2012 senior portfolio | samantha martin
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samantha Martin
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Design Portfolio, Ferris state University samantha-martin.com hello@samantha-martin.com
samantha Martin
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Contents
Forever ............................................................................................................................ 4
saporito ........................................................................................................................ 12
Generating energy Responsibly ................................................................... 14
Revitalize Detroit ................................................................................................... 20
objects and Artifacts .......................................................................................... 24
nature nearby ......................................................................................................... 26
Detour: Cadillac, MI............................................................................................. 30
Brighter together .................................................................................................. 34
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4 | samantha-martin.com
Forever
Problem: Design a new logo and supporting identity system for the non-profit organization, Greater Hopes Family services.
solution: Forever is a new name and identity created to emphasize the tremendous impact adoption has on children and families. this impact is expressed through childrens photos and messages from kids telling the viewer what they now have or will have as a result of someone choosing to add them to their family. Many of the messages speak of the future to emphasize that the act of adoption lasts forever and builds lifelong connections.
You will show me anything is possible.
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Forever | 5
forever
Tyler Age 5Adopted August 26, 2006
forever 2011 1345 Monroe Ave. NW Suite 246 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 www.forever.org
Finding every childs one place.
Sydney Age 6Adopted May 3, 2005
forever 2012
1345 Monroe Ave. NW Suite 246 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 www.forever.org
forever
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1345 Monroe Ave. NW Suite 246 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 www.forever.org
November 14, 2011
Sincerely,
Cathy RaidnaFounder and Executive DirectorP: 616.741.5432 | F: 616.841.5432raidnacathy@forever.org
Dear Michael and Anna,
Our mission is to simplify each childs adoption experience by offering excellent and expert care. While it is a complicated process for those who are new to it, our job as a child placing agency is to make each adoption experience happen as smoothly as possible. We pay special attention to you as well as the placing parents needs, to important ethics, to laws and policies, and to the tricky dynamics that may be present in your case. Ultimately, we ask everyone involved to work together in the spirit of love and respect so that the child who is involved is honored.
We tenderly care for and restore dignity to human lives through providing ethical, gentle and loving family services. When we help parents make wise plans for their childrens futures, everybody has a better outcome. When needed, resource families support these parents in the manner most reasonable under the circumstances. And if it turns out an adoption plan is best for a child, the child is placed by the parents into a loving adoptive home with the help of a caring, qualifi ed professional.
Our staff follows principles taught by Jesus Christ; basically, love one another. If you desire, a member of our Prayer Team will pray with you and support you spiritually through this complicated time. Please trust we will respect your boundaries and beliefs.
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns that you may have as you begin your adoption process.
forever
Bob DonaldsonMarketing Executive
P: 616.741.5432 | F: 616.841.5432donaldsonbob@forever.org
1345 Monroe Ave. NW Suite 246 Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Anthonys Dad just taught him how to ride a bike. www.forever.org
1345 Monroe Ave. NW Suite 246 Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Michael and Annna Woodroe456 Lake Michigan Dr. NWGrand Rapids, MI 49503
forever
Cathy RaidnaExecutive Director
P: 616.741.5432 | F: 616.841.5432raidnacathy@forever.org
1345 Monroe Ave. NW Suite 246 Grand Rapids, MI 49503
forever
6 | samantha-martin.com
The business system is designed to allow the agency to economically order letterhead and envelopes which they can print their personalized messages on and send out as necessary. The business cards will each have a photo and message relating to a different child or family who has been helped by the agency.
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Forever | 7
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8 | samantha-martin.com
The most important feature of Forevers new website is the users ability to view perspective parent profiles and find information to help them make the very important decision to adopt or place a child for adoption.
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Forever | 9
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10 | samantha-martin.com
Brand Identity Manual
Alivia Jo Warren Adopted March 8, 2009 Finding every childs one place.
Ill grow to be a great friend.
forever
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Forever | 11
8
Mission StatementOur mission is to simplify each childs adoption experience by offering excellent and expert care. It is a complicated process for those who are new to it, and our job as a child placing agency is to make each adoption experience happen as smoothly as possible. We pay special attention to adoptive as well as the placing parents needs, to important ethics, to laws and policies, and to the tricky dynamics that may be present in each case. Ultimately, we ask everyone involved to work together in the spirit of love and respect so that the child who is involved is honored.
We tenderly care for and restore dignity to human lives through providing ethical, gentle and loving family services. When we help parents make wise plans for their childrens futures, everybody has a better outcome. When needed, resource families support these parents in the manner most reasonable under the circumstances. If it turns out an adoption plan is best for a child, the child is placed by the parents into a loving adoptive home with the help of a caring, qualified professional.
Our staff follows principles taught by Jesus Christ; basically, love one another. We will respect everyones boundaries and personal beliefs.
Alyssa Marie Kelson January 10, 2009
Ill graduate at the top of my class.
Identity Standards 9
LogoPrimary Logo Secondary Logo Black and White Grayscale One Color Improper Use Avatar Additional Elements
David Andrew Erickson June 16, 2007
Ill learn how to be happy.
Primary Logo Secondary Logo
This is the primary logo that appears on all print, web and environmental materials. It can be paired with the tag line: Finding every childs one place.
Size restrictions and clear space are as shown, with no restrictions as to how large the logo can appear. The logotype is not to be separated from the mark in situations where it would be the sole representation of the brand. However there are certain elements which may be used abstractly or as supporting imagery. See the Additional Elements section for the complete list of acceptable uses.
In special situations where the primary logo does not create the proper aesthetics or does not show up well, the secondary mark can be used.
3.5x 3.5xx x
1" smallest1" smallest
7x 7x
x x
x xx xx x
forever
forever
forever
forever
forever
forever
Identity Standards 1312 forever
Black and White
Grayscale
One color
Identity Standards 1514 forever
ColorPrimary Color Palette Secondary Colors
Rebecca Anne Johnson May 5, 2006
Can you play with me everyday?
Primary Color Palette
Secondary Colors
The primary color palette is to be used for both the primary and secondary versions of the logo. The color of the heart may be switched for a secondary color only when the logo also appears in the primary colors. The color of the logotype should always be blue, except when the pink one color version of the logo is being used.
White is used for backgrounds or reversed text. The pink functions as the primary text color for titles and most body copy will be set in 80% Black.
The secondary colors were chosen as complimentary, colors to be used sparingly on supporting materials and information, most often for contrast and interest.
Pantone 311 UP C=56 M=0 Y=12 K=0 R=96 G=201 B=221 Web safe=#60C9DD
Pantone 128 UP C=0 M=11 Y=75 K=0 R=255 G=221 B=93 Web safe=#FFDD5D
Pantone 206 UP C=0 M=98 Y=51 K=2 R=231 G=31 B=88 Web safe=#E71F58
Pantone 2755 UP C=87 M=88 Y=1 K=2 R=69 G=65 B=149 Web safe=#454195
White C=0 M=0 Y=0 K=0 R=255 G=255 B=255 Web safe=#FFFFFF
Identity Standards 2524 forever
The logotype is Gotham Rounded with a tight tracking. It appears in all lowercase letters and is the only element that should be set this way. The logotype should always be blue and is not to be used separately from the mark. It should always be visually the same weight and should not be reduced to anything smaller than a half inch wide.
