Insights

Change is rarely easy but the acceptance of change will be one of the biggest assets a senior community needs to move forward in the post COVID-19 world.

Though it’s hard to say exactly what the “new normal” will be for senior living communities, that’s okay. It would be impossible to have all the details now. What’s most important is:

• Keeping residents happy, healthy and safe (which we know is your first priority, now and always!)
• Sharing and communicating changes and new initiatives frequently to make residents, their family members and prospective new residents feel more confident and informed
• Creating messaging based on a strong, consistent, recognizable brand and voice

How can your senior living community confidently communicate and adapt to an ever-changing new normal?

Communication will be more important than ever! Here are 6 tips:

1. Develop a fast-fact sheet highlighting the changes, and an email message to introduce them. This can be updated as time goes by.
2. Amplify your website and social media channels. An easy-to-use website where important information lives should be front-and-center. Families will be making decisions based on how proactive you are; your website will be one of their first stops. Before the pandemic, users had a short attention span - spending about a minute or less on a website, but today, screen time is valuable - it is digital real estate. You will want to be sure to publish content that will keep them on the site longer generating conversions.
3. Utilize video. To give a personal touch in a landscape of reduced personal contact, use custom video which can be utilized on your website and in social media too!
4. Employ positivity. Consider developing a new icon/tag that reflects the new normal in a positive and hopeful way.
5. Explore digital marketing & advertising. With physical distancing protocols, which are expected to be around for quite some time, people will become even more used to gathering information and making decisions online. Consider how tools like video display advertising, mobile advertising and paid search can help you connect with highly targeted prospects.
6. Claim, prioritize  and manage online reputation management. We anticipate that online reviews will continue to grow as a means for prospects to vet your community. Have a dedicated person monitoring your online reputation and showing your responsiveness. Here are our 5 best practices for online reputation management.  

As businesses, we cannot control the virus. But we can control how we react, respond and move forward. What will be the game changer? Strategy and communication! We know your protocols and intentions will be geared towards continuing to keep your residents safe and healthy—and we want to help you share these important messages to the benefit of your brand.

At infinitee, we are here to help you assess and adjust to the new normal.

Do you need a partner who can support you into the future? Set up a quick chat with  Vince Vitti to discuss the possibilities.

Harrison Homes, formerly Harrison Development and Construction, is a luxury, custom homebuilder based primarily in the upscale suburbs of metropolitan Atlanta - including the affluent Brookhaven, Chamblee, Dunwoody and Roswell communities.

Established in 2007 and still owned/operated by the founding members, the Harrison leadership team approached infinitee to help build a fresh visual identity that better aligned the brand with the premium service, finishes, and design components that are found in each and every Harrison Home built. The new brand needed to represent the highest quality product and be reflective of the design aesthetic that homeowners can expect to receive when they purchase and build their custom dream home with the Harrison Team - as well as position the company in a way that would propel them through the next phase of aggressive business growth.

The “Harrison” name has legacy and a strong industry reputation for being a best-in-class, custom homebuilder. Knowing that Harrison would remain the primary naming system for the overarching brand, our team proposed Harrison Homes as the larger brand - with supporting business hierarchy for the three lines of business offered under that brand: Custom, Construction and Communities.

As part of the brand development process, we established new brand standards for Harrison, including color palette, typography and positioning.

A new website was launched that not only showcased the new brand identity but was visually driven by the beautiful photography assets of the many custom homes Harrison had built over the years. Built as a responsive site, the navigation, content strategy and overall drivers for action all provided an enhanced user experience with quick paths to the most relevant information and direct links to contact a representative for more information.

These strategies are all the more important in today’s world. With the advent of COVID-19, the attention span of online users has increased due to the limitations of walk-in traffic and in-person tours. Harrison Homes’ website content was designed to be engaging so that potential customers stay on the site longer allowing them to make more informed decisions.

With such a strong digital presence in place, we then turned to the printed collateral needs of the Harrison team. Business cards, corporate identity materials and a branded homeowners packet were developed using soft touch papers that not only displayed the visual brand identity in an upscale way but felt rich to the touch - enhancing the overall brand experience through multiple senses.

With such a visually appealing product and the new website in place, our team then helped Harrison Homes develop a social media strategy that would help them showcase their current / available homes, as well as tease the market from B2C and B2B perspectives with updates on what’s to come, the Harrison unique points of difference, and personal touches that the Harrison team provide along every step of the homebuilding journey for all three lines of business.

