From Yawn to Yes: How JMG Supported LRCD's Impact Initiative

When one of our clients, Lakes Region Community Developers (LRCD), first came to us they were looking for a rebrand of their organization as they underwent a name change. This rebrand led to many future programs, assets and projects, all starting in 2018 and leading to this…

ANNUAL REPORT - has a nice ring to it doesn’t it? No? I didn’t think so!

If you’ve ever read or composed an annual report, then you know it can easily teeter from interesting and insightful to overwhelming and boring.  Luckily, we at JMG seem to have cracked the code.

When one of our clients,  Lakes Region Community Developers (LRCD), first came to us they were looking for a rebrand of their organization as they underwent a name change. This rebrand led to many future programs, assets and projects, all starting in 2018 and leading to this…

To go with their fabulous new look and vibe, LRCD was looking for something fresh and exciting for their annual report to showcase all the incredible work they were doing for their communities.

So, JMG got to work! We worked with LRCD to understand not just the data of the work they did in a year, but ultimately, what was the IMPACT their work had on their communities? And, through that, we were able to create for them a simple, colorful, short (4-pages) “Impact Report” full of all the same brag worthy things they had accomplished, but presented in pictures, graphics, and short stories INSTEAD OF words, words, more words and numbers…so many numbers. 

The result? An annual report that’s truly impactful and well received by LRCD partners, donors and stakeholders every year since then.

Here’s what Carmen Lorentz, Executive Director of LRCD shared with us recently about their 2022 Impact Report:

Just wanted to share this note from NeighborWorks, our biggest funder. Thanks for helping us share our story so effectively! I appreciate you ladies so much!

Note from NeighborWorks:

Good morning, Carmen! I LOVE LRCD’s 2022 impact report!  Here’s all the reasons why:

  • It fits in an envelope.

  • It is called an “impact” report instead of an annual report.

  • The text is compelling, tight and succinct.

  • It is graphically inviting to read.

  • The stories and impact/data really illustrate LRCD’s values, strengths and mission-driven focus.

  • The report balances the complexity and market challenges faced in developing affordable housing with hope.

Hearing feedback on the work we do is so affirming! We truly enjoy what we do to help small businesses and nonprofits such as LRCD show the community how amazing they are. 

If your business or organization could benefit from our services, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d love to discuss your needs and see how we can best support you.

MarketingJodie GallantLakes Region Community Developers, Creative Marketing, Annual Report, Community Impact