Gotham Rounded is the main typeface, both book and bold styles are used on all pieces, as well as a limited use of Gotham Rounded Book Italic. A serif type, ITC Cheltenham, is the specification for typed letters.
Logotype Additional Type
.5"
Gotham Rounded Book
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Gotham Rounded Book Italic
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Gotham Rounded BoldABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
ITC Cheltenham Book
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
ITC Cheltenham Bold
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Identity Standards 2928 forever
Business Card
Cathy RaidnaExecutive Director
P: 616.741.5432 | F: 616.841.5432raidnacathy@forever.org
1345 Monroe Ave. NW Suite 246 Grand Rapids, MI 49503
forever
Michael RichardsonVolunteer Coordinator
P: 616.741.2432 | F: 616.841.2432richardsonmike@forever.org
1345 Monroe Ave. NW Suite 246 Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Ambers parents drive her to every dance lesson. www.forever.org
Bob DonaldsonMarketing Executive
P: 616.741.5432 | F: 616.841.5432donaldsonbob@forever.org
1345 Monroe Ave. NW Suite 246 Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Anthonys Dad just taught him how to ride a bike. www.forever.org
Business cards are customized for each employee with the back of every business card having a different childs picture who has been helped by the organization. With each photo there is a personal message telling the viewer about the simple yet vital actions, feelings and rewards that adoption provides for everyone involved,
Paper Specifications
Low NewPage Gusto 100lb. Satin Cover
Middle Mohawk Everyday Digital 100lb. Cover
High Mohawk Via Satin 100lb. Cover
Identity Standards 3534 forever
Poster
And Baby Makes 3Join Forever of Grand Rapids, as we invite Kendra and David Mariano to share their adoption story with parents like you. Learn about the adoption process from their point of view and hear what you can do to cope with the emotional side of adoption as you prepare to add a child to your family.
Tuesday December 6, 20117:00 PM 9:00 PMGrand Rapids Public Library Room 231
forever
For more information please visit www.forever.org, call us at 616.714.4000 or email Cathy Raidna at raidnacathy@forever.org.
This is a poster for a speaker event regarding one familys adoption story. It would appear in many of the same places as the brochure including doctors offices, clinics, and community centers.
Paper Specification Low NewPage Gusto 80lb. Satin Cover
Middle Mohawk Everyday Digital 80lb. Cover
High Mohawk Via Satin 80lb. Cover
Identity Standards 4544 forever
Adoption Announcements
Adoption announcements would be available to the families with pre-printed names. The family would receive a set number of them free of charge. The back of each announcement has the organizations primary logo and the inside has space to insert photos, kids drawings and personal messages. Envelopes are white size A2.
Paper Specification Low NewPage Gusto 100lb. Satin cover
Middle Mohawk Everyday Digital 100lb. Cover
High Mohawk Via Satin 100lb. Cover
We didnt give her the gift of life, but in our hearts we know, the love we feel is deep and real, as if it had been so.
For us to have each other is like a dream come true. No, we did not give her the gift of life,
life gave us the gift of her.
-Anonymous
forever 2012 www.forever.com
forever
We joyfully welcome baby
Alyssa Marie Kelson
into our family. She was adopted on September 10, 2011.
look whos joined our family
forever 2012 www.forever.com
foreverFront
Spread: 8.5 x 5.5 Folded: 4.25 x 5.5 Prints on 8.5 x 11
Inside
Spread
Back
Identity Standards 4948 forever
Mobile Application Screen Shots
Kaitlin Louise Fisher July 23, 2007
You will show me anything is possible.
The purpose for this mobile application is to provide parents with a way to search for local or non-local family friendly activities. It begins with quick instructions which can be skipped for returning users. Then the user simply gives their location and answers a few quick questions and a list of activities are displayed on screen. The questions asked help to filter the results based on such things as childrens age, budget and when the user wants the activity to take place.
Application Icon
Figure 1.
Figure 4.Figure 2.
Screen Shots
Figure 3.
Figure 1 welcomes the user to the application with family faces. In figure 2 the user begins the process by entering their location and how far they want to travel for the activity. The user is then asked a series of other questions to narrow down the results and Figure 3 appears with a list of activities that fit the criteria. Finally in Figure 4 the user sees details about the activity upon clicking on one from the previous list.
Identity Standards 5756 forever
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12 | samantha-martin.com
SaporIToProblem: Design a distinct pasta package that holds 1lb. of pasta.
solution: A consistent organic style with the goal of emphasizing the simplicity of pasta.
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Saporito | 13
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GREAT RIVER ENERGY12300 Elm Creek Blvd. Maple Grove, MN 55369
12300 Elm Creek Blvd. Maple Grove, MN 55369P:763-445-5000 | F: 763-445-5100
For more information visit http://www.greatriverenergy.com/csr
2012 Great River Energy
Great River Energy
ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICES
Great River Energy understands our operations impact our environment and it is our responsibility to do all we can to minimize that impact. Great River Energy has always taken great pride in conducting its business with a high concern for environmental matters. We are committed to conserving resources through environmental stewardship, pollution prevention, waste minimization, recycling and reuse. This dedication is demonstrated by the inclusion of environmental sustainability in our organizations mission.
To guide employees in their decision-making processes and to ensure environmental considerations are part of the process, Great River Energy established an environmental policy in 1999, which is reviewed annually and continues to guide our conduct.
GeneraTInG enerGy reSponSIBly
Problem: Design an annual CsR report for a non-profit energy co-op. the report is in various formats including PDF, print, web and mobile application. this energy co-op prides itself in its environmentally friendly practices and its close connection to the community and its members.
solution: the community, employee and environmental connection is shown throughout this annual CsR report by the crossing paths of the strings.
14 | samantha-martin.com
12300 Elm Creek Blvd. Maple Grove, MN 55369P:763-445-5000 | F: 763-445-5100
For more information visit http://www.greatriverenergy.com/csr
2012 Great River Energy
Great River Energy
ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICES
Great River Energy understands our operations impact our environment and it is our responsibility to do all we can to minimize that impact. Great River Energy has always taken great pride in conducting its business with a high concern for environmental matters. We are committed to conserving resources through environmental stewardship, pollution prevention, waste minimization, recycling and reuse. This dedication is demonstrated by the inclusion of environmental sustainability in our organizations mission.
To guide employees in their decision-making processes and to ensure environmental considerations are part of the process, Great River Energy established an environmental policy in 1999, which is reviewed annually and continues to guide our conduct.
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Generating energy responsibly | 15
SUPPORTING RENEWABLE ENERGY
We currently meet or exceed state-mandated renewable energy requirements. In late 2010, we began taking power from the new Elm Creek Wind Farm near Trimont, Minnesota. The 99-MW wind farm is owned and operated by Iberdrola Renewables and features 66 wind turbines at 1.5 MW apiece. The project encompasses about 9,500 acres of land leased from 56 local landowners. With the addition of Elm Creeks output, Great River Energy has more than 315 MW of wind capacity under contract. Great River Energy and its member cooperatives continue to offer the popular Wellspring Renewable Energy Program through which customers may choose to buy additional wind energy for a subscription price.
