News

DALLAS, October 1, 2009 — Christian Community Action’s newly redesigned Web site at www.ccahelps.org has been recognized with one of the highest local communications honors: a Dallas Quill Award of Merit for Communication Creative, Interactive Media Design - Internet, from the Dallas Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators.

The informative and attractive new site, launched in November 2008, was redesigned to clearly communicate the support services CCA provides to those in need, how to access those services, and the huge impact CCA and its donors have in supporting the communities served.

Using funds through a UPS grant, CCA engaged Addison marketing firm Brandnu Marketing to redesign its Web site using newly established branding messaging. The goals were to enhance brand awareness and understanding of the comprehensiveness of the organization’s mission and programs; increase online donations, volunteerism and event participation; and track volunteer participation and hours, donations and traffic to the site. 

The IABC Dallas’ 2009 Quill Awards program recognizes business communication excellence. Each entry was judged by two members from other IABC chapters who are business communicators from major corporations, agencies and other organizations. Entries scoring a combined average of 5.75 or higher receive the IABC Dallas Quill Award of Excellence. Those scoring between 5.25 and 5.74 receive an Award of Merit. To learn more about IABC Dallas and the awards, visit dallas.iabc.com.

“CCA serves 42 communities within eight school districts and is the 24th largest non-profit organization in the DFW area, assisting more than 12,000 people every year through 14 different programs,” says Kathie Gauthille, vice president of marketing at CCA. “We wanted a message and look that reflect our size and impact on the community, and this award recognizes that we’ve accomplished that goal – and that we’ve done it with style.”

The easy-to-navigate design helps site visitors quickly find the information they’re looking for, resulting in measureable improvements in volunteerism and donations.

“We’re thrilled that the CCA’s new site can now be called ‘award-winning,’ but more importantly, it has helped CCA recruit more donations and reach even more people in need,” says Melanie Hoffman, principal of Brandnu Marketing, who entered the Web site into the competition and accepted the award on CCA’s behalf. “The results from the redesign include 861 volunteers adding profiles to the site; more than 28,000 volunteer hours logged; and an increase in online donations of 17 percent in the site’s first eight months, compared to same time period the prior year."

The 2009 Quill Awards were presented Sept. 30, 2009, at the Old Red Museum of Dallas County History & Culture in downtown Dallas.

About Christian Community Action

For more than 36 years, Christian Community Action has been feeding, sheltering, educating and training families in need within 42 communities throughout Collin, Dallas, Denton, Tarrant and Wise counties. In one year, CCA assists more than 12,000 individuals, distributes more than $1.4 million of food, sees more than 4,000 low-income patients in its health center, and provides educational and vocational training programs to 1,660 people. CCA also provides more than 57,000 lunches to kids during the summer and gives 2,900 children Christmas toys each holiday season. With the support of volunteers, families, churches and local businesses, CCA is making a difference in our community. For information, visit www.ccahelps.org.

About Brandnu Marketing

Brandnu Marketing is a full-service marketing communications agency located in Addison, Texas. Brandnu Marketing provides branding and identity, print and Web, public relations and advertising solutions to help companies achieve their strategic objectives. Brandnu Marketing specializes in assessing and revitalizing its clients’ current marketing strategies, as well as creating new strategies to increase its client companies’ visibility and solidify their standing in the marketplace. Brandnu Marketing provides novel ideas, a unique perspective and innovative solutions tailored specifically for its clients and their target audiences. For information, visit www.brandnumarketing.com.