Applications showing the full depth and breadth of the new brand's potential were concepted and presented as additional considerations and opportunities for the Harrison Home team.

Want to know more about how we helped develop this brand for Harrison Homes - or how we can help you reimagine your own brand? Give Vince a call today - 404.231.3481 x114.

Many people—even those who’ve never had senior living on their radar—are feeling deep compassion for senior living communities, their residents, family members, employees, and the industry as a whole. But unfortunately, compassion doesn’t invigorate tired employees who are dealing with the threat of COVID-19 on a daily basis. We sure wish it did!

We’ve seen first-hand how much employees and operators care for their residents. We know that for every employee—from caregivers, cooks and techs to facilities and housekeeping staff—this situation is draining physically and emotionally. Our hearts go out to you; we want to offer a few ideas that might help.How can senior living communities help prevent employee burnout during these challenging times? How can we help employees continue to bring their best to residents?

Here are 6 ideas to help senior living employees stay uplifted during COVID-19:

1. Create an employee recognition program highlighting real-life positive stories about how the staff is overcoming the COVID-19 crisis. Include everyone at your facility. Create a campaign allowing residents or family members to nominate an employee for a positive contribution. Put this online, send an email to family members, and go room to room asking residents if they have any nominees. Have a weekly awards ceremony; announce who the week’s recipient is and why. Give them a gift card or small prize. We have a feeling there will be no shortage of nominees; this type of ongoing recognition may be something you’ll want to keep long after this pandemic ends! Use posters, emails and social media to share this messaging both internally and externally.
2. Designate time to celebrate small victories. Whether it’s 10 minutes once a week, or 5 minutes at the beginning of every shift, make celebration a priority. Even if you’re just celebrating Wednesday or Tom’s comfortable new shoes, small victories matter. While these senior living activities may cheer up residents and therefore positively impact staff, having dedicated staff celebrations are sure to brighten moods. Of course, these celebrations can include snacks or other fun touches, but that’s totally up to you!
3. If staff members are quarantined, or home with sick family members, take up a donation. It’s not always about the money, but the intention behind the money. Take up a voluntary collection/donation from the residents for the staff, even if it is just .50 cents/day while they are quarantined.
4. Ask employees what they need. This situation is unprecedented. We can’t always figure out what other people need, or what would genuinely make them feel better. Don’t just guess, but ask, what employees need to do their job.
5. Consider helping with childcare, food, laundry or other personal needs. If your employees are distressed over childcare, do you have ancillary space you can convert onsite to provide childcare? If they are distressed over food, can you send home meals at the end of each shift for your employees and their immediate families? Many healthcare workers have expressed concern about bringing the virus home with them. Can you offer to launder their scrubs to limit contamination? Any personal need you can help with can make a big difference!
6. Staff-inspired dance parties. Are we the only ones who feel better after a quick dance party? We doubt it! In our view, mini impromptu dance parties never made anyone feel worse. Make a list of each employee’s favorite song. In the community area, or even over the intercom, announce “Let’s all dance to Patty’s favorite song, We Are Family!” Residents can join in from the comfort of their rooms, chairs or beds, and employees can do it wherever they are. Whatever works best for your facility!

Thank you, senior living staff, for being on the front lines of the pandemic, and keeping people safe. You deserve more gratitude than we’ll ever be able to truly voice. We think about you every day, and we’re beyond grateful!

If you need help creating a program to inspire and reward employees, we can help. Set up a quick chat with  Vince Vitti; he’ll be happy to speak to you directly and see what’s possible.

We admire the way senior living communities care so deeply for their residents all the time, but we are simply awed by the way you’ve stepped up during these COVID-19 times.

While social distancing measures are currently necessary for safety, this doesn’t mean joy, laughter and smiles need to fall to the wayside! Hopefully you have ideas aplenty to keep residents entertained and engaged during COVID-19—but if not, we hope ours will add some inspiration.

How can you keep residents entertained while sticking to social distancing measures? We have ideas!

Here’s our top 10 list of activities for senior living communities during COVID-19:

NOTE: For all activities, it will be necessary to follow CDC recommended guidelines and maintain small groups and respect social distancing.