Great River Energy purchases power generated from several landfi ll methane gas collection systems in Elk River, Minnesota. Once captured, the methane is typically destroyed through fl aring, during which it is burned through a fl ame that fl ares out the end of a pipe. We also purchase the output from anaerobic digesters located on dairy farms. The digesters capture methane gas and use it to run a 150-kilowatt engine and generator unit. These anaerobic digesters are large, cement tanks outside a barn, mostly underground, which capture the cows waste. When manure breaks down, it creates a bio-gas, which is primarily methane.
CFL light bulbs use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs.
MINIMIZING OUR WASTE
Great River Energy is an active member and sponsor of Minnesota Waste Wise, a nonprofi t organization that helps businesses and organizations reduce waste, save money and protect the environment. Our Waste Wise efforts include tracking and reporting waste prevention, technical equipment donations, and recycling. In 2011, Great River Energy recycled 5,215,495 pounds of waste and received the Minnesota Waste Wise Leader award. The award is given to members who have shown true leadership in sustainable business practices. Great River Energys commitment to waste minimization extends beyond recycling to include purchases and donations. By purchasing products made with recycled content, Great River Energy is helping close the loop. Purchasing staff worked with their primary offi ce materials supplier to identify available recycled products, including 100 percent post-consumer
CFL RECYCLING
In June 2010, Great River Energy and our 28 member cooperatives worked with the Center for Energy and Environment to sponsor the fi rst free statewide compact fl uorescent lamp (CFL) collection and recycling program in Minnesota. By pairing with Minnesota Menards locations, we were able to provide residents across the state with a free and convenient CFL recycling opportunity. In the last seven months of 2010, the program collected and recycled 23,125 bulbs the equivalent of 115,625 milligrams of mercury.
EFFICIENT CONSTRUCTION
Our offi ce in Bismarck, North Dakota received Gold LEED certifi cation in late 2009. This remains the highest designation for any building in North Dakota. About 20 percent of the building materials were manufactured within 500 miles of the project site and the building is expected to use about 36% less electricity and 35 percent less water than a traditional offi ce building.
Methane is a greenhouse gas that is 23 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
Great River Energys Recycled Waste in 2011
87% Scrap Metal
8% Other
6% Batteries Florescent Lights Electronics Construction Debris Beverage Containers Paper
REPORTING OUR EMISSIONS
In 2009, Great River Energy became a founding reporter to The Climate Registry, a nonprofi t organization established to publicly report greenhouse gas emissions in a common, accurate and transparent manner. Through this program, we voluntarily commit to measuring, independently verifying and publicly reporting our greenhouse gas emissions on an annual basis utilizing The Climate Registry General Reporting Protocol.
Great River EnergysBismarck Offi ce Traditional Offi ce Building
Great River Energys electricity and water consumption versus most traditional offi ce buildings.
OUR ENERGY OUR FUTURE
Its Great River Energys responsibility to do all we can to minimize our impact on the environment.
According to the American Wind Energy Associations 2011 ranking, Great River Energy once again has more wind generation than any other electric cooperative in the United States.
Great River Energy
SUPPORTING RENEWABLE ENERGY
We currently meet or exceed state-mandated renewable energy requirements. In late 2010, we began taking power from the new Elm Creek Wind Farm near Trimont, Minnesota. The 99-MW wind farm is owned and operated by Iberdrola Renewables and features 66 wind turbines at 1.5 MW apiece. The project encompasses about 9,500 acres of land leased from 56 local landowners. With the addition of Elm Creeks output, Great River Energy has more than 315 MW of wind capacity under contract. Great River Energy and its member cooperatives continue to offer the popular Wellspring Renewable Energy Program through which customers may choose to buy additional wind energy for a subscription price.
Great River Energy purchases power generated from several landfi ll methane gas collection systems in Elk River, Minnesota. Once captured, the methane is typically destroyed through fl aring, during which it is burned through a fl ame that fl ares out the end of a pipe. We also purchase the output from anaerobic digesters located on dairy farms. The digesters capture methane gas and use it to run a 150-kilowatt engine and generator unit. These anaerobic digesters are large, cement tanks outside a barn, mostly underground, which capture the cows waste. When manure breaks down, it creates a bio-gas, which is primarily methane.
CFL light bulbs use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs.
MINIMIZING OUR WASTE
Great River Energy is an active member and sponsor of Minnesota Waste Wise, a nonprofi t organization that helps businesses and organizations reduce waste, save money and protect the environment. Our Waste Wise efforts include tracking and reporting waste prevention, technical equipment donations, and recycling. In 2011, Great River Energy recycled 5,215,495 pounds of waste and received the Minnesota Waste Wise Leader award. The award is given to members who have shown true leadership in sustainable business practices. Great River Energys commitment to waste minimization extends beyond recycling to include purchases and donations. By purchasing products made with recycled content, Great River Energy is helping close the loop. Purchasing staff worked with their primary offi ce materials supplier to identify available recycled products, including 100 percent post-consumer
CFL RECYCLING
In June 2010, Great River Energy and our 28 member cooperatives worked with the Center for Energy and Environment to sponsor the fi rst free statewide compact fl uorescent lamp (CFL) collection and recycling program in Minnesota. By pairing with Minnesota Menards locations, we were able to provide residents across the state with a free and convenient CFL recycling opportunity. In the last seven months of 2010, the program collected and recycled 23,125 bulbs the equivalent of 115,625 milligrams of mercury.
EFFICIENT CONSTRUCTION
Our offi ce in Bismarck, North Dakota received Gold LEED certifi cation in late 2009. This remains the highest designation for any building in North Dakota. About 20 percent of the building materials were manufactured within 500 miles of the project site and the building is expected to use about 36% less electricity and 35 percent less water than a traditional offi ce building.
Methane is a greenhouse gas that is 23 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
Great River Energys Recycled Waste in 2011
87% Scrap Metal
8% Other
6% Batteries Florescent Lights Electronics Construction Debris Beverage Containers Paper
REPORTING OUR EMISSIONS
In 2009, Great River Energy became a founding reporter to The Climate Registry, a nonprofi t organization established to publicly report greenhouse gas emissions in a common, accurate and transparent manner. Through this program, we voluntarily commit to measuring, independently verifying and publicly reporting our greenhouse gas emissions on an annual basis utilizing The Climate Registry General Reporting Protocol.
Great River EnergysBismarck Offi ce Traditional Offi ce Building
Great River Energys electricity and water consumption versus most traditional offi ce buildings.
OUR ENERGY OUR FUTURE
Its Great River Energys responsibility to do all we can to minimize our impact on the environment.
According to the American Wind Energy Associations 2011 ranking, Great River Energy once again has more wind generation than any other electric cooperative in the United States.
Great River Energy
SUPPORTING RENEWABLE ENERGY
We currently meet or exceed state-mandated renewable energy requirements. In late 2010, we began taking power from the new Elm Creek Wind Farm near Trimont, Minnesota. The 99-MW wind farm is owned and operated by Iberdrola Renewables and features 66 wind turbines at 1.5 MW apiece. The project encompasses about 9,500 acres of land leased from 56 local landowners. With the addition of Elm Creeks output, Great River Energy has more than 315 MW of wind capacity under contract. Great River Energy and its member cooperatives continue to offer the popular Wellspring Renewable Energy Program through which customers may choose to buy additional wind energy for a subscription price.
