Corvallis Economic Vibrancy
Visual Communication and Identity System
Empathy / Define
In this group project, we started off with basic research summaries across the city of Corvallis. Our research began by contacting local businesses around the community of Corvallis that have been negatively impacted by Covid-19. The businesses we reached out to via phone call were Bodhi Bakery, Revolve Clothing, Peak Sport's Bike Shop, and Bullfrog Music. The other methods of research we took were driving downtown and observing those specific businesses in person and documenting the number of empty buildings as well as emailing Kate Porsche from the Corvallis Benton County Economic Development Office to request an interview with her regarding the community of Corvallis.
After concluding our research, there were several things we learned. Because o the pandemic, lots of small businesses were forced to shut down right at the beginning until about 6 months after. Businesses have been struggling financially and it has gotten harder for them to keep up with larger business chains. Not only that, but they've had to let several of their employees go due to Covid guidelines and regulations. Since the summer of 2020, local, county, and state funding programs have given out about $2 million in grants to help local businesses.
Mission Statement
Corvallis Things is a community-built collective that is committed to promoting our local businesses. In the wake of COVID, many have struggled financially; others have even shut their doors permanently. The downtown is the heart of this college town, and Corvallis things shocking some new life into it with new exterior displays, a locally centered website, and a mural. All of these are made to advertise Corvallis-made products and local stores in an effort to help rebuild our local businesses and community.