PDDG Design Notes – August 2025

ISSUE 67

AUGUST 2025

It’s August, which means everyone’s showing off their “first day of school outfits,” and we didn’t want to be left out. So, our newsletter is sporting a brand-new look! A cleaner layout and sharper design are all part of the glow up.

At PDDG, we know that whether it’s a client’s website, a refreshed logo, or even our own updates, great design is about more than looking good. It’s about showing up confident and ready to make a statement. Consider this issue our crisp new Trapper Keeper (does anyone younger than a Millennial even know what that is?) and shiny set of pencils, packed with the latest projects we’re excited to share.

NeighborWorks Waco Launches New Website

We are proud to announce the launch of the newly designed NeighborWorks Waco website, created to deliver a more user-friendly and mobile-optimized experience. The updated site makes it easier than ever to access homeownership resources, explore homebuyer education programs, learn about affordable rental options, and discover financial coaching services.

“The new website looks fantastic, great work on bringing it all together!” said Delisa Burnell-Smith, President & CEO of NeighborWorks Waco.

With improved navigation, modern design, and updated success stories, the website highlights NeighborWorks Waco’s ongoing commitment to building stronger neighborhoods and empowering families on their journey to homeownership. Visit the new site at www.nw-waco.org to explore its features and see how NeighborWorks Waco is helping create brighter futures.

Suffolk “Rec on the Go” Rolls Out a Fresh Look

The City of Suffolk, Virginia, a longtime PDDG client partner, recently launched a fully revamped “Rec on the Go” mobile experience for its Parks and Recreation Department.

The mobile recreation program provides community events, activities, and opportunities for residents to engage in recreation and fitness across different neighborhoods by bringing activities to various parks and locations throughout the city, promoting community involvement and healthy lifestyles.

The PDDG creative team developed fun, welcoming graphics, including custom illustrations, for a full vehicle wrap to be placed on a newly purchased van. The graphics draw from the department’s color palette and showcase bright, family-friendly visuals.

Photo Credit: Matthews Specialty Vehicles, Inc.

Old Logo

New Logo

Five Points Board of Realtors® Unveils New Logo

Five Points Board of Realtors^® recently unveiled their new logo, created through a collaborative process where PDDG helped them define their vision for their brand identity and bring it to life. The refreshed design features a dynamic five-point star paired with an inviting house icon, symbolizing growth, community, and excellence in service. By balancing modern elements with a nod to the organization’s trusted reputation, the new logo captures Five Points’ forward-looking approach and ongoing commitment to supporting real estate professionals across Williamson and Bastrop counties in Texas.

We’re proud to partner with Five Points Board of Realtors^® to create a visual identity that reflects their vision, who they are, and where they’re headed.

Gilbert #1 Mid-Size City for Economic Growth

The Town of Gilbert, Arizona, has been named the #1 mid-sized city in the nation for economic growth in Coworking Cafe’s “Rising Powerhouses” study, covering 2019–2023. With $2.3B+ in new capital investment and 23K+ new/retained jobs since 2014, the momentum is strong, supported by notable surges in median earnings, educational attainment, and total jobs. Achieving the #1 spot reflects years of intentional planning, bold investment, and a community-wide commitment to sustainable growth.

We have proudly served as the marketing communications agency of record for Gilbert since 2014, providing dedicated support for the town’s economic development and tourism programs.

Among large U.S. cities, our friends in Sacramento (#2), Mesa (#4), Phoenix (#7), and Albuquerque (#10) all made the top 10. In the mid-size category, our friends in Chandler (#5), Stockton (#6), and Glendale (#9) also made the top 10. And among small cities, our friends in Goodyear (#1), Surprise (#4), Menifee (#7), and Peoria (#8) all made the top 10.

Click here to view the full rankings.

Photo courtesy of the Town of Gilbert.

Virginia Tourism Spending Reaches All-Time High

The Virginia Tourism Corporation announced that tourism spending reached an all-time high of $35.1B in 2024, an incredible increase of $2B over 2023. Overnight visitation increased by 1M+, with nearly 45M overnight visitors in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and setting a new record. Spending a record-breaking $96M per day, visitors supported 229K+ tourism jobs and generated $2.5B in state and local tax revenue.

PDDG is thrilled to support Virginia’s tourism industry via our long-standing contract as marketing agency of record for the City of Suffolk. Our team manages marketing efforts for Suffolk’s tourism and economic development initiatives. Click here to visit the Suffolk tourism website.

Photo courtesy of VTC.

PDDG Sponsors Golf Event on Par for Success

We are proud to serve as a sponsor for the Capital Workforce Partners (CWP) 2025 Golf Tournament. The annual event raises funds to help support CWP programs and services. PDDG has sponsored the event numerous times over the past seven years. Click here to learn more about the event.

CWP has been a PDDG client partner since 2018, and we have had the pleasure of collaborating on a variety of projects, including branding, graphic design, website design, and social media management.

Photo courtesy of CWP.

Connecting and Collaborating with 3CMA

Since first exhibiting at the City-County Communications & Marketing Association (3CMA) Annual Conference in Denver in 2018, we have thoroughly enjoyed our participation in this event. This year, we are yet again renewing our commitment to 3CMA by sponsoring the 2025 Annual Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, from September 3-5. Drop by our booth, say hello, learn more about PDDG, and snag yourself some swag!

PDDG to Exhibit with IEDC in Detroit

PDDG is proud to continue our support of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and our clients and partners in the economic development industry. We will be exhibiting at the IEDC 2025 Annual Conference in Detroit, Michigan, from September 14-17. If you plan on attending, be sure to stop by our booth and pick up one of our world-famous light-up pens!

Celebrating California’s 175th Birthday

On Tuesday, September 9, 2025, the State of California celebrates its 175th birthday, and next year will mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

A series of public events will be held leading up to the official birthday, including several county fairs, California Museum Statehood Celebration, State Library birthday party, and the official Birthday Block Party at the California State Capitol. Click here to learn more about the 175^th birthday festivities.

Sacramento, California, has served as the global HQ for PDDG since our founding on February 1, 1977. Over the past 48+ years, we have added two regional offices in California and several across the country and overseas. We are proud to call California home!

Photo courtesy of the State of California.