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:
R.J. Thompson currently works as an instructor of Integrated Marketing Communications
at West Virginia University and as a teaching associate professor of Digital Narrative
and Interactive Design at the University of Pittsburgh. He serves as Vice Chair
of the Advisory Board at NISM, President of AIGA Pittsburgh, and President Emeritus
of AMA Pittsburgh.