Vernon County unveils new brand and tagline, plans phased rollout starting March 31

Amy Oliver, Vernon County’s community development director, presented the board with a new county identity and a rollout plan at the March meeting. “Our tagline is a great place to grow,” Oliver said, showing a short branded video and explaining the logo’s elements—rolling hills, a rising sun and a foundation line—to reflect the driftless landscape and the county’s values.

Oliver said implementation will be gradual: staff trainings have begun, department heads received brand books and templates, and the public launch is scheduled for March 31 with exterior and interior signage to be installed from April through August. She said the branding is meant to help residents recognize county communications and connect services to county goals for health, safety and quality of life.

Several supervisors praised the work. One member cautioned that future infrastructure decisions should consider the brand’s visual integrity, saying the board’s new logo and mission should inform related resolutions about transmission lines. Oliver noted the county does not have a dedicated marketing department and that Larkin Bridal, the county’s economic development marketing coordinator, will lead implementation alongside Oliver.

Board materials include a messaging guide and visual guide for staff use; Oliver said these templates are intended to reduce staff time spent designing materials so they can focus on content. Implementation will start with high-visibility materials and expand over time.

The board did not take formal action on the brand at the meeting; the presentation was an update and the launch timeline was provided so staff and supervisors could prepare for public-facing changes.