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01.31.2023

How Marketers Can Manage Brand Assets with WebConnect

As the gatekeepers and guardians of all things brand, marketers have a unique challenge—empowering employees with access to marketing materials while also maintaining control and governance over their use. For marketers working for large enterprises or geographically dispersed organizations (franchises, for example), managing physical and digital brand assets is easier said than done. The Challenge Managing Brand Assets When we say “brand assets,” we’re referring to any physical or digital materials that are owned by and require oversight from a brand manager. This could include: Promotional materials and SWAGSeasonal signage Brochures and business cardsBranded corporate formsDigital assets like logo filesBranded apparel All of these resources are developed to enable employees across the organization to effectively operate and/or market your brand and its services. But for marketing departments, maintaining the most up-to-date versions of digital assets and distributing physical assets across the organization can be a time consuming and tedious task. Consider these scenarios: Your marketing team has developed an incredible, personalized employee onboarding kit—but every time a new staff member is onboarded, someone from the team needs to manually assemble and distribute the gift. With other priorities top of mind, it’s easy to fall behind, leaving the onboarding experience lacking. How can you streamline and automate this process?Recently, your company rebranded and updated its logo. This means staff across the organization will need updated business cards. However, you know that not everyone uses business cards, and therefore printing them for everyone would be a waste of resources. How can you enable staff to order their own business cards without having to manually manage the entire process?You work for a retailer that develops seasonal promotions for franchisees to leverage in their local markets. These promotions typically include updated window signage that can then be personalized to each location. How can you ensure your franchisees are appropriately leveraging the designs and personalizing them within your brand standards? The Solution: A Branded Storefront An internal digital storefront is a website that hosts your library of brand assets. From a user experience perspective, it's just like online shopping. Staff can simply log in, click on the items they want to order (business cards, brochures, t-shirts—you name it) and the order is sent for manager approval. Check out WCD's customer-facing storefront by clicking here. Undoubtedly the best part of having an internal digital storefront is the time you'll save. With automation built into the backend, the storefront streamlines the entire ordering experience, eliminating your team's need to intervene in the process. This automation prevents you from having to repeat mundane tasks like: Sending creative to printPackaging productsCreating shipping labelsKitting multi-item ordersManaging inventoryEmailing proofs back and forth The list goes on! Why WebConnect? WebConnect is a user-friendly digital platform that enables anyone in your business to order corporate materials with the click of a button. It's valuable for large organizations or franchises who need a simpler way to print, manage and distribute collateral and promotional products. Using its powerful web-to-order capabilities, marketing departments can work with WCD's developers to customize a WebConnect storefront and upload brand materials like brochures, business cards, signage and more. Staff can simply log on, add items to their shopping cart, customize products within brand-approved guidelines, and order those items on-demand. WCD then prints, packages and delivers the finished product directly to their chosen location.

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12.12.2022

WCD said Yes to the "Yes Press"

WCD Invests in HP Indigo 15K Digital Press—the First in Western Canada! We're thrilled to finally share an incredibly exciting announcement—WCD has invested in an HP Indigo 15K Digital Press! This game-changing technology will help us disrupt the print fulfillment industry by providing customers with a greater range of capabilities, higher degree of quality, improved order speeds and more sustainable options. With this new addition, we're bringing some of our outsourced work back in-house, while providing offset-class quality to our customers. We'll now be able to better meet the needs of customers who require high-end printing on multiple substrates and packaging using high opacity inks and spot colours.WCD team members stand proudly in front of our new HP Indigo 15K. Left to right: Allan Megarry (CFO), Alex Baudais (pre-press), Teresa Rule (print operator), Karen Brookman (president & CEO), and David Hartling (production manager). We're now able to offer our customers: Consistent colour with 75% improvements in accuracyFast colour matching with 97% of PANTONE® coloursHigh-capacity printing with offset-style stacking Widest range of substrates in the industry Learn more about the HP Indigo 15K's capabilities > We're also leveraging HP Site Flow—a cloud-based, scalable, end-to-end workflow platform to streamline our operations. HP Site Flow allows us to automate order connectivity from upstream brands and content providers, while at the same time maximizing efficiency and throughput of production. We're using Site Flow to tap into the global eCommerce market, now equipped with the capability of managing hundreds of thousands of orders per day.“The platform model is revolutionizing the print industry and has enabled WCD as a print fulfillment provider to connect globally with eCommerce companies,” said Karen Brookman, President & CEO of WCD. “I particularly love that by being part of a platform ecosystem, entrepreneurial businesses like ours can compete within a global marketplace. On-demand print is also helping to reduce the environmental impact of traditional print by allowing consumers to buy only what they need, when they need it.” “HP is excited to work with WCD as they pursue new markets and meet the growing needs of customers,” said Fernando Alperowitch, Vice-President and General Manager, AMS HP Industrial. “With this HP Indigo 15K Digital Press, WCD is able to provide incredible quality while expanding its offerings, enabling them to continue leading in print across Canada.” For more information, contact: Jennifer Brookman | Vice President, Sales & Marketing marketing@wcdconnect.com

