American Legion Post 175’s ongoing fundraiser to purchase a new van for its Honor Guard has received a boost from two local businesses, Community Bank and Integrity Construction.

Ben Brown, Executive Vice President of Client Experience and Consumer Banking at Community Bank, said supporting the Honor Guard’s mission was on target.

“At Community Bank, our mission includes improving the lives of individuals and the communities we serve,” Brown said. “The Honor Guard represents veterans supporting veterans and their families, and their commitment to honoring our local heroes is extraordinary.”

Integrity Construction also stepped forward with a donation. Owner JP Perry said the company is proud to stand alongside Post 175.

“Veterans have sacrificed so much for all of us,” Perry said. “When we saw the Honor Guard’s dedication — providing Military Honors for 535 veterans over the past six years — we knew we had to step up. Supporting their mission is about giving back to those who gave everything for our community.”

The Honor Guard, made up of Post 175 members, performs military funeral honors across the region. In 2024 alone, the group provided services at nearly 100 funerals, ensuring veterans receive the recognition they earned through their service.

Dennis Bailey, fundraising chairperson for Post 175, said support from businesses like Community Bank and Integrity Construction shows the community’s gratitude.

“Families depend on the Honor Guard to be there, rain or shine, to honor their loved ones,” Bailey said. “The support of our local businesses ensures we can continue this mission with dignity. We’re deeply grateful for their generosity.”

Funds raised through the campaign will go toward the purchase of a new van to transport the Honor Guard to memorial services, funerals honoring fallen veterans, community and veterans related events and other locations where the Honor Guard continues to serve our Country.  

Donations are being accepted online through Zeffy, a platform that ensures 100% of contributions go directly to the cause without processing fees.

When you’re starting a business, choosing a name isn’t just a creative task—it’s a defining one. Your name is your first impression, your brand’s opening line, and the handshake before the pitch. So when we set out to rename our company, we didn’t want something that just sounded slick. We wanted something that meant something. 

Enter: Brand Motives. 

But what does “Brand Motives” actually mean? 

The “Why” Behind the “What” 

At its core, a brand motive is the reason your brand exists. It’s the fuel behind your mission, the heartbeat behind your messaging. It’s not what you do—but why you do it. 

Consider some of the world’s most iconic brands: 

• Nike isn’t just about shoes; it’s about empowering everyone Just to Do It. 

• Apple doesn’t just sell gadgets; it invites you to Think Different. 

• Patagonia isn’t just about outdoor gear; it champions environmental activism. 

These brands thrive because their motives aren’t buried in fine print—they’re front and center, built into every product, post, and pitch. 

The Power of Authentic Connection 

Today’s consumers don’t just want a product—they want a purpose. They’re asking, “What does this brand stand for?” and “Do I believe in that, too?” 

When your brand operates from a place of clear purpose, three powerful things happen: 

1. Authenticity

When your why aligns with your how, people feel it. And let’s be real—audiences can sniff out a fake motive faster than you can say “synergy.” 

2. Trust

A consistent, transparent motive builds trust. And trust is the currency of long-term success.

3. Emotional Connection

When your audience sees themselves in your brand’s story, they don’t just buy—they believe. 

So, What’s Our Motive? 

At Brand Motives, we help businesses uncover their own “why.” Not just to look good online, but to build brands that stand for something—brands that last. 

We believe in strategy with soul. Storytelling with substance. And helping businesses connect not just with anyone, but with the right people. 

Brand Motives isn’t just our name—it’s our promise. We’re here to help you dig deep, get clear, and build something real. 

Because in a world full of noise, your motive is what makes your brand worth listening to. 

Cracker Barrel’s Rebrand Fiasco: 3 Crucial Lessons for Modern Brands 

In an age where every brand is trying to modernize and appeal to a new generation, the recent saga of Cracker Barrel’s logo redesign offers a cautionary tale. The company’s attempt to shed its “Old Country Store” aesthetic for a cleaner, more minimalist design was met with immediate and widespread backlash, leading to a swift reversal. This isn’t just a story about a bad logo; it’s a master class in what happens when a brand misjudges its core audience and loses sight of its identity. 

Lesson 1: Your Brand Identity Isn’t Just a Logo—It’s a Promise 

Cracker Barrel’s “Old Timer” logo, featuring a man in overalls leaning on a barrel, is more than just an image. It represents the brand’s promise of country hospitality, nostalgic comfort, and traditional values. By replacing this iconic imagery with a generic, text-only design, the company signaled a departure from the very essence that loyal customers cherished. This move, part of a larger modernization effort that included restaurant remodels, alienated the brand’s most dedicated fans. The immediate public outcry, which included a drop in stock value and a social media campaign to “fix it,” proves that a logo is a powerful symbol of a brand’s promise. When you break that promise, you risk a revolt. 

