TOPEKA — The Pawnee County and City of Larned branding and marketing campaign that launched last October was recognized for excellence in a statewide competition, city officials announced Monday.

The multi-faceted campaign was designed to generate economic growth, build community pride, and recruit workforce for Larned State Hospital.

The awards were presented by the Topeka Advertising Federation. 

The awards are:

Judges’ Citation — Cross Platform, Integrated Campaigns —Integrated Brand —Larned Community Campaign;

Gold Award — Cross Platform Integrated campaigns — Integrated Brand Identity — Larned Community Campaign;

Silver Award — Online/Interactive Websites —Larned State Hospital Recruitment Microsite

“This branding and marketing work is a long-term investment for the future of our community that starts with the way we talk about ourselves and how we show the world what we have to offer,” said William Nusser, Mayor of Larned. “We can see it already starting to build pride and energy for the community.”

Larned and Pawnee County partnered with Bajillion Agency through a public bidding process with the goal of promoting the area’s ample job opportunities, safe neighborhoods, and low cost of living. The campaign included the development of a new brand/logo family, new microwebsite for Larned State Hospital recruiting, a marketing plan, new photography, community brochure, recruiting videos, and more.

“Pawnee County and Larned have so much to offer to people who live and work there, we’re just thrilled we got the chance to tell that story,” said Andrea Engstrom, president of Bajillion Agency. “Congratulations to the entire community...we love working with you guys.”

Bajillion Agency is a full-service marketing and advertising agency in Topeka.