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11.08.2022

How to Create a Custom Calendar in 5 Easy Steps

Your guide to crafting a unique and functional calendar If you’re looking for a way to share memories and milestones from the past year, all packaged neatly as a gift for your customers or loved ones, then a custom wall calendar is calling your name. Why do wall calendars make the perfect gift? They’re low cost, easy to create, and most of all, they’re useful for almost anyone throughout the entire year. Printed in vivid colour with quality finishings, your calendar can showcase art, photography or creative designs hand picked by you. Ready to start creating your calendar? Let’s break the process down into five simple steps. Jump to the step you need: Choose a calendar themePick a calendar size Design your calendarSelect from our calendar binding optionsChoose your paper stock Choose a Calendar Theme Whether you’re designing a calendar for your brand or for personal use, the first step is to pick a theme. What vibe do you want your calendar to give off? Is it elegant and upscale, or country western? Clean and classic, or pretty in pink? Having a theme in mind will help you determine the colours, fonts and stylistic elements to use during the design process. Not sure what theme to use? If you’re personalizing your calendar with images or art, that can be a good place to start. Have a look at the list of common content themes people use when creating personalized calendars below to help get your ideas flowing. If you’re adding wedding photos to your calendar, you might want to pick a more elegant theme. On the other hand, a calendar full of photos of your trip to Greece might have a Grecian theme. Common content themes for personalized calendars: Family photos Brand photos Year in review Travel and trips abroad New babyWeddingsPetsRecipesNature Pick a Calendar Size Before you can start designing your calendar, you’ll need to pick a size. Standard wall calendar sizes are as follows: 12 x 12” Calendars 12 x 12 calendars are typically wire bound with a hole punch at the top for hanging—meaning when they’re on display, they are 24” in length. This makes for a stunning and eye-catching display that’s often preferred for people showcasing high-end images in their calendar. 8.5 x 11” Calendars 8.5 x 11 calendars are the perfect option for displaying your images and special dates—just in a slightly more compact space. These calendars are typically printed in horizontal landscape format, but it is possible to print them in vertical portrait format if your calendar features images of that orientation. Design Your Calendar Now that you've picked a theme and a size, it's time to design your calendar. There are many ways you can do this depending on your skill level, so we've broken down some options below. I have no design experience Not sure how to get started when it comes to designing your calendar? Luckily, there are many easy-to-use online tools at your disposal. For complete beginners, platforms like Mixbook make it easier than ever. Simply select from their library of templates, drag and drop your photos, and customize the text to your liking. Get started with your Mixbook Calendar > I have design experience If you're an experienced designer, Adobe InDesign is the best tool to lay out your calendar's creative file. You can start from scratch or use online tools like iStock or Getty Images to search for calendar templates, saving you from laying out dates and important holidays. When you're finished, remember to export your calendar as a print-ready PDF with bleed and crop marks. Calendar Binding Options Depending on the type of calendar you're printing, there may be two binding options available to you. As seen below, saddle stitching is when staples are placed along the spine of the calendar. On the other hand, wire binding (available in silver or black) makes for a higher end look. In this case, the calendar is hole punched along the spine and wire is fed through, allowing the calendar to lay completely flat when it's open to each page. For larger 12x12" calendars, only wire binding is available. Choose Your Paper Stock The finish and weight of the paper you choose can have an unexpected but dramatic impact on the finished product. For a more quality finish and feel, you might pick a heavier weighted stock with more substance. If your calendar features fine art or photography, semi-gloss paper is typically best for photo quality prints. Often, people will select a heavier cover weight for the cover pages and a lighter text weight for the calendar's inside pages. Whatever the case, ask your printer for a recommendation. Ready to Print? Personalized, printed calendars are now available through Cober Solutions.