Lesson 2: Don’t Underestimate the Power of Your Core Audience 

While brands often focus on attracting new customers, they must never neglect the ones who built the business in the first place. Cracker Barrel’s modernization efforts were aimed at attracting a younger demographic. However, in the process, they failed to consult the very people who have kept the lights on for decades. The brand’s loyal base felt betrayed, not just by a new design, but by a perceived abandonment of their shared values. The public response highlighted the immense power of an engaged and passionate consumer base. Brands must remember that their most ardent supporters are their most valuable assets and should be involved in any significant brand evolution. 

Lesson 3: Evolution is Key, but Heritage Must Be the Anchor 

The desire for Cracker Barrel to evolve is understandable; a brand must stay relevant to survive. However, the key to successful rebranding is finding the balance between progress and heritage. Instead of a radical overhaul, a more measured approach that honored the original logo’s core elements might have been better received. By returning to its original “Old Timer” logo, Cracker Barrel acknowledged its mistake and demonstrated a willingness to listen to its customers. The brand’s swift course correction shows that adapting to market feedback is a sign of strength, not weakness. Ultimately, the most successful brands are those that can evolve their identity without losing sight of the timeless values that made them successful in the first place. 

In advertising, the medium may change, but one thing remains constant: great advertising design wins every time. From the tactile allure of print advertising to the dynamic reach of digital marketing, exceptional creative has the power to transcend platforms, delivering messages that captivate, inspire, and drive action.

What makes this possible? It’s not the format or the platform—it’s the universal principles of design that grab attention, communicate value, and evoke emotion. Whether running a social media campaign, producing video content, or crafting a traditional print ad, great design sets your brand apart.

Let’s look at how these timeless principles make advertising unforgettable, regardless of medium.

1. Grab  Attention Fast

In a world saturated with content, cutting through the noise is critical. Whether it’s a digital display ad, a social media post, or a printed billboard, capturing attention in the first few seconds is non-negotiable.

Great creatives do this with bold visuals, striking headlines, and a design that stops people in their tracks. Nike’s iconic campaigns are a perfect example. Like the one pictured above, their ads use dynamic imagery and minimalist copy to demand attention. The message is clear, and the impact is immediate.

2. Communicate Value Instantly

Advertising isn’t just about being seen—it’s about being understood. A well-designed ad conveys value in seconds, ensuring your audience knows why they should care about your product, service, or brand.

Simplicity is key. Instead of overwhelming viewers with information, great ads focus on one clear message. In Nike’s case, the single word Witness speaks volumes about the brand’s commitment to greatness. It’s a masterclass in communicating value without saying too much.

3. Evoke Emotion and Inspire Action

What separates good ads from great ones? Emotion. People may forget what they see, but they’ll remember how it made them feel. Whether telling a heartfelt story, sparking excitement, or inspiring ambition, great creativity makes an emotional connection that drives engagement and loyalty.

In the ad above, Nike’s design and marketing agency doesn’t just show a moment of athleticism—it invites the viewer to feel the leap’s triumph, grit, and exhilaration. The result? An emotional experience that sticks with the audience.

Design That Works Everywhere

At its core, advertising design is about meeting your audience where they are. In today’s multi-platform world, that means creating content seamlessly across mediums—from social media marketing and influencer partnerships to traditional print advertising and video production.

Here’s the good news: the same principles of great design apply everywhere. Whether you’re crafting a TikTok ad or designing a direct mail piece, you need:

• Eye-catching visuals that stop the scroll (or turn heads).
• Clear, compelling messaging that speaks to your audience’s needs.
• Storytelling that resonates and sparks an emotional response.

Great design doesn’t just adapt to different formats—it amplifies your message, ensuring your brand stands out in a crowded market.

Why Great Creative Matters

In an era where consumers are inundated with ads, creative design is the secret weapon that helps brands break through. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about strategy. Every element—color, typography, imagery, and copy—works together to deliver a cohesive, memorable message.

At Brand Motives, a design and marketing agency , we specialize in creating campaigns that combine strategic thinking with world-class design. From branding and social media marketing to video production and print advertising, we know how to craft creative that connects, engages, and delivers results.

Let’s Build Something Unforgettable

The medium may evolve, but great design remains timeless. Whether you’re launching a local campaign or a global digital strategy, the principles of exceptional creative are your key to success.

Are you ready to create something that grabs attention, communicates value, and inspires action? Let’s bring your vision to life with a bold, impactful design that works—on any platform.