1. Springtime parade given by staff. Go to each area of the facility with small instruments and play music—or use a portable speaker. Or, if you’ve got talented team members who sing, dance or play instruments, let them lead the way!
2. Warm-weather outdoor fun. Go to outside enclosed areas of the facility and play games using small water pistols or bubble machines. Or have an outdoor dance party!
3. Get floral with craft time. Flowers are vibrant and hopeful. And even fake flowers provide so many fun and colorful possibilities. Buy an assortment of fake flowers, and in small groups make crafts (spring hats, flower arrangements, bouquets or floral pins for caregivers).
4. Live virtual showcases. We hope you’ve been able to set up virtual visitations. Let’s go a step further! Arrange for virtual events via a computer connected to a TV in small communal areas. This could be anything from a grandchild giving a concert, or a comedian telling jokes. Just because they can’t be there in person doesn’t mean they can’t entertain.
5. Tastes from around the world. We love any excuse for a tea party and a cookie. From the comfort of your community room, give residents a taste of treats from around the world. A taste of England: Tea and English biscuits or A taste of Italy: Biscotti and cappuccinos. You can incorporate videos about each type of food or country of origin. Belgian chocolate. Greek baklava. There are so many delicious options!
6. Cultural exploration. From zoos, museums, aquariums, operas and more, so many cultural and educational experiences are available online. Here is a great list of cultural resources.
7. Ice cream socials. In small groups, have an ice cream party outside. The more toppings the better! It could also be an egg cream party or root beer float party. Whatever will make your residents smile.
8. Wednesday Walkabouts. Lead a guided tour in the wings of the facility (where all residents go one way just like grocery stores are doing now). Arrange it so “surprises” are found at certain intervals. A box of snacks with a note, some drawings made by family members, a flower for each of the attendees, etc.
9. Stretching, Yoga or Meditation. Has there ever been a more important time for calm and mindfulness? Incorporate guided activities done by either a team member or virtually. Here’s a video that leads chair exercises. And Calm is a great app for learning meditation.
10. Coloring. We love how soothing and enjoyable coloring is. Your residents can do this while maintaining social distance, either on actual printable coloring sheets, or on their tablets or smart phones.

With our utmost appreciation and gratitude, thank you for keeping our loved ones safe, healthy and happy!

If you need help engaging residents, we can customize a program for you. Set up a quick chat with Vince Vitti; he’ll be happy to speak to you directly and see what’s possible.

Senior housing communities’ number one priority is to keep residents healthy and happy. We know how heavily the COVID-19 situation and its restrictions are weighing on you and your residents. We know how important it is to keep spirits high (theirs and yours!) during this difficult time.So how can you help residents and families who are missing their loved ones when personal visits are not allowed?

Virtual visitations! Today, we want to share a simple way to put this program in place.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you set up virtual visitation for those technologically-challenged residents who do not have access to cell phones or PCs:

1. Select several staff members—visitation directors—to organize the scheduling for the visits.
2. Provide a dedicated laptop or tablet to run the virtual visits.
3. Show them how to use Zoom (or the selected online software of your choice). At infinitee, we love using Zoom for our virtual meetings…we find it easy and reliable. Here’s how to set up / schedule a meeting with Zoom.
4. Use a shared google doc for the staff to organize and manage the calendar of resident "visits." Staff members can set up a calendar of virtual visits for residents by planning a time with their family members. It’s best to keep this all in one calendar. They may choose to have a calendar in Google, Yahoo or Outlook—all of which are compatible with Zoom events. (Once a meeting is scheduled through Zoom, it can be easily added to the organizer’s Google, Yahoo or Outlook calendar.)
5. If needed, have your team also instruct family members on how to join the Zoom meeting. If the resident’s family members don’t know how to use Zoom, send them this video. Here’s how to join a meeting with Zoom.

A few more suggestions:

• To make the scheduling easier, suggest recurring visits for each resident (same time, same day of the week) to automate the process. This can also be implemented easily when scheduling in Zoom.
• To share the good news with families, create a special email blast announcing the virtual visits. Share on social media, your blog, and your other communication channels.
• If you wish to give families more control, update your website to include an icon/message encouraging them to “schedule your virtual visits with your loved ones now.” This could either link to an email with the visitation director, or if you want to be more technically advanced, to scheduling software like Calendly (which is compatible with Zoom meetings). It would allow you to make slots available, and residents to choose the days and times they prefer.

