The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center

Gorge Networks is a regional telecommunications provider, who recently engaged Blue Collar for a new B2B advertising campaign. They were looking for a unique, provocative messaging platform that differs from the big telecoms of the world by being personal. That’s because Gorge.net is local, and their purpose is to connect and serve local end users and businesses.

Make a Local Connection

Creatively, we wanted to inspire people to “Make a Local Connection”—a headline with clear duality. First, we aimed to activate new customers to choose the provider who shares the same local-first mentality and second, to drive home the idea of connecting with the local businesses featured in the ads. These are real, local people, whom you can expect to see in the grocery aisle…just like the folks at Gorge.net.

The concept seems straight forward, right? But if we just said Gorge.net’s offering is “best in class,” we’d be touting strengths without reliable proof. So, what better way to deliver our message, than ask existing (and satisfied) customers to speak on our behalf? Enter a few stellar Gorge.net client spokespeople, and a creative brief that prioritized “local” and “fun”—a canvas to stage our message.

Slingshot Sports

The Farm Stand in the Gorge

We partnered with talented photographer Nicolle Clemetson to feature The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, Slingshot Sports, and The Farm Stand in the Gorge, all iconic gorge businesses. We were stoked to cast Dimitri, a Eurasian Eagle Owl from the Cascade Raptor Center for the photo shoot in Portland!

On location with our owl star, Dimitri!

The resulting images support the new platform, “Make a Local Connection” with approachable energy that reflects Gorge Network’s company values and their dedication to the Columbia River Gorge. The campaign is featured on billboards, public transit, theatre ads, as well as the Gorge.net website. Learn more about the project and see the final ads here!