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10.20.2022

How to Personalize Campaigns with Variable Data Printing

Have you ever received a highly personalized piece of direct mail from one of your favourite brands? What about a wedding invitation that had your name and address inscribed on the envelope? Odds are, both of these materials were made using Variable Data Printing—a technique that customizes print materials to feel curated and relevant to you. Why Variable Data Printing? Studies show that 63% of marketers agree that personalization increases customer interactions and conversion rates. As consumers, we respond better to information that is specific to us than we do to mass communications. Luckily, Variable Data Printing makes that personalization a breeze to achieve. Ready to learn more? Let’s dive into the basics: What is Variable Data Printing?How does Variable Data Printing work?Examples of Variable Data PrintingWhy clean data is critical for Variable Data Printing What is Variable Data Printing? Variable Data Printing (VDP) is a process that allows you to print large batches of personalized materials all in a single print run. Rather than creating hundreds of digital files with unique data on each (like an address), VDP enables you to use one creative file and merge it with a data source to personalize each piece. With VDP, you can personalize almost anything on a printed piece, including: Name and addresses Images and logosLocation (i.e. for franchises)ColoursSpecial promotions Take for example the postcards below. The piece on the left is a generic postcard printed in a bulk run without personalization and was likely delivered to everyone in the neighbourhood. While this can also be an effective method of advertising, let's shift to the sample on the right. This piece uses Variable Data Printing to personally address the recipient by name and show her examples of houses sold on her street within the last month. Which ad do you think is more likely to peak Janet's interest? How does Variable Data Printing work? Using a data source like an Excel spreadsheet that’s been exported from your CRM, advanced digital printing technology within a printing press pulls the data and inserts it into a template. Revisiting our wedding invitation example, you might have the basic design of the invitation made into a template, but variables like your guest’s names and address information are then merged into the file automatically with VDP. This prevents marketers from having to do manual and time consuming data merges. Examples of Variable Data Printing In a world where 84% of consumers want to be treated like a person rather than a number, Variable Data Printing is a simple and effective way to employ the power of personalization. Here are a few ways businesses use VDP to connect with their customers today. Appointment reminders Have you ever received a postcard from your dentist reminding you that it’s time for your annual cleaning? How about from your car dealership when it’s time for an oil change? Using data from your CRM, it’s easy to set up time-based automations that export your lists to be sent off to your digital printing partner. Upselling Many retailers use VDP for upselling to customers post-purchase. Take for example a store that sells hot tubs. After the client’s new purchase is delivered, they send a special offer with 10% off accessories and cleaning supplies. With VDP, they can swap out text and products to make the ad relevant to the customer’s specific model of hot tub. Shopping Cart Abandonment The average eCommerce shopping cart abandonment rate is a whopping 68%. Marketers have determined an effective way to entice those customers to come back using VDP. Sending a piece of direct mail that shows the specific items from the shopper’s abandoned cart, they’ll offer a discount code to complete their purchase—a cost-effective way to increase conversions. There are many creative strategies marketers can use to personalize their direct mail campaigns and increase customer loyalty, retention and revenue with VDP. Want to brainstorm ideas for your business? Chat with the team at WCD Creative > Why Clean Data is Critical for VDP Printers can’t detect spelling errors or false information—they’re simply fed data that’s then merged onto a printed piece. Because of this, maintaining a clean data source is critical to a successful campaign. Here are a few ways you can prepare your data: Collect it often and everywhere It’s likely that you already have a treasure trove of customer data. For some businesses with more sophisticated CRMs, this data is already maintained and stored in a central location. For others, it might be spread across systems and sources. If you’re collecting information like addresses, names, contact details, purchase history, preferences and other valuable information, make sure to save it somewhere central so you can personalize your customer’s communication. Commit to keeping it clean Data entry can be messy. If a customer is filling out a website form and that information is then merged into your CRM, the information will stay there exactly as they typed it. Maintaining a clean database means checking for spelling, grammar errors, capitalized text and other details. It also means updating information as it changes to the best of your ability. For example, if your B2B contact moves to a new company, update that information in your CRM. Ready to try Variable Data Printing? Now available through Cober Solutions.