We know that setting up something new can be tricky, and if you don’t get the hang of it quickly, we are here to help. We can customize a program just for you. Set up a quick chat with  Vince Vitti; he’ll be happy to speak to you and give you a hand.

Thank you - for all that you’re doing to keep our loved ones safe, healthy and happy!

We're in the midst of an unprecedented, global crisis and the impact COVID-19 is having on all our lives changes daily.

Were you prepared?

How are you handling your crisis communications?

What are others doing (effectively)?

These are all questions we’ve fielded from clients over the past few weeks and, odds are, you’ve asked yourself or been asked the same questions. Our team has been vigorously monitoring the marketing landscape, keeping a close eye on industry predictions, and working collaboratively with clients to help navigate their messaging and crisis communication strategies behind the situation. And, as a result of this, we have compiled these recommendations for the CCRC industry.

1: Member Communications and Planning

Clients and other CCRCs alike have implemented a number of precautionary operational measures throughout their communities - including the following communication tactics:

• Weekly operational updates to members and members' families via email.
• Onsite video stations to facilitate regular face-to-face communication between members and their loved ones. Implement an Activity Director to help organize and assist with scheduling these virtual visits.
• Finessed messaging on all mediums, including website, email and social media, to exhibit awareness and transparency throughout this pandemic.
• Daily correspondence via emails and printed newsletters to members that include a variety of activities to keep them occupied, uplifted and inspired - also falls under the new responsibilities of the Activity Director.

2: Crisis Communication: Pre-Planning

A general principle when dealing with a matter of public health and safety is to be proactive. You never want a situation where potential harm could have been avoided. Some best practices in crisis communication pre-planning are as follows:

• Develop relevant messaging now for both internal and external audiences pre-crisis and templates for post-crisis
• Identify your crisis team(s) and specific assignments and roles so that you're ready to act in a timely manner when the time comes
• Compile a list of contacts, both internally and externally, and share/post them across all relevant personnel, stations, and common areas for quick reference
• Outline a digital communications plan comprehensive of best practices and guidelines - making it available to all members, staff and families
• Make sure your team has the facts and is properly educated on COVID-19, and stays current on changing information as new developments break. Assign team leaders to this task and encourage frequent information sharing across crisis team(s).
• Stand together in a united front. Make sure the entire team is on the same page with frequent communications and regroups to put forward a united front regarding what you are doing, what the backup plans are and what your processes are, etc.
• Communicate openly and frequently. Keep members and families updated frequently with honest, relevant, authentic and consistent communications.
• Consistently convey key points:-Your communities are the right place to be at this time. Members are isolated from the general population and are SAFE.-You are open for business and operating as normal to ensure they are cared for.-Everyone is united to get through this together.
• Connectivity is a continued priority. You are focused on connecting members and families throughout this crisis through virtual applications, opportunities and other technologies (FaceTime, Zoom, etc.)
• Be seen as a trusted resource. Make sure members and families see you as a trusted resource and that you are a neighbor to them - here to help where you can. Share the details to further enhance their confidence in you for their continued health and wellbeing.
• Spread positivity daily. Let members, families and prospects know about the positive work you are doing every day and the impact it has on seniors. The work is important and so are the workers who continuously go above and beyond to make sure residents are cared for.

3: Crisis Communication: Illness Confirmation

Several CCRCs are taking the following stance when cases are confirmed:

• Communicate quickly and transparently. Time is not on your side in controlling information and the narrative. Therefore, a timely disclosure of facts to members, families, staff and the public is critical for your reputation.
• Prioritize internal communication. Communicate to members, families and staff first - nothing undermines your communication strategy more than when your inner community learns things from an external source. Ensure that there is a seamless and immediate way for these groups to receive information.
• Develop a cooperative rapport with media. Designate one media spokesperson, respect deadlines, prepare strict speaking points that allow you to control the narrative and reiterate the message you want to convey. “No comment” is not a good comment!
• Assume everything is public. Know that any internal memo to staff or members can, and likely will, get into the hands of the media. Treat all information as though it were public and be consistent and constant with your messaging across internal and external audiences.
• Plan for ongoing communications. Consistent and frequent updates will be expected and this simple act, while it requires discipline, goes a long way in garnering trust and quelling panic
• Respond to ALL inquiries on social media. While time-consuming, it is crucial to dispel misinformation and show that your organization is responsive and transparent.