Great River Energy purchases power generated from several landfi ll methane gas collection systems in Elk River, Minnesota. Once captured, the methane is typically destroyed through fl aring, during which it is burned through a fl ame that fl ares out the end of a pipe. We also purchase the output from anaerobic digesters located on dairy farms. The digesters capture methane gas and use it to run a 150-kilowatt engine and generator unit. These anaerobic digesters are large, cement tanks outside a barn, mostly underground, which capture the cows waste. When manure breaks down, it creates a bio-gas, which is primarily methane.
CFL light bulbs use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs.
MINIMIZING OUR WASTE
Great River Energy is an active member and sponsor of Minnesota Waste Wise, a nonprofi t organization that helps businesses and organizations reduce waste, save money and protect the environment. Our Waste Wise efforts include tracking and reporting waste prevention, technical equipment donations, and recycling. In 2011, Great River Energy recycled 5,215,495 pounds of waste and received the Minnesota Waste Wise Leader award. The award is given to members who have shown true leadership in sustainable business practices. Great River Energys commitment to waste minimization extends beyond recycling to include purchases and donations. By purchasing products made with recycled content, Great River Energy is helping close the loop. Purchasing staff worked with their primary offi ce materials supplier to identify available recycled products, including 100 percent post-consumer
CFL RECYCLING
In June 2010, Great River Energy and our 28 member cooperatives worked with the Center for Energy and Environment to sponsor the fi rst free statewide compact fl uorescent lamp (CFL) collection and recycling program in Minnesota. By pairing with Minnesota Menards locations, we were able to provide residents across the state with a free and convenient CFL recycling opportunity. In the last seven months of 2010, the program collected and recycled 23,125 bulbs the equivalent of 115,625 milligrams of mercury.
EFFICIENT CONSTRUCTION
Our offi ce in Bismarck, North Dakota received Gold LEED certifi cation in late 2009. This remains the highest designation for any building in North Dakota. About 20 percent of the building materials were manufactured within 500 miles of the project site and the building is expected to use about 36% less electricity and 35 percent less water than a traditional offi ce building.
Methane is a greenhouse gas that is 23 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
Great River Energys Recycled Waste in 2011
87% Scrap Metal
8% Other
6% Batteries Florescent Lights Electronics Construction Debris Beverage Containers Paper
REPORTING OUR EMISSIONS
In 2009, Great River Energy became a founding reporter to The Climate Registry, a nonprofi t organization established to publicly report greenhouse gas emissions in a common, accurate and transparent manner. Through this program, we voluntarily commit to measuring, independently verifying and publicly reporting our greenhouse gas emissions on an annual basis utilizing The Climate Registry General Reporting Protocol.
Great River EnergysBismarck Offi ce Traditional Offi ce Building
Great River Energys electricity and water consumption versus most traditional offi ce buildings.
OUR ENERGY OUR FUTURE
Its Great River Energys responsibility to do all we can to minimize our impact on the environment.
According to the American Wind Energy Associations 2011 ranking, Great River Energy once again has more wind generation than any other electric cooperative in the United States.
Great River Energy
12300 Elm Creek Blvd. Maple Grove, MN 55369P:763-445-5000 | F: 763-445-5100
For more information visit http://www.greatriverenergy.com/csr
2012 Great River Energy
Great River Energy
ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICES
Great River Energy understands our operations impact our environment and it is our responsibility to do all we can to minimize that impact. Great River Energy has always taken great pride in conducting its business with a high concern for environmental matters. We are committed to conserving resources through environmental stewardship, pollution prevention, waste minimization, recycling and reuse. This dedication is demonstrated by the inclusion of environmental sustainability in our organizations mission.
To guide employees in their decision-making processes and to ensure environmental considerations are part of the process, Great River Energy established an environmental policy in 1999, which is reviewed annually and continues to guide our conduct.
12300 Elm Creek Blvd. Maple Grove, MN 55369P:763-445-5000 | F: 763-445-5100
For more information visit http://www.greatriverenergy.com/csr
2012 Great River Energy
Great River Energy
ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICES
Great River Energy understands our operations impact our environment and it is our responsibility to do all we can to minimize that impact. Great River Energy has always taken great pride in conducting its business with a high concern for environmental matters. We are committed to conserving resources through environmental stewardship, pollution prevention, waste minimization, recycling and reuse. This dedication is demonstrated by the inclusion of environmental sustainability in our organizations mission.
To guide employees in their decision-making processes and to ensure environmental considerations are part of the process, Great River Energy established an environmental policy in 1999, which is reviewed annually and continues to guide our conduct.
eight page roll fold.
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16 | samantha-martin.com
GREAT RIVER ENERGY2012 Corporate Social Responsibility Report
8COMMUNITY | GREAT RIVER ENERGY CSR
Contributed $70,000 in scholarships in 1 year
COMMUNITY
Concern for CommunityA cooperatives very existence is to serve the community
at large. And because electric cooperatives are not-for-
profi t businesses, all revenue is invested in providing
reliable electricity and a cooperatives success is
measured by its service, not profi t. However, Great
River Energys role in the community doesnt end at
the electrical outlet.
One of the cooperative principles is a concern for
community. This principle states that while focusing
on member needs, a cooperative must work for the
sustainable development of the community it serves.
As a wholesale electricity provider to much of out
state Minnesota, Great River Energys responsibilities
span throughout the state and also into North Dakota
where we own and operate generation and
transmission facilities.
For more info. visit www.greatriverenergy.com/csr
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Generating energy responsibly | 17
4COMPANY OVERVIEW | GREAT RIVER ENERGY CSR
COMPANY OVERVIEW
Who We Are
Great River Energy is a not-for-profi t electric cooperative
owned by its 28 member cooperatives. We generate and
transmit electricity for those members, located in the
outer suburbs of the Twin Cities up to the Arrowhead
region of Minnesota and down to the farmland region
in the southwestern portion of the state.
Great River Energys cooperative structure has proven to
be central to our continued success in delivering on our
mission. Collaboration with our members, stakeholders,
community leaders and employees has made us a
strong and respected organization.
Like other cooperatives, Great River Energy exists to
serve its membership and is dedicated to helping the
communities in which it operates. We are member-
owned and governed by a democratically elected board
of directors who are electric cooperative members
themselves. Board members establish rates and
develop policies in the best interest of Great River
Energy and its members. Collectively, our member
cooperatives serve nearly 639,000 member consumers
or about 1.7 million people. We are the second largest
electric power supplier in Minnesota.
Great River Energy owns and operates nine power
plants which generate more than 2,500 megawatts
(MW) of electricity, plus we purchase additional power
from several wind farms and other generating facilities.
Our generation capability consists of a diverse mix
of base load and peaking power plantsincluding
coal, biomass, natural gas and oil plants. Great River
Energy owns and operates nearly 4,500 miles of
transmission line and owns or partly owns more than
100 transmission substations. Great River Energys
more than 865 employees are dedicated to serving our
member cooperatives with integrity and accountability
in an environmentally sensitive manner. Its the nature
of being a cooperative.
