According to Executive Director Chris Peterson, the new logo represents "a new day for The Arc of Livingston-Wyoming." The agency will remain focused on the needs of local individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD), and will gain increased public awareness through national advertising and being associated with other Arc chapters across the country that have adopted similar logos.The Arc of Livingston-Wyoming is one of more than 700 state and local chapters of the national Arc, the nation’s largest and leading organization dedicated to the rights and quality of life of people with I/DD and their families.
"The national Arc is one of the largest non-profit organizations in the country," Peterson explains. "They introduced this logo three years ago, and their intention is for it to become as recognizable as United Way, Red Cross, Special Olympics, and others that immediately mean something when people look at their logo. We are confident that it will bring increased recognition and awareness to our programs and services."
Nationwide efforts toward wider brand recognition for The Arc recently hit a crescendo with news that Comcast and NBCUniversal have agreed to take on The Arc as a national partner. Through a three-year commitment, the media giants will provide The Arc with $3.7 million in cash and in-kind support, including airtime to promote The Arc’s public service announcements on cable and broadcast channels and xfinity.com.
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| Foundation President Tim McCallum, Senator Catharine Young, and Arc CFO Martin Miskell |
Locally, the logo was introduced on December 13th at The Arc of Livingston-Wyoming's staff holiday party, where it was unveiled by agency staff and New York State Senator Catharine Young, herself a former Arc employee at the Cattaraugus County chapter. In the weeks that followed, the logo has been adopted at the agency's Web site (www.lwarc.org) and on its printed materials. Rebranding will continue throughout 2014, as the agency rolls out new signage for its buildings and vehicles.
Individuals who receive services from The Arc of Livingston-Wyoming are optimistic that a boost in national recognition will lead to greater support for a cause that is close to their hearts.
“It is exciting to introduce the new face of our organization to the community,” says Lisa Irwin, president of the agency's Self Advocacy group. "The Arc of Livingston-Wyoming is a very important part of my life and it is because of their support that I am able to achieve my goals and determine my own life. This new identity will let everyone know that we are moving forward and making a difference every day.”