Although these tips do not represent an exhaustive list, we hope that they help lay the foundation for a proactive crisis communication strategy and that you can implement them in the support and management of your community's reputation during this COVID-19 pandemic.

Stay safe, stay healthy...and remember, we’re #InThisTogether.

If you would like a copy of this presentation to share with your team, please complete the form below to access a PDF of these tactics.

Still have questions or want to know more? Set up a quick chat with Vince Vitti here and he’ll be happy to speak to you directly.

Today we celebrate all the heroes that impact our lives daily to fight one of the greatest Pandemic's our world has seen.

From healthcare professionals, caregivers, first responders and all of the thousands of essential workers who are tirelessly working to protect us and nurse our loved ones back to health - we say THANK YOU!

THANK YOU

to the national heroes that give their time, energy, and risk their own safety to ensure that our needs are met. And then get up and do it all again the next day. You are our front line forces against this pandemic and deserve more gratitude than we’ll ever be able to truly voice.

THANK YOU

to each of you fighting this fight from all corners of the globe. Your sacrifice and dedication is noticed and we are beyond grateful for all that you have done and continue to do to serve our nation, our loved ones and countries across the globe.

#InThisTogether

There’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that these are unprecedented and uncharted times for all of us. As we navigate the uncertainty and constantly evolving landscape from personal, professional and business perspectives, let’s all take a deep breath and remember that we’re #inthistogether.

Over the past few weeks, our team has been monitoring the marketing landscape, keeping a close eye on trends and industry predictions, and working collaboratively with clients across all verticals to help them navigate their messaging and crisis communication behind the COVID-19 situation. Needless to say, social media has been (and will continue to be) a huge part of this communication strategy.

Audiences are turning to social media for the most up-to-date news and business information, as well as personal interactions, lighthearted and uplifting messages, and a host of other activities as they look to fill their #WorkFromHome time during this period of Social Distancing.

Many experts are anticipating another 30-90 days of this new normal and, with that in mind, we wanted to share 4 tips for navigating social media during this time.

Here’s what we’re seeing and have found to be most engaging, impactful and effective so far.

01. Do NOT go quiet.

During this time it’s important to stay active on social media and to adjust your social approach. Keep it upbeat, honest and authentic. Some of the top posts we’re seeing also layer in humor, where appropriate.

02. Be engaging in an organic way.

Everyone is looking for human interaction and a personal connection. Asking questions in post copy such as “what are some of the things you've been doing to stay productive while working from home?” not only engage your followers but also adds an important WE CARE element to your social messaging. On that same note, keep up with the national “celebrations”. For instance, National Nurses Week and National Hospital Week are the first two weeks of May. This is an important message and stance that all brands can take to show support to the healthcare industry and essential workers during this time.

Audiences across all industries need to know that they are not alone - even if we are all separated right now.

03. Virtual is the new norm - embrace it now.

Online usage and shopping has increased and is expected to steadily grow as we continue through this situation. This is especially important for our retail based clients but also has important applications for other industries as well.

If you’re a shopping center brand, use social media to create and sustain consumer engagement for online retail offerings and push dining options for your tenant mix. With curbside services and carry out quickly becoming the only out-of-home experiences for your consumers, they are craving details and opportunities to have a “normal” dining experience - even if it’s only to pick it up and return home. And chances are, your restaurants are getting very creative with their offerings so share that with your social following!

We’re also seeing a trend toward virtual tours, appointments, etc. for the senior living, multifamily, and commercial real estate industries as well to keep the sales funnel going during this time. The most important thing you can do to support your brand during this time is to be solutions oriented for your audiences but in an authentic way.

04. Create messaging that is on brand and purposeful.

It sounds obvious, right? The temptation is to react quickly but your brand identity is no less important now than it was pre COVID-19. Your messaging and content strategy needs to be purposeful and strategic but your audiences still need to know it’s YOUR brand. Consider creating templates for each post type, adjusting your weekly content categories, etc. and continue planning your content as you normally would have. The brands that do this well will stand out and rise to the top!

We hope that you can put some of these tips to use during this time. And if you have any questions or would like to chat with our team on how you can best implement any of these for your brand, we’re all a phone call or video chat way.