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10.07.2022

5 Step Guide to Digitizing Corporate Records

5 Step Guide to Digitizing Corporate Records In a world of big data, digital information is proliferating each day. While many businesses have adopted new cloud-based technologies to manage the day-to-day, there’s another not-so-digital cloud of data lingering over them that has yet to be dealt with—their physical records.Those endless rows of filing cabinets left to collect dust in the far reaches of office storage aren’t going anywhere, leaving business leaders with a lingering question: how do we efficiently and sustainably manage all of these paper records? In this article, you’ll find simple advice on how to digitize your corporate records and go paperless once and for all. Let’s get started with the step-by-step basics: Define the scope of your collectionCreate a strategy for scanning your records Get organized and prepare files for scanningDecide how to digitally store and manage data Create a plan for day-forward records Rather cut to the chase and get expert guidance? Contact us today > 1) Define the scope of your collection of documents Before you can create a plan of attack, you need a full birds-eye view of what your physical records environment looks like. This includes the volume of your records, where they’re located, compliance requirements and more. Start by asking yourself the following questions. Location Are your records stored in filing cabinets? In bankers boxes? Are they all on-site at your corporate head office, or do other collections exist in storage facilities or at your field locations? Volume Do you have an accurate estimate of the volume of records you have in storage? As a general rule of thumb, one banker's box or linear square foot of storage (roughly that of a single filing cabinet drawer) holds approximately 1,800 pages. Usage Are these documents being utilized by anyone in the organization? How much of your collection (if any) can be recycled? What value exists within these stored files that you should make available digitally? Compliance Are there any compliance requirements you need to adhere to in this process? This question is particularly important for businesses in industries that have stricter regulatory standards, such as finance or insurance. If there’s a chance a document will be used in legal discovery or for evidence, it must adhere to compliance and chain of custody regulations. 2) Create a strategy for scanning your records Once you’ve determined the scope of your records collection, you can make an informed decision about converting them in-house or hiring third-party support. If your records collection is relatively small and you have sufficient internal resources, skills and processes in place, it may be feasible for you to digitize the records in-house. On the other hand, undergoing digital transformation can be a tremendous undertaking—and for some organizations, an expert partner is well worth the investment. Here are some of the reasons choosing an expert partner could save you time and money: Technology If your records collection is large, it would be cumbersome for your in-house staff to scan one document at a time. Leading technology like our IBML scanner can accurately scan and index up to 430 pages per minute. Expertise Digitizing a records collection is so much more than scanning pages. It requires knowledge of digital file storage, metadata, cloud-based ECM technology, compliance, records retention and more. The right partner will guide you through every step of the process with ease. Human Capital It’s likely that your employees’ time isn’t best spent on tasks that aren’t directly related to their job duties—and digitizing a records collection isn’t a feat that can easily be done off the side of a desk. With outsourced resources, your project will be completed with care and in a timely fashion. 3) Get organized and prepare files for scanning Transportation Unless you're scanning your records on site, you'll need to arrange for secure transportation from storage. Working with WCD, we'll arrange to retrieve and transport your records to our secure scanning facilities in Calgary or Edmonton following a strict chain of custody process. Here, records are securely stored until the scanning project is complete. Document preparation Document preparation for scanning can include removing pages from binders, removing staples and other fasteners, folding down corners and ironing out wrinkled pages. If this all sounds too tedious, don't fret—our digitization experts can handle it all. Document retention Before the digitization process begins, you'll need to decide what you want done with the records post-scanning. Often, companies want records securely destroyed but in some cases, they need to be returned to their original format (including re-stapling, placing pages back in binders, etc.). Your account executive will discuss the options with you. 4) Decide how to digitally store and manage data Do you already have an Enterprise Content Management (ECM) solution in place at your organization? If so, is it able to accommodate and effectively organize your new digital records collection? An ECM consultant will help you develop a strategy for storing and organizing this new information in a way that makes it easy for employees to access, search for and find information. If you don't have an existing ECM solution, here are some of the factors to consider when choosing one: Complexity of your information environment Do you have several departments that each need their own repository, or are you a smaller business that needs a single place to store information? The higher the volume and complexity of your records collection, the more likely you'll need a more sophisticated platform. Metadata requirements What type of search functionality do you need to retrieve documentation? For some records collections, this could be as simple as the ability to search for a file name. For larger digital environments stored across systems, ECM technologies like M-Files can help you search for and locate information in a matter of seconds by pulling advanced metadata like keywords within a document. Permission controls Do you require advanced measures for granting access to documentation, or are you fairly lenient? For organizations with stricter governance policies that are looking to protect sensitive information, consider opting for an ECM system that has built-in controls. 5) Create a plan for day-forward records As you organize records into an Enterprise Content Management (ECM) system, you'll want to develop a solid framework for your day-forward strategy. Put simply, a day-forward strategy determines how you will manage paper documents created from a certain date forward—mainly to prevent a new collection of physical documents from being created. For some organizations, this is as simple as stating that any physical records created in the future will immediately be scanned and digitally retained in the new ECM system. This prevents costly records management and scanning projects in the future, and encourages staff to get accustomed to saving documents in a central, accessible location. Your plan should address standard processes and accountabilities for day-forward scanning. Ready to go paperless? WCD is a leading Canadian provider of document imaging and storage solutions. Discover ways we can help your organization go paperless once and for all by reading about our Information Solutions.

