Troy, NY – Wednesday, February 4, 2015 – Today, the Commission on Economic Opportunity, one of the leading nonprofit human service organizations in the Capital Region, marked its 50^th Anniversary with a major announcement: the unveiling of a new brand. Leaders from the from the philanthropic and nonprofit communities as well as guests of honor, staff, board members, and agency supporters joined CEO to publicly unveil the agency’s bright new look and updated messaging.

The decision to rebrand was not made in haste. After in-depth analysis and research, the agency’s senior leadership team decided to pursue a new brand strategy to more closely align with CEO’s mission to serve Rensselaer County and surrounding communities, increase awareness of the organization’s profound and lasting impact and create a new image distinguishing the organization from other nonprofits.

The grand unveiling featured a presentation by Emily Cote, CEO’s Marketing and Communications Director and rebrand project lead, on the evolution of CEO’s brand over the last 50 years and the projected gains the new brand will have on the organization, which in turn benefits the customers.

“CEO touches the lives of more than 13,000 people each year and yet, I was alarmed by how often I would hear that people had never heard of us,” commented Mrs. Cote. “CEO’s image and messaging needs to clearly capture the true essence of the work we do, so our customers, community partners and supporters can easily understand our purpose and role,” she added.

Rensselaer County Executive Kathleen Jimino, who has been involved with the agency for over 20 years and currently serves as Secretary of the CEO Board of Directors, had this to say during her welcome remarks, “Having partnered and collaborated with CEO in various capacities and projects, I’ve seen first-hand CEO’s positive influence on people, families, neighborhoods and communities. CEO’s new tag line: “Changing lives, improving our community.” truly captures the mission of this agency.”

As the event concluded, Ms. Cote left us with these last words, “The rebrand is NOT about casting aside all of rich history and a legacy built by the hands – and hearts – of those who came before us, it is about honoring and embracing everything we have become and looking forward to the next 50 years.”

The agency thanked all who collaborated on the rebrand project to make it so successful: the Consulting Alliance of Albany, Awards by Walsh’s, Lane Press, Prout Printing, One Day Signs, Rob Totaro of Capital District YMCA, Meghan Johnston of Johnston & Associates and Raeanne Wright.

For more information on CEO’s new brand, please contact Emily Cote at 518.272.6012 ext. 274 or ecote@ceoempowers.org. You can also learn more about CEO and its new vision by visiting the agency’s new and improved website at www.ceoempowers.org.