Stay safe and stay healthy!

#INthistogether

Summer internships tend to evoke polar opinions within people. You either loved yours or hated it. Maybe they offered you your first full time position or maybe you learned that the field that was your “passion” really isn’t all you thought it would be. I could drone on about the nuances, projects, and experiences that made my past summer so great but your eyes would probably glaze over.

So, instead, here are the top five reasons you should seriously consider the summer internship program at infinitee.

#1 The Environment

Both external and internal, the workplace environment breathes professionalism and fun! The infinitee office is located at Piedmont Center - where you are surrounded by greenspace, trails, and within walking distance of some great eats and venues. But it's not just the office that is great, it's the people and the culture within it. infinitee’s open floor plan within the office and cast of characters that inhabit it make it alive and an upbeat place to work.

#2 The People

The cast of characters I just mentioned are truly infinitee’s greatest asset. They have an incredible team - each with their own defining skills, passions and background. From Kelly’s charm to Vince’s razor sharp wit. Then you have Lynn’s motherly nature along with Marcia and Chelsea’s attention to detail. Micheal brings the creative heat to match the cool leadership that stems from Barbara and Jocelyn’s years of industry experience. All-in-all every employee has something powerful to bring to the table, and each and every one of them was more than willing to help me learn and grow.

#3 The Exposure

I was exposed to all facets of the business and agency operations during my internship. My official title and responsibilities had me working on new business development with Vince but my actual work took me much further. I was given the opportunity to sit in on sales meetings as well as creative design meetings. I worked in data analysis and in creative research. I went to client meetings and attended business expos. The ability to see so much through every lense is a priceless experience.

#4 The Development

At infinitee you're not just an intern, you're also a student. During my time there, I was often given a project, some overall direction and then told to run with it and make it my own. Afterwards, I would meet with Vince (or the team member who assigned the task), walk them through what I did and why, and then we would workshop the details from that point. The way he, and every employee, would give me autonomy and then follow it up with advice creates an incredible environment to grow your skills and an invaluable “real-world” experience.

#5 The Opportunities

To be transparent, this is more than your typical office monkey internship. infinitee expects you to do big things and so they give you big opportunities. In my time with the team, I was able to attend a Bisnow State of The Market conference in downtown Atlanta, help name a room in a multimillion dollar development, meet titans of the industry, and learn things that I would have never been exposed to otherwise. infinitee is truly a company that cares about its interns and their future. I can’t thank them enough for what they’ve given me but this testimony is a start.

If you want to learn more about 2020 summer internships, email kelly@infinitee.com.

For over 20 years, Pantone Color of the Year has played a leading role in product development and purchasing decisions across almost every industry. From fashion to industrial design, product packaging, home furnishings to art collections and even manufacturing, the current Color of the Year guides decision making and sets the standard for retail audiences across the world.

Needless to say, arriving at the annual Color of Year does not come without thoughtful selection and careful analysis. So...how does Pantone narrow down a decision as important as this one? Their color experts scout the world looking for new influences across the board— that’s how. Everything from popular travel destinations, art collections, lifestyle trends, even films in production, influence the decision. Anything and everything that has a presence in pop culture plays a role and impacts the final Color of the Year selection.

Allow us to Introduce 2020’s Classic Blue

Classic Blue. A deep, introspective and nostalgic color. When you think of blue, you might immediately be drawn to the sky, the ocean, a flowing river, landscape and serene environments in general. The color exhibits inner security and confidence. It’s loyal, responsible, honest, sincere and sometimes even a little reserved.

Instilling calm, confidence, and connection, this enduring blue hue highlights our desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era.

This serene hue has already played a vital role in design decisions this year - even after only two months! From fashion trends that impact spring retail campaigns to branding / rebranding efforts, signage, print / digital designs and really all aspects of marketing, our team is looking to Pantone for color and design inspiration.

Apparel and Home Goods

The fashion runways of New York, Paris and Milan set the standard for retailer apparel decisions. Heading into March and beginning of spring fashion campaigns, we’re seeing BLUE play a leading role. The always classic, blue denim hit the runway and is showing up across retail floors as we speak. From vintage, to distressed and short and cropped, all shades and styles are must-haves for your spring wardrobe.