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09.27.2022

How to Design and Print Memorable Business Cards

With corporate events and in-person networking opportunities returning in full force, we’re seeing business cards make a major comeback this year. Business cards are a quick, convenient and cost-effective way to market yourself and build new connections with ease—and since they’re often a key part of making a good first impression, it’s important to create a design that’s both memorable and effective at getting your message across. Let us show you how, starting with the basics: Information to include on your business cardsChoosing a shape, size and orientationDesign best practices for business cardsChoosing the right paper for your business cardsUnique finishes for business cardsGetting help designing your business cardsHow to print business cards in Calgary and Edmonton Information to include on your business cards First things first, let’s make sure you’re including all the basic information your new contacts will need to get in touch with you and that will help you to market yourself effectively. This could include: Your nameJob titleCompany name [and logo]Email address Phone number Physical address Social media handles Website URL or QR code Choosing a shape, size and orientation The size and shape of your business cards will impact the rest of the design, so this is an important first step. Standard business cards are typically rectangular with a landscape orientation (roughly 2 x 3.5” in size). However, if you want to go for a more distinct look, you can also opt for a rectangular shape with a portrait orientation, or for a square-shaped business card. Design best practices for business cards If you choose to design your own business cards, here are a few design best practices you should follow along the way. Information Hierarchy—Each piece of information on your card should be distinguishable, yet cohesive. Emphasize important details like your logo and name, then weave in secondary information like your contact details. White Space—If you add too many elements to a small item like a business card, it can easily become cluttered and difficult to read. Leaving a bit of white space will make the important details flow better and will be more impactful for readers. Proofread—Be like Santa… check your list twice! It’s easy to get caught up in the design elements and miss grammar and spelling errors in your business cards. Be sure to review your text several times, and ask a friend for a second set of eyes. Need help designing your business cards? Today, there are many options available for designing business cards ranging from DIY digital templates to completely custom professional design. Online tools like Canva are a great way to find free templates if you’re looking for a basic product. However, if you want an original design that aligns with your brand’s visual identity, professional designers are the way to go. Choosing the right paper for your business cards Because business cards are highly tactile, choosing a stock that feels texturally unique can work in your favour. If you’d like to stand out from competitors, you might try using an extra-thick stock that feels high-end and premium, or perhaps a recycled kraft paper that’s more organic in nature. Unique finishes for business cards Special finishes can help your business cards stand out and make a lasting impression on potential clients. A few unique print finishes include foil accents, embossing, or textural finishes like a matte overlay. Now, it might not make sense for a construction company to add luxurious gold foil to their cards—so whatever you choose, make sure it aligns with your brand. Print business cards in Calgary and Edmonton Before you can send your business cards to print, here are a few things you’ll need to do: Finalize your business card template Flow in contact information for your team membersProof read all your files Export a print-ready PDF with crop marks Create a list of print specifications Contact WCD for great prices and quality products! Ready to get started? Business card printing now available through Cober Solutions.

