A new ordinance was passed this summer ensuring earned sick and safe time for all Saint Paul workers. To let employers know about their obligations under the new law and to raise awareness with the general public, the City of Saint Paul engaged Neka Creative. The brand development agency created employer posters and the direct mail postcard, positioning the new ESST law as an opportunity to support happy, healthy and safe employees. Neka Creative also developed and produced the consumer awareness campaign appearing on Saint Paul bus shelters and the METRO Green Line. “It was rewarding to see this important announcement on the streets of Saint Paul,” says Sheri Ellis, Neka Creative Strategic/Creative Writer. The campaign was ultimately designed to let Saint Paul employees know they have rights they may not be aware of, and that under this new law, they don’t have to choose between their paycheck and the health of their families or themselves.

Green Minneapolis is a multi-project conservancy established to advance the vitality of downtown Minneapolis through parks, greening and program activation, and is guided by its commitment to create public spaces that engage all of our city’s diverse communities. With fundraising and operations of The Commons as Green Minneapolis’ initial projects, they are well on the way. To breathe life into the vision of vibrant and welcoming outdoor spaces, Neka Creative developed the brand direction. “Not only do we love what Green Minneapolis is doing for downtown Minneapolis, we share the same passion for inclusion. Because of that, along with the potential for ‘what’s next,’ we’re thrilled to be their brand partner,” states Neka Creative President, Rosemary Ugboajah. Neka Creative, a full-service brand development agency, started by conducting strategic workshops with representatives from the City of Minneapolis, Green Minneapolis Board and Green Minneapolis staff. Following that, Neka Creative developed the strategic direction, new logo, identity system, website and other collateral materials. “Neka Creative brought exactly the right branding expertise and approach we needed for our start-up organization. From the first meeting with Neka Creative, we were impressed with their creativity, professionalism and focus on Green Minneapolis’ diverse customers and stakeholders,” said David Wilson, Green Minneapolis Board Chair. Read More

Our city just got fresher, livelier and more welcoming with the launch of The Commons, an outdoor gathering place nestled in the heart of downtown Minneapolis. Neka Creative developed the brand for The Commons, starting with a strategic direction reflecting the inclusive nature of this exciting new green space. They also created the new logo, identity standards, nomenclature and brand creative positioning The Commons as ‘Your Downtown Oasis.’  Read More

We live in a world inundated with stories that can make our heads spin, tummies tussle and hope float…away. Then, there are those stories that challenge our daily lives. Being tirelessly present when someone truly needs us. Overcoming differences that may otherwise threaten a good relationship. Creating the next great, 'it had better move mountains’, brand idea. Now, more than ever, it’s time to believe that anything is possible. It’s time to bravely overcome self-imposed barriers that limit progress, even in the toughest of circumstances. Let’s take inspiration from a story recently featured on 60 Minutes—“The New Columbia.” It showcases a Christmas ad campaign instrumental in motivating 18,000 guerillas to put down their weapons and come home after many, many years in the jungle. It’s a powerful brand lesson in all things possible. So grab an eggnog, get cozy and enjoy this brilliant marketing story. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/60-minutes-colombia-after-civil-war-lara-logan/ By Sheri Ellis

Minneapolis, MN, November 2016—Neka Creative, a woman and minority-owned brand development firm, was chosen by the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority (MSFA) to tell the equity hiring and contracting story during the design and construction phases of the U.S. Bank Stadium. Since failure wasn’t an option for the MSFA, the report needed to be as victorious as the equity results themselves. “Neka Creative is an exceptional strategic and creative resource. From the very beginning through to the equity event they brought a passionate commitment to our needs along with an intuitive knack for knowing exactly how to bring this important story to life,” states Alex Tittle, Equity Consultant, MSFA. Neka Creative interviewed private and public sector leaders as well as several individuals and companies that earned the right to work on the stadium. This research provided the fodder Neka Creative needed to develop a compelling theme, narrative and design. In addition to producing the 24-page equity report, they also created event materials for the MSFA awards ceremony in early October. “As a creative agency committed to building brands through the holistic process of Inclusivity Marketing™, we were honored to create materials for this landmark effort. The MSFA story is proof that equity is indeed possible,” states Neka Creative President, Rosemary Ugboajah. To read the MSFA story, visit Minnesota Made For Equity.