While we never rest on our laurels, every once in a while we do need to make mention. Snyder Group is proud to have just received recognition for its work with the Norwalk Parking Authority, receiving the International Parking Institute’s (IPI) Parking Matters® Marketing and Communications Award, Year’s Best. The award recognizes excellence in marketing, public relations, promotional, and communications-outreach in the parking industry. The IPI is the leading and largest trade association representing parking professionals and the parking industry.

Since 2010, the Snyder Group has been working with the Norwalk Parking Authority on an integrated brand awareness and communications campaign. Key to the success of this initiative was the development of a core-positioning platform that highlighted friendliness and accessibility. The marketing emphasized recent changes and improvements to parking facilities, making the parking experience a more seamless and easier one for parkers. The campaign also integrated outreach including environmental, digital, and traditional. A parking meter mascot, “Mr. Smiley”, was adopted to consistently deliver this platform and work as a strategic thread to evolve and build equity by integrating through all parking-related communications including environmental, signage, website, advertising, e-digital platforms – even ticketing.

A community outreach effort extended the brand to encompass public relations to promote new consumer-friendly and smart parking technologies, as well as community partnerships. An innovative public art program called “Art in Parking Places” was also adopted, transforming parking facilities around town into venues for public art for residents and visitors to enjoy. Where to next, Norwalk? We have just the spot for you. Parking spot that is!