Our Vision
Leading, collaborating, energizing to benefi t our
members and our world.
Our Mission
Provide members with reliable energy at affordable
rates in harmony with a sustainable environment.
Our Triple Bottom Line Commitment to Our Members
Great River Energy maintains a commitment to economic,
social and environmental responsibility to our members.
Every decision we make as an organization is care fully
considered and held up to these three standards as we
work to achieve a balance between the three of them.
We have adopted a decision-making process that gives
equal consideration to our three highest priorities:
affordable rates, reliable energy and environmental
stewardship. Our organization will not deploy strategies
affecting rates and reliability without also assessing
the environmental implications. But, by the same token,
we wont do anything for the environment without
fully considering the impact on rates and reliability.
Ultimately, it is about conducting business in a way
that benefi ts both sustainability and the bottom line.
Great River Energy supplies nearly 2/3 of Minnesota with electricity.
COMPANY OVERVIEW CONT. | GREAT RIVER ENERGY CSR
Our Culture and ValuesThe culture of any organization is its lifeblood,
and Great River Energy has created a culture
driven by the following set of values:
Ethics We promote trust, honor, and social and
environmental responsibility.
Focus on customersOur business decisions are made with our
customers needs in mind.
Commitment to employees We create a safe work environment that promotes
teamwork and a sense of employee ownership.
Each employee is valued and recognized for his
or her accomplishments.
Open and honest communicationEmployees are encouraged to share ideas and deliver
honest, direct, respectful and constructive feedback.
Accountability We do what we say well do.
SafetyWe ensure a culture of safety for our employees,
families and communities.
Our assets and revenues have doubled and we have increased our equity from $106 million in 1998 to $309 million at the beginning of 2012.
5 6ETHICS | GREAT RIVER ENERGY CSR
1. Alcohol and drug-free environment 2. Business conduct 3. Computers and electronic communications 4. Equal employment opportunity5. Inappropriate conduct, discrimination and harassment 6. Problem resolution 7. Reporting wrongdoing
A Cooperative Code
ETHICS AND CODE OF CONDUCT
Great River Energy has key policies in place to help
ensure we are in compliance with federal, state and
local laws as well as to promote a work environment
where all employees have the maximum opportunity
to be successful. The following are considered key
policies of Great River Energy; they were created to
educate employees on the importance of conducting
our business legally and ethically, and to fi t our culture
of a respectful work environment.
Great River Energy employees take individual
responsibility for ethical behaviornot only because
it is the right thing to do, but also because it is
fundamental to our goals of providing our members
with reliable, affordably priced power in harmony with
a sustainable environment.
We expect every employee to practice ethical behavior
in all dealings and relationships with members,
suppliers, communities and co-workers. In addition,
courtesy and professionalism are expected from
everyone at the organization.
To Our Members
Great River Energy maintains a commitment to economic,
social and environmental responsibility to our members.
Every decision we make as an organization is care fully
considered and held up to these three standards as we
work to achieve a balance between the 3 of them. We
have adopted a decision-making process that gives
equal consideration to our three highest priorities:
affordable rates, reliable energy and environmental
stewardship. Our organization will not deploy strategies
affecting rates and reliability without also assessing
the environmental implications. But, by the same token,
we wont do anything for the environment without
fully considering the impact on rates and reliability.
Ultimately, it is about conducting business in a way
that benefi ts both sustainability and the bottom line.
EMPLOYEES | GREAT RIVER ENERGY CSR
6.5%2.8%Great Rivers employee turnover is roughly two and a half times lower than the national average for utilities employees.
EMPLOYEES
Our Valued Employees
It may sound clich, but Great River Energy truly
values its employees. Our 865 employees really are
the organizations greatest asset. We work hard to
provide them with the safest and healthiest working
environments, give them opportunities to volunteer
and serve the community, and compensate them fairly
for their hard work and dedication. Again, it is not only
good business, it is the right thing to do.
7
ENVIRONMENT | GREAT RIVER ENERGY CSR
87% Scrap Metal
8% Other
6%
Batteries
Flourescent Lights
Electronics
Construction Deabris
Beverage Containers
Paper
ENVIRONMENT
Environmental stewardshipGreat River Energy understands our operations impact
our environment and it is our responsibility to do all
we can to minimize that impact. Great River Energy
has always taken great pride in conducting its business
with a high concern for environmental matters.
We are committed to conserving resources through
environmental stewardship, pollution prevention,
waste minimization, recycling and reuse. This dedication
is demonstrated by the inclusion of environmental
sustainability in our organizations mission.
To guide employees in their decision-making processes
and to ensure environmental considerations are
part of the process, Great River Energy established
an environmental policy in 1999, which is reviewed
annually and continues to guide our conduct.
For further info. contact great River Energy for a free brochure on their environmental practices
9 107 COOPERATIVE PRINCIPLES | GREAT RIVER ENERGY CSR
4. Autonomy and independenceCooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations
controlled by their members. If they enter into
agreements with other organizations, including
governments, or raise capital from external sources,
they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by
their members and maintain their cooperative autonomy.
5. Education, training and informationCooperatives provide education and training for their
members, elected representatives, managers and
employees, so they can contribute effectively to the
development of their cooperatives. They inform the
general public, particularly young people and opinion
leaders, about the nature and benefi ts of cooperation.
6. Cooperation among cooperativesCooperatives serve their members most effectively
and strengthen the cooperative movement by working
together through local, national, regional and
international structures.
7. Concern for communityCooperatives work for the sustainable development
of their communities through policies approved by
their members.
THE SEVEN COOPERATIVE PRINCIPLES
The cooperative principles are guidelines by which
cooperatives put their values into practice.
1. Voluntary and open membershipCooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all
persons able to use their services and willing to accept
the responsibilities of membership, without gender,
social, racial, political or religious discrimination.
2. Democratic member controlCooperatives are democratic organizations controlled
by their members, who actively participate in setting
their policies and making decisions. Men and women
serving as elected representatives are accountable to
the membership.
3. Member economic participationMembers contribute equitably to, and democratically
control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part
that capital is usually the common property of the
cooperative. Members allocate surpluses for any or all
of the following purposes: developing their cooperative,
possibly by setting up reserves; benefi ting members in
proportion to their transactions with the cooperative;
and supporting other activities approved by
the membership.
Company
ElectricityMembers
Own Produce
Supply
PROCUREMENT
Implement sustainable supply management strategy
Write sustainable supply management policy
Reduce material use
Look for opportunities to purchase recycled materials
Procure materials and supplies that are produced in an
environmentally responsible manner.
Use green strategies to dispose of surplus and
retired equipment
Encourage high-level environmental practices within
supply base and with internal customers.
Research and identify alternate products that are
environmentally friendly and may replace chemicals
or products currently in use.
Great River Energy was created and is owned by
Minnesotans. The seven cooperative principles
guide our business and serve as a reminder of our
responsibility: to provide reliable electric service
at reasonable rates, and work for the sustainable
development of the community.
GOALS
Moving ForwardGreat River Energy has several social responsibility
goals it is working to achieve during the next few years.
We look forward to sharing our progress with you in
future reports.
11FUTURE PLANS | GREAT RIVER ENERGY CSR
OUR 2013 SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY GOALS
Employees
Implement Diversity Plan to enhance recruiting,
training, communications, mentoring and other
aspects of the employee experience.