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09.20.2022

WCD Achieves M-Files Certified Delivery Partner Status

WCD Achieves Certified Delivery Partner Status with M-Files WCD is proud to announce our designation as a Certified Delivery Partner with M-Files, a global information management software solutions provider. The M-Files Delivery Partner Certification Program grants designation to M-Files partners for having two or more certified employees. What This Means for WCD Customers As one of only four Certified Delivery Partners in Canada, WCD is well poised to provide organizations with strategic guidance and support for configuring, deploying and maintaining M-Files as their information management solution. Through strategic consultation and expert professional services, WCD helps organizations effectively manage the lifecycle and governance of their digital records and information. “More than anything, this designation shows customers that we’re skilled in handling sophisticated data and information ecosystems. By following reliable processes and methodologies, we enable our customers to fully leverage the tools and technologies they invest in—M-Files included.” — Mark Ellis, Sr. Digital Transformation Consultant About the Certified Delivery Partner Program The process of becoming a Certified Delivery Partner includes extensive training on M-Files technology solutions, followed by a problem-solving exercise that tests your ability to design, develop and implement those solutions in a real-world scenario. WCD’s Mark Ellis, Senior Digital Transformation Consultant and Chris Edwards, Solutions Architect, have both completed the training certification. “We’re very proud to have achieved Certified Delivery Partner status with M-Files,” says Ellis. “We’ve proven our ability to analyze and solve complex challenges that require a high degree of business acumen, process-thinking and technology expertise—and that’s exactly what we do for our clients when it comes to managing their information.” About M-Files M-Files is a global leader in information management. The M-Files metadata-driven document management platform enables knowledge workers to instantly find the right information in any context, automate business processes, and enforce information control. This provides businesses with a competitive advantage and substantial ROI as they deliver better customer experiences and higher-quality work with lower risk. For more information, visit www.m-files.com. About WCD As a leader in digital on-demand solutions for print and information, WCD stands behind creative, personalized and integrated services. We help you transform your business, empower your people and share your story. Our leading-edge technology, expansive network of resources and entrepreneurial spirit ensure consistent, quality results in every market we serve. A steadfast Canadian company based in Calgary, Alberta, we’ve made business personal for 70 years. Discover more ways to cultivate seamless connection— with customers, employees and information. To find out how, visit www.wcdconnect.com. What Can M-Files Do for Your Business? Unlike any other content management platform, M-Files overlays your current information architecture and searches for information based on what it is rather than where it's stored, simplifying access from a single location and eliminating the need for a costly data migration project. By breaking down silos between disparate systems and content repositories, M-Files helps accelerate your organization's journey to digital transformation. Does it sound like M-Files could work for you?