Our team of stylists paired fun and flirty denim-inspired looks for Spring in our client’s upcoming TangerStyle Spring collection.

Commercial Real Estate (CRE)

Building renovations and commercial design decisions also lean heavily on Color of the Year influences, what’s currently hot in the market, and what will resonate with tenants to create environments that both make a statement and promote efficiencies in the workplace. Our commercial clients routinely invest annual budget dollars into building enhancements that ultimately impact design and marketing. Take  Accesso for example. We recently helped launch a full-scale corporate rebrand for them - complete with the brand new tenant amenities program,  Accesso Club. A major part of the rebrand included color theory and selection. Accesso redefines the CRE norms and wanted their brand to reflect the different approach they take to their owner/operator role. And, as you can see from the creative, Classic Blue played a major role in the development of their new brand identity and trickled down to every layer of their tenant amenities programming for Accesso Club.

Brand Development

As 30+ year advertising and marketing pros, branding is at the forefront of our client services and is truly what we do best. We bring our clients’ stories to life through impactful design and creative storytelling, all of which stem from unique brand identities and POV’s. Harrison Development & Construction, a professional, custom home builder based in Metro Atlanta, came to infinitee for our retail flare and branding expertise when they wanted to rebrand their organization. And, you guessed it, at the forefront of the new visual identity and brand redevelopment - Classic Blue. It’s a color that draws inspiration and inspires confidence, everything we wanted to convey for the new Harrison Homes. Their team also happened to be partial to blue!

Whether you’re looking for a spring fashion fix, are designing (or redesigning) marketing materials for your brand, or taking on a home renovation project, draw inspiration from Pantone’s Color of the Year: Classic Blue. Until next year when the new color is introduced, we’ll be buzzing about classic blue.

Grand Boulevard, a $500 million, mixed-use lifestyle center in Miramar Beach, Florida, is perfectly nestled in the heart of South Walton –  just minutes from Sandestin’s exclusive resorts and the Gulf Coast’s world-famous 30A beach communities.

As a long-time client of infinitee (19 years to be exact), we’ve had a front-row seat as Grand Boulevard has literally exploded in the market. We have also had the pleasure of helping to craft a reputation for the Center as the region’s premier, upscale, open-air destination for shopping, dining and entertainment.

(You can read more about Grand Boulevard’s Renaissance in the shopping center industry in this article from Shopping Center Business.)

Having set new benchmarks at every turn, and now with an impressive roster of world- and locally-famous chefs including Chef Emeril Lagasse, renowned and first-to-market national retail brands, and a robust Coastal Culture Arts & Entertainment initiative featuring the acclaimed South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival, 30A Songwriters’ Festival and more than 200 events annually, Grand Boulevard was ready to take its brand image to the next level in 2019.

Challenge accepted!

The new brand aesthetic for Grand Boulevard needed to reflect the beautiful coastal setting while maintaining an approachable look and feel, and also appealing to the upscale and affluent demographics of the South Walton area.

Our “elevated coastal” theme was brought to life and woven throughout each of our brand elements – starting with a new website featuring enhanced UI/UX, interactive directory & map, and a host of other features that provide users with an online glimpse at how distinctive Grand Boulevard truly is.

Once the brand identity was established, our team went to work sourcing professional talent and planning a first-of-its-kind photo shoot for Grand Boulevard. One day on-set generated three years worth of assets for the website, advertising materials, marketing and leasing collateral and a full library of other digital and social media needs.  

Playing up the experiential and lifestyle components of the Center, “A Grand Experience” became our campaign headline because it aptly and succinctly told audiences what to expect from their visit(s) to Grand Boulevard. Iterations of “Experience Shopping Along the Boulevard,” “Experience Dining… “, etc. were incorporated into the campaign to further drive home the breadth of experiences guests are able to enjoy. This also helped us diversify our digital campaign strategy by diversifying creative for local versus out-of-market audience reach and retargeting efforts.

The enhanced experience provided to Grand Boulevard’s audience via the website and brought to life through the campaign theme was also carried over into interactive eblast templates for use with consumer email marketing efforts.

Officially launching with the website this past October, the revitalized brand has been extremely well-received to date and will continue to be unveiled as we move into the new year and the collateral begins to appear in-market.