Draft human rights statement.
Governance
Set up formal process for engaging key environmental
stakeholders and assess how Great River Energy can
engage with NGOs.
Improve and enhance our business
improvement process.
Conduct training on social responsibility for our board
of directors.
www.greatriverenergy.com
12300 Elm Creek Boulevard Maple Grove, MN 55369-4718
Phone: 763-445-5000
12CONTACT | GREAT RIVER ENERGY CSR
Social Responsibility has been at the heart of Great River Energy ever since it was formed 13 years ago.
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18 | samantha-martin.com
GREAT RIVER ENERGY
2012 CSR Report | Contact | Great river energy
EmployeesCommunityEnvironment
EmployeesIt may sound clich, but Great River Energy truly values its employees. Our 865 employees really are the organization's greatest asset. We work hard to provide them with the safest and healthiest working environments, give them opportunities to volunteer and serve the community, and compensate them fairly for their hard work and dedication. Again, it is not only good business, it is the right thing to do.
Healthy employees are happy and productive employees. Great River Energy offers a broad range of medical plans for employees, their spouses or domestic partners, and their dependents, and pays a significant portion of the cost to ensure all employees receive affordable and comprehensive health care.
Great River Energy also helps employees manage health care costs by offering healthy lifestyle education opportunities. The lifestyle choices employees make affect their health and quality of life, both today and in the future. Better lifestyle choices also affect the amount Great River Energy and its employees spend on health care costs. Our health management program includes an employee health risk questionnaire (HRQ) and a health management incentive (HMI).These tools reward individuals who actively manage their health by getting regular preventive care, being knowledgeable about their health and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
The HRQ provides each individual with personalized health information and tools for personal health improvement. Behaviors such as smoking, poor diet and lack of exercise are some of the factors that increase a person's risk of developing health problems. However, general knowledge of these risks does not always change behavior, and people don't necessarily know which risks need the most attention. HRQs turn intuitive knowledge into actionable information.
The HMI is designed to reward individuals for actively managing their health
with a cash incentive. Our employees actively participate in this program.
Health Risk Questionnaire
Fitness Activity Calendar
Download HQR Application
Wellness Themes
2012 CSR Report | Contact | Great river energy
EmployeesCommunityEnvironment
Wellness Themes
1. Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
2. Strive for 30 minutes of physical activity daily.
3. Do not use tobacco products.
4. Drink alcohol responsibly.
5. Always wear your seatbelt.
6. Get regular checkups and screenings.
GREAT RIVER ENERGY
-
Generating energy Responsibly | 19
Great river energy provides incentives for their employees to maintain their health. each employee takes a Health risk Questionnaire and receives personalized health management tools. This mobile application allows employees to fill out their HQr and save the results to reference later in their efforts to improve or maintain their health.
Wellness
-
revITalIze DeTroIT
Problem: Design a website to promote a proposal for a public spaces reclamation project in the city of Detroit, MI.
solution: the proposal is to add public park spaces back into the neighborhoods and to allow the community members to be involved in this process through donations of time, money and park amenities. the website allows the community to view the plan and the neighborhoods that would be impacted.
20 | samantha-martin.com
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revitalize Detroit | 21
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22 | samantha-martin.com
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revitalize Detroit | 23
a series of posters would appear throughout the areas that would be improved by this initiative. They are symbolic of the refreshing clean start that the neighborhoods will get by bringing nature back.
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24 | samantha-martin.com
oBjecTS anD arTIFacTS
Problem: Define an object and an artifact and display those definitions visually and verbally in a book format with both books being joined.
solution: the definition of an object is presented through a series of hand illustrations paired with a photo of the same object. then the definition of an artifact is shown through a series of object photos paired with a stylized photo. An everyday object is nothing more than an accessory, tool or device with no emotional quality. It becomes an artifact when it tells a story, sends a message, or has a deeper meaning. these stories and meanings are a result of family, friend or personal influence.
-
objects and artifacts | 25
Artifact: An object that has meaning and sentimental value to it as a result of human infl uence.
What is an Object?
Object: Something we see and use everyday. We do not need detail or accuracy to identify it and it does not have an effect on our emotions. Objects are commonplace and we do not give their existence a second thought.
What is an Artifact?
Do the bristles have to be the same...
Its only a ring...
...a paperclip?
...until the faces fi ll it.
Do bright yellow lines...
Its only an accessory...
...to
kno
w it
s a
hai
r br
ush?
...un
til a promise is m
ade.
Mus
t the
line
s co
nnec
t...
A sc
arf is just y
arn...
...in
dica
te a
lam
p lig
ht?
...un
less it holds a m
emory.
Does
sha
pe h
ave
to b
e ex
act..
.
A bear is just s
tuffed
...
...to see a push pin?
...until its stitched with love.
...to know they are scissors?
...until it comforts a child.
Will variation change...
A frame is just a frame...
Artifact: A
n object that has m
eaning and sentim
ental value to it as a result of hum
an infl uence.
Wha
t is
an O
bjec
t? Object: Something w
e see and use everyday. W
e do not need detail or accuracy to identify it and it does not have an effect on our em
otions. O
bjects are comm
onplace and w
e do not give their existence a second thought.
Wha
t is a
n Artifa
ct?
Do th
e br
istle
s ha
ve to
be
the
sam
e...
Its on
ly a ring
...
...a
pape
rclip
?
...un
til th
e faces fi ll it.
Do b
righ
t yel
low
line
s...
Its on
ly an accessory...
...to know its a hair brush?
...until a promise is made.
Must the lines connect...
A scarf is just yarn...
...indicate a lamp light?
...unless it holds a memory.
Does shape have to be exact...
A bear is just stuffed...
...to see a push pin?
...until its stitched with love.
...to know they are scissors?
...until it comforts a child.
Will variation change...
A fram
e is just a frame...
Artifact: An object
that has meaning
and sentimental
value to it as a result
of human infl uence.
What is an Object?
Object: Something we see and use
everyday. We do not need detail or
accuracy to identify it and it does
not have an effect on our emotions.
Objects are commonplace and
we do not give their existence a
second thought.
What is an Artifact?
Do the bristles have to be the same...
Its only a ring...
...a paperclip?
...until the faces fi ll it.
Do bright yellow lines...
Its only an accessory...
...to know its a hair brush?
...until a promise is m
ade.
Must the lines connect...
A scarf is just yarn...
...indicate a lamp light?
...unless it holds a mem
ory.
Does shape have to be exact...
A bear is just stuffed...
...to see a push pin?
...until its stitched with love.
...to know they are scissors?
...until it comforts a child.
Will variation change...
A frame is just a frame...
Artifact: An object
that has meaning
and sentimental
value to it as a result
of human infl uence.
What is an Object?
Object: Something we see and use
everyday. We do not need detail or
accuracy to identify it and it does
not have an effect on our emotions.
Objects are commonplace and
we do not give their existence a
second thought.
What is an Artifact?
Do the bristles have to be the same...
Its only a ring...
...a paperclip?
...until the faces fi ll it.
Do bright yellow lines...
Its only an accessory...
...to know its a hair brush?
