Building Belonging Through Branding: How Bellevue Forward is Reimagining Community Identity
Bellevue Forward is a nonprofit community development organization revitalizing Bellevue, Pennsylvania—one story, one storefront, one neighbor at a time. In this session, R.J. Thompson, the founding chairperson of Bellevue Forward and Emmiley Stern, 2nd ward Bellevue councilwoman, will explore how Bellevue Forward harnesses creative branding, local storytelling, and placemaking to spark economic growth and deepen community pride. From activating public spaces with engaging design to supporting small businesses with compelling integrated marketing, Bellevue Forward collaborates with local creatives and residents to shape a more vibrant, inclusive, and future-ready borough. Learn how the power of authentic branding can do more than sell a product—it can bring a community together. Walk back home with a playbook on how to transform your community through compelling marketing and design.
Bio:
Emmiley Stern is a councilwoman for the Borough of Bellevue and serves as secretary and board member of Bellevue Forward. She is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work at Carlow University. With 10 years of professional experience in small, independent, and corporate advertising environments, Stern has a strong background in paid media.