The 2019 rebranding efforts have set the stage for exciting new developments “Along the Boulevard” in 2020 and, while we can’t share those details just yet, you can bet that we’ll share them as soon we can!

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Santa’s not the only one making his rounds this year. A recent NRF Survey reports that holiday shoppers plan to spend 4% more this year, averaging $1,047.83 on gifts. And this number increases slightly among people 35-44 - reporting to spend an average of $1,158.63.

Whether you fall into the category of the 56% planning to buy online or the 53% planning to shop in store, you’ve got a budget, a list and a few weeks to finish up. And not to add fuel to the fire, but there is one less shopping week between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year!

To help, we’ve put together a few of some of our team’s favorite gift giving items for this Holiday Season. Happy Shopping and Happy Holidays!

1. A Gift for the Sports Fanatic

Michael Rivera, Creative Director

If Guinness offered a world record for Atlanta United’s greatest fans, Michael and his wife would win! As founding members, they never miss a game (unless under dire circumstances) and everyone around the office knows when it’s gameday. If you have a die-hard sports fan on your list this holiday, Michael recommends checking into their local sports teams for special holiday sales on tickets, merchandise or fan experiences. And, if you’re local, Atlanta United’s Holiday Ticket Pack are on sale now!

2. A Gift for the Traveler

Marcia Homer, Director Brand Management

Marcia is our office jet-setter. We all live vicariously through her InstaStories and world adventures. (#daydreaming) This Everywhere Bag from AWAY is her top choice for the traveler on your list and is designed to slide over the handle of any AWAY suitcase (or slide onto your shoulder). It also has a laptop pocket and waterproof umbrella pocket - making traveling to any location, for business or pleasure, easy and efficient!

3. A Gift for the Hard-Working Fitness Fiend

Vince Vitti, VP Business Development

Let’s face it...the 9-5 can get in the way of your fitness goals. And with the new year approaching those resolutions from this past year are bubbling back to the surface. Fortunately, Vince found a way to get his move on even while on new business calls. This TODO Foot Peddler Desk Bike is perfect for your fitness-focused friend (or yourself) and, even better news, it’s under $50! We fully anticipate several of these popping up around our office in 2020.

4. A Gift for the Dog Lover

Chelsea Schmidt Wiley, Senior Brand Manager

The holidays are the perfect time to get the Dog Lover on your list something truly unique and something that they wouldn’t buy for themselves…or their fur babies. The Furbo Dog Camera actually tosses treats and allows you to essentially FaceTime with your pet while you’re away. Yes, please! Another unique idea for your pet-loving person is a DNA test from Wisdom Panel to find out what their adorable adopted pup’s breed is. You guessed it, Chelsea had her pups tested and it turns out they’re 100% adorable!

5. A Gift for Someone Who Can’t Be Home for the Holidays

Ezgi Yersu, Senior Digital Designer

Ezgi is our Turkish Princess (she’s seriously so glamorous) whose family is still in Turkey. Fortunately, she gets to spend the holidays abroad but not everyone can make the annual trek to be with loved ones at the holidays. If you have someone on your list that can’t be with family this holiday season, Ezgi suggest mailing them something that makes them feel like they are home (i.e. their favorite holiday food or an ornament or traditional seasonal decor item)! With a little Googling and Pinterest research, the possibilities are endless.

6. A Gift for the Trendsetter

Ashlan Riess, Brand Manager

Fashion has a face around the infinitee office and it’s Ashlan Riess. She’s what fashion goals are made of! For the fashion icons on your list, Ashlan’s obvious first recommendation is a gift card to Tanger Outlets, our long time client and friend.

(#shamelessplug) Tanger makes gift-giving easy and you can save big on the latest styles from famous designer brands. For even more savings join TangerClub for exclusive members only savings and exciting Tanger perks all year long. You even get a free gift for you when you sign up!

7. A Gift for the Engaged Couple or Newlyweds

Aylin Orhan, Junior Designer

Aylin is our resident bride-to-be and when she’s not powering through inspiring creative designs, she’s planning her big day. For those of you with engaged friends or newlyweds on your holiday list this year, here is Aylin’s recommended source for great gift ideas from brides.com. There are so many great ideas she couldn’t pick just one, but some of her favorites are the personalized cutting board, monogrammed decanter and personalized dipped ceramic pitcher. Happy shopping and no judgement if you find something for yourself on this list. We did!