...until a promise is m
ade.
Must the lines connect...
A scarf is just yarn...
...indicate a lamp light?
...unless it holds a mem
ory.
Does shape have to be exact...
A bear is just stuffed...
...to see a push pin?
...until its stitched with love.
...to know they are scissors?
...until it comforts a child.
Will variation change...
A frame is just a frame...
Artifact: An object that has meaning and sentimental value to it as a result of human infl uence.
What is an Object?
Object: Something we see and use everyday. We do not need detail or accuracy to identify it and it does not have an effect on our emotions. Objects are commonplace and we do not give their existence a second thought.
What is an Artifact?
Do the bristles have to be the same...
Its only a ring...
...a paperclip?
...until the faces fi ll it.
Do bright yellow lines...
Its only an accessory...
...to
kno
w it
s a
hai
r br
ush?
...un
til a promise is m
ade.
Mus
t the
line
s co
nnec
t...
A sc
arf is just y
arn...
...in
dica
te a
lam
p lig
ht?
...un
less it holds a m
emory.
Does
sha
pe h
ave
to b
e ex
act..
.
A bear is just s
tuffed
...
...to see a push pin?
...until its stitched with love.
...to know they are scissors?
...until it comforts a child.
Will variation change...
A frame is just a frame...
Artifact: An object
that has meaning
and sentimental
value to it as a result
of human infl uence.
What is an Object?
Object: Something we see and use
everyday. We do not need detail or
accuracy to identify it and it does
not have an effect on our emotions.
Objects are commonplace and
we do not give their existence a
second thought.
What is an Artifact?
Do the bristles have to be the same...
Its only a ring...
...a paperclip?
...until the faces fi ll it.
Do bright yellow lines...
Its only an accessory...
...to know its a hair brush?
...until a promise is m
ade.
Must the lines connect...
A scarf is just yarn...
...indicate a lamp light?
...unless it holds a mem
ory.
Does shape have to be exact...
A bear is just stuffed...
...to see a push pin?
...until its stitched with love.
...to know they are scissors?
...until it comforts a child.
Will variation change...
A frame is just a frame...
Artifact: A
n object that has m
eaning and sentim
ental value to it as a result of hum
an infl uence.
Wha
t is
an O
bjec
t? Object: Something w
e see and use everyday. W
e do not need detail or accuracy to identify it and it does not have an effect on our em
otions. O
bjects are comm
onplace and w
e do not give their existence a second thought.
Wha
t is a
n Artifa
ct?
Do th
e br
istle
s ha
ve to
be
the
sam
e...
Its on
ly a ring
...
...a
pape
rclip
?
...un
til th
e faces fi ll it.
Do b
righ
t yel
low
line
s...
Its on
ly an accessory...
...to know its a hair brush?
...until a promise is made.
Must the lines connect...
A scarf is just yarn...
...indicate a lamp light?
...unless it holds a memory.
Does shape have to be exact...
A bear is just stuffed...
...to see a push pin?
...until its stitched with love.
...to know they are scissors?
...until it comforts a child.
Will variation change...
A fram
e is just a frame...
Artifact: A
n object that has m
eaning and sentim
ental value to it as a result of hum
an infl uence.
Wha
t is
an O
bjec
t? Object: Something w
e see and use everyday. W
e do not need detail or accuracy to identify it and it does not have an effect on our em
otions. O
bjects are comm
onplace and w
e do not give their existence a second thought.
Wha
t is a
n Artifa
ct?
Do th
e br
istle
s ha
ve to
be
the
sam
e...
Its on
ly a ring
...
...a
pape
rclip
?
...un
til th
e faces fi ll it.
Do b
righ
t yel
low
line
s...
Its on
ly an accessory...
...to know its a hair brush?
...until a promise is made.
Must the lines connect...
A scarf is just yarn...
...indicate a lamp light?
...unless it holds a memory.
Does shape have to be exact...
A bear is just stuffed...
...to see a push pin?
...until its stitched with love.
...to know they are scissors?
...until it comforts a child.
Will variation change...
A fram
e is just a frame...
Artifact: An object that has meaning and sentimental value to it as a result of human infl uence.
What is an Object?
Object: Something we see and use everyday. We do not need detail or accuracy to identify it and it does not have an effect on our emotions. Objects are commonplace and we do not give their existence a second thought.
What is an Artifact?
Do the bristles have to be the same...
Its only a ring...
...a paperclip?
...until the faces fi ll it.
Do bright yellow lines...
Its only an accessory...
...to
kno
w it
s a
hai
r br
ush?
...un
til a promise is m
ade.
Mus
t the
line
s co
nnec
t...
A sc
arf is just y
arn...
...in
dica
te a
lam
p lig
ht?
...un
less it holds a m
emory.
Does
sha
pe h
ave
to b
e ex
act..
.
A bear is just s
tuffed
...
...to see a push pin?
...until its stitched with love.
...to know they are scissors?
...until it comforts a child.
Will variation change...
A frame is just a frame...
Artifact: An object
that has meaning
and sentimental
value to it as a result
of human infl uence.
What is an Object?
Object: Something we see and use
everyday. We do not need detail or
accuracy to identify it and it does
not have an effect on our emotions.
Objects are commonplace and
we do not give their existence a
second thought.
What is an Artifact?
Do the bristles have to be the same...
Its only a ring...
...a paperclip?
...until the faces fi ll it.
Do bright yellow lines...
Its only an accessory...
...to know its a hair brush?
...until a promise is m
ade.
Must the lines connect...
A scarf is just yarn...
...indicate a lamp light?
...unless it holds a mem
ory.
Does shape have to be exact...
A bear is just stuffed...
...to see a push pin?
...until its stitched with love.
...to know they are scissors?
...until it comforts a child.
Will variation change...
A frame is just a frame...
-
26 | samantha-martin.com
naTure nearBy
Problem: Design a new identity system for the Land Conservancy of West Michigan, and apply that identity to collateral and events.
solution: Working as a team we sent the message to people to get out of the city and enjoy nature. the logo was created to be placed over any surface, image or background and allow it to join with that imagery, just as we urge people to rejoin nature. Various other print pieces and the website were designed with the same encouragement to visit the parks and nature preserves. the major encouragement to get people to engage with nature is the coordination of various volunteer days and activities hosted on the land belonging to the conservancy. keeping nature nearby
-
nature nearby | 27
Being a non-profit organization focused on land conservancy means an economical and earth-friendly business system is important to the overall brand.
MR. AND MRS. JOHNSON 4267 S. State St. Big Rapids, MI 49307
1345 Monroe Ave. NW, Ste. 324
Grand Rapids, MI 49505
ph: 616.451.9476 fax: 616.451.1874 lcwm@naturenearby.org www.naturenearby.org
1345 Monroe Ave. NW, ste. 324 Grand Rapids, MI 49505
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Johnson,
As new members, I would like to personally welcome you to the West Michigan Land Conservancy. We are very excited that you have decided to join us in our efforts to protect West Michigans natural areas.
There are many ways to make the most of your membership with the LCWM and to help us in conserving nature and wildlife for all to enjoy. Whether you choose to make an annual donation, participate in clean up days, become a land steward, sign an easement for your land or simply respectfully enjoy the land, your membership is important to us. It is because of people like you that we are able to continue to grow and increase the amount of land being protected.
