Creative Director Derek Stipe to design and execute client-specific collateral ranging from brands to annual reports and paid advertising campaigns. Caleb brings more than 10 years of experience in graphic design, most recently leading his
own business – Bourgeois Creative. His diverse background also includes photography and video production.
“We are privileged to work with extraordinary individuals representing organizations who are committed to creating an impact — both socially and economically — throughout their communities,” said Allison. “Our creative team’s energy and talent, alongside our thoughtful and experienced strategy teams, will position Formation PR + Brand to meet the needs of our diverse and growing client base for many years to come. Allison indicates another wave of additions may be on the horizon. “The PR side of our business is also experiencing increased growth; we will need a few more seasoned professionals to add to the team in the coming year.”
Founded in 2007, Formation PR + Brand is guided by a simple mission: Listen. Create. Empower. Impact. The agency is committed to investing locally while also working with clients across the country who are dedicated to creating social and economic impact throughout the communities and regions in which they work. To date, the agency has served nearly 300 clients across 10 states and the District of Columbia.
About Formation PR + Brand
Founded in 2007 by Erica McArthur Allison, Formation PR + Brand is a public relations and branding agency guided by a simple mission: Listen. Create. Empower. Impact. The agency’s client base works in higher education, nonprofit and philanthropy, healthcare, and regional and economic development. Formation PR + Brand is a member of the Public Relations Society of America; AdClub WNC, an affiliate chapter of the American Advertising Federation; Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development; the Hendersonville Area Chamber of Commerce; and is a Living Wage employer as certified by Just Economic of WNC. To learn more about Formation PR + Brand, visit formationpr.com.