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08.30.2022

Celebrating Pride: How WCD is Championing Diversity in 2022

Happy Pride Week! Calgary’s Pride Parade + Festival is in full swing, taking place from August 26 – September 5, 2022. In celebration and reflection, we’re looking back on the progress we’ve made to support the LGBTQA+ community and improve diversity, equity and inclusion at WCD this year. WCD’s Progress Toward Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in 2022 1) Partnership with Pride in Business This year, we partnered with Pride in Business as their official Print & Signage Sponsor. Working to create connections within the LGBTQA+ community of professionals and entrepreneurs, Pride in Business is on a mission to enhance visibility, support and commerce in the community. Through our partnership, we’ve played a humble role in the success of several Pride in Business events, including Pride in Art, an event that showcased the work of several local LGBTQA+ artists, and the upcoming 10-Year Anniversary Rooftop Bash, taking place on August 31, 2022. Pride in Art 2022 We’re proud to support Pride in Business, and we look forward to our continued partnership. 2) WCD Diversity Council & Internal Awareness Last year, we recognized a need to create space for open discussion around diversity and inclusion in our workplace. In response, we established WCD’s first ever Diversity Council—an internal group of leaders committed to creating dialogue and taking actionable steps to ensure everyone feels empowered to be their most authentic selves at work. As an organization, we’re proud of the diversity that makes our culture uniquely ours. We also recognize that the work is never done, which is why our team is committed to continually improving our DEI initiatives. To start, we’re launching our 2022 employee survey with an added emphasis on collecting feedback and valuable insights from staff on areas we can improve DEI in the workplace. What Pride Week Means for WCD’s Candace Ogden Last year, we celebrated Pride by interviewing WCD’s Rob Steed, VP of Partnerships & Client Engagement. This year, we asked Candace Ogden, Customer Service Representative to share a bit about what Pride means to her as a member of the LGBTQA+ community. Read last year's interview with Rob Steed > What does Pride mean to you? "For my family, Pride means being at one with who we are inside and out and accepting love as love. We teach our children that if we open our hearts to others, we will learn acceptance through doing so." How do you celebrate Pride week with your family? "Our family attends community events during Pride week which really helps to teach the youngest members in our family about diversity. But we don’t just celebrate Pride during this week. We are a family that celebrates who we are all throughout the year." How do you show your support for diversity and inclusion at work all year round? "In any social setting, including at work, the one thing I have learned on my journey is that being open and fully comfortable with who I am is a great way to stimulate inclusion anywhere. Not only do I show complete confidence in myself, I also make a genuine effort to show interest in others and learn about what makes them unique." We teach our children that if we open our hearts to others, we will learn acceptance through doing so. What is your advice to businesses who want to be better allies to the LGBTQA+ community? "My advice to businesses is to not only show the support visually, but to take a solid stance in advocating on behalf of the LGBTQA+ community. It is such a multifaceted community that often there is a lack of understanding for one another, even amongst those of us who are members of this community. Take time to listen and to try to understand others, and when there is a lack of understanding, find and provide resources to those who may be struggling with who they are." How You Can Celebrate Pride Week Feeling the spirit of Pride? Visit Calgary Pride's Community Events Calendar to discover the many inclusive and interactive events happening around the city this week.

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08.08.2022

Case Study: Designing a Brand System and Marketing Materials for Pekarsky & Co.

Pekarsky & Co. Establishes Itself as a Leading Executive Search Firm with Brand Identity and Marketing Materials Please note, this project was completed in 2018. As Western Canada’s go-to executive search and leadership advisory firm, Pekarsky & Co. is proud to help some of Canada’s leading companies place top-tier talent—and all with a personalized, people-first approach. Challenge When a previous partner retired, the firm (then called Pekarsky & Stein) needed to be renamed to reflect the recent change. In addition to a brand overhaul, Owner Adam Pekarsky needed to find a way to communicate the change effectively, and reposition the company as a unique leader in its space. They listened, they came prepared, and they responded succinctly to the exact directions provided to them in our brief." —Adam Pekarsky, Owner Solution Working in lockstep with the client, WCD Creative developed a naming and brand identity strategy that would help Pekarsky & Co. establish itself as a leading executive search firm and increase brand awareness within its target market. With the new logo and visual identity, WCD Creative aimed to reflect the organization’s values and create a look that would stand out in the corporate marketplace. The ampersand in the logo was designed with intention to serve as a key graphic element in brand materials. Website & Business Cards Brochure Results Today, Pekarsky & Co. is a recognizable brand name in the executive search space. WCD Creative brought the brand to life through various materials including their website, business cards, brochures, office signage, and promotional materials—establishing a strong brand presence that continues to reflect the professionalism and caliber of the team. The iconic ampersand has become a recognizable part of the Pekarsky & Co. brand (eventually becoming the official name of the company’s well-subscribed newsletter, “The Ampersand”). Their eye-catching look continues to evolve across materials and mediums, attracting clients and talent from coast to coast. Brochure Insides Signage & Promotional Materials Ready to breathe life into your brand? At WCD Creative, we consider ourselves an extension of your marketing team, partnering with you to design holistic branding solutions that solve your unique business challenges. From professional marketing materials to comprehensive campaigns, our award-winning creative will drive ROI and give you a competitive edge.

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