Why give back?

Let’s face it, building your brand in a small community like Bragg Creek is tricky. There’s no place to slap up a billboard and hope people stop mid-deer-sighting to read it. In our neck of the woods, reputations are built on neighbourly waves, how many kilometers you’ve logged on a bike, and whether you’re the person who bought the last date square at Cinnamon Spoon. But here’s the icing on the cake. Nothing boosts your brand quite like the giving of your time (and your wallet) to community causes right outside your door.

Take for example, the Bragg Creek Community Association. Supporting them is like paying dues to the unofficial social club of the hamlet. Every pancake breakfast, concert, or event such as Winter in The Woods, brings the community together. Sponsoring their events isn’t just charity, it’s brand exposure with maple syrup on top. When your logo shows up on posters, social media and event programs, you’ve hit marketing nirvana. Suddenly you’re not just a business. You’re “that business who helped keep the gym lights on.”

Then there’s the Bragg Creek Snowbirds Fellowship. These are the folks who know everything about everyone. Think of them as the original social network. No Wi-Fi required. Want word-of-mouth advertising? Bake some cookies for their next Thursday social gathering or open mic night. Within days, you’ll be trending harder than gossip at the Powderhorn Saloon. And let’s be honest, seniors are the toughest brand ambassadors out there. If Mrs. (insert name here) says your company is solid, then half of Bragg Creek will be lining up at your door. If she says your coffee is weak…

And let’s not forget Swamp Donkey Musical Theatre. Aside from the fact that their name alone deserves applause, supporting them is like getting front-row seats to your brand’s personality. You may sell insurance, bake cookies, or run a boutique advertising agency, but when your logo flashes across a playbill for Oklahoma! (performed by your neighbours in cowboy boots), suddenly you’re not just a business, you’re a patron of the arts. People will associate your name with laughter, applause, and possibly a memorable rendition of “Surrey with the Fringe on Top.” Not bad for a few night’s sponsorship.

But here’s the kicker. When you donate to these groups, you’re not just doing good, you’re doing well. Community involvement builds trust, and trust builds loyalty. In our area, that means people will choose your service over a faceless competitor from the outside.

Sure, it costs a few yen, and yes, your Saturday evenings might disappear into volunteer hours, but the return on investment is worth it. You’ll earn goodwill, credibility, and maybe even a standing ovation. Plus, nothing beats the sight of your logo nestled amongst other volunteer businesses on the poster outside the post office because in that moment, your brand isn’t just recognized. It’s respected, trusted, and shows you are dedicated to the community.

So go ahead, sponsor a raffle, donate to the theatre, or flip burgers. Your brand recognition will grow. Your neighbours will remember you. Your community will thank you. And who knows, you may even land a starring role in next year’s musical. Donating has its rewards.

Now go break a leg.

Cheers, mark.