We have many events throughout the coming months that provide great opportunities to get involved with the conservancy and protection efforts and also to meet other people like you who have chosen to give of their time for the conservation effort. Most recently we held a dinner party for our 20th anniversary, and each year we choose a different park to host the annual members picnic. Another annual event held in late April to early May is our volunteer day, at which we enlist the help of many volunteers to clean up and rejuvenate the parks for the upcoming summer months.
This year our volunteer day will be held on April 23, 2011. Signing up is easy, either online or by requesting a registration form to be sent to you in the mail. Further information can be found on the events flyer or online at www.naturenearby.org/volunteer. We look forward to seeing you there!
Thank you for your generosity and helping to keep nature nearby.
Sincerely,
Margaret Ladd
President
616.451.9476 ex. 5542
margladd@naturenearby.org
WWW.NATURENEARBY.ORG
WWW.NATURENEARBY.ORG
WWW.NATURENEARBY.ORG
Back
DANIEL GRADYTreasurer
WWW.NATURENEARBY.ORG616.451.9476 ex. 5541dangrad@naturenearby.org1345 Monroe Ave. NW, 324Grand Rapids, MI 49505
MARGARET LADDPresident
WWW.NATURENEARBY.ORG616.451.9476 ex. 5541dangrad@naturenearby.org1345 Monroe Ave. nw, 324
MARGARET LADDPresident
616.451.9476 ex. 5542margladd@naturenearby.org1345 Monroe Ave. NW, Ste. 324Grand Rapids, MI 49505
JON JELLEMAVice President
616.451.9476 ex. 5546jonjell@naturenearby.org1345 Monroe Ave. NW, Ste. 324Grand Rapids, MI 49505
MARY HOLLINRAKESecretary
616.451.9476 ex. 5548maryholl@naturenearby.org1345 Monroe Ave. NW, Ste. 324Grand Rapids, MI 49505
Front
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28 | samantha-martin.com
a highlight of this re-branding was focusing on getting members and the community outside and enjoying nature. To facilitate this we organized events at the different conservancies. people were invited to help clean up the reserves or simply enjoy the land.
CONNECT EXPLOREREJUVENATE
CONNECT EXPLOREREJUVENATE
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These items would be given to the guests who visited the land during an event. The seed packets would be sent out as part of an invitation to the events and would encourage the guest to come and help rejuvenate the land by planting new flowers.
nature nearby | 29
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DeTour: caDIllac, MI
Problem: Design a magazine article telling the story of the decline in businesses, homes and families in Cadillac, MI through photography and narrative content.
solution: Full bleed photos of the rundown areas in the town are the main focus for this article. they have high contrast and dark lighting to dramatize the rundown nature of the images. Another element to emphasize the topic of this article was the use of large margins and a generous amount of whitespace. this article is designed to appear in the Detour column of the architecture and home magazine Dwell.
30 | samantha-martin.com
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Detour: cadillac, MI | 31
Re-Build Your Struggling Small Town
DETOUR
DWELL
Cadillac, Michigan is home to around 10,000 people
and is considered one of the largest industrial and
commercial cities in northern Michigan. Now, with
the struggling economy Cadillac is losing many of
its once thriving businesses and its families. Leaving
behind empty rundown buildings.
LOWER INCOME FAMILIES STRUGGLE THE MOST.
71
DWELL
JUNE/JULY 2012
SPACE FOR LEASE
-
DETOUR
DWELL
73
NEARLY NEW BUILDINGS SIT EMPTY SINCE THE BUSINESSES COULD NOT SURVIVE.
These are hard times for most every city, as our
nation experiences an economic recession. Many cities
struggle to maintain their roads and schools and
also to keep tourism and locals interested in the city.
There have been many local campaigns and statewide
campaigns to regain interest in certain areas and
states. Many families must move around to fi nd work
and as people leave an area so must the business.
This turns into a vicious cycle until almost nothing is
left to sustain a city or town. Most often bigger cities
are not affected by this type of situation. It is the
small towns such as Cadillac, Michigan that are most
affected and torn apart by the results of these diffi cult
economic times.
CADILLAC FALLING
It is a disheartening event to witness the decline
of something that was once a thriving and living
place. Watching ones city fade into nothing more
than a memory of a good place is hard. Unfortunately
that has been the fate for many of the citizens
of Cadillac, Michigan. There are many locals who
have lived there for years and now experience the
displeasure of watching it turn from a quiet, yet
thriving destination city, into nothing more than a
stop for gas in between here and there. Many of the
businesses and activities that once drew people to the
inviting city are either struggling to stay afl oat or no
longer in existence. Small town family owned stores
are a thing of the past.
HOW IT ALL STARTED
First it would only be fair to tell about Cadillac in
its better days. It was once a thriving logging town,
processing mostly pine timbers and the birthplace of
Shay Locomotives, invented by Ephriam Shay in 1878.
The Shay locomotive was the fi rst one of its kind to be
able to carry logs around sharp corners, up steep hills
and on uneven terrain. They were actually used all over
the United States between 1880 and 1945. Currently
Cadillac has a Shay Locomotive on display in their city
park in honor of Ephriam Shay and the technology
and industry he brought to Cadillac. After World War II
Caberfae Ski Resort began to grow rapidly, increasing
the numbers of tourists that ventured to Cadillac.
There were many new businesses coming to the town
and many families began to call Cadillac their home.
Eventually such businesses as Avon Automotive, Four
Winns and Clark Foods were operating in Cadillac and
things were going well. Perhaps everyone in the quiet
little, prospering town of Cadillac got too comfortable
because eventually things started to decline.
THE ECONOMY PLUMMETS
Around 2007 when the United States Economy began
to fall so did Cadillacs. There probably was not one
state in the whole country that was not affected by
the hard times, and many still are. However it is the
small towns like Cadillac who suffer the most when
times are bad. In these small towns is does not take
very many businesses closing or families moving away
to make quite a large dent in the once stable economy.
Plus once things start declining it is very hard to keep
up the image of the town or eventually bring things
back up.
EMPTY SPACES
There are countless numbers of buildings sitting
wwaround the city and the outskirts of Cadillac that it
really is quite sad. Large facilities like Clark foods now
sit completely empty. Clark foods had a huge shipping
and receiving dock, and employed many people.
They were the leading food services and commercial
food supplier in the surrounding area for many years.
Other places such as Bill Olivers restaurant and resort
were huge tourist attractions and very successful
businesses. Now after being bought, sold renamed
and downsized more than once, it sits on its corner
property operating only about half of its services
and space as before, and barely managing to fi ll the
parking lot half full. Still other places have downsized
or closed. Many of the automotive businesses that
once operated at full capacity have had to cut jobs
in both assembly line workers and management and
some have even began working only four or even
three day work weeks. Many employees have lost
vacation time, and experienced a decrease in benefi ts
and overtime. Since these are some of the biggest
businesses in Cadillac when they suffer, everyone
suffers. There are many small businesses that end up
only lasting a year or two as well, as a result of the
poor economy. Some places start out new and do well
for a while. When prices must go up to compete with
other local stores offering the same things, and when
people have no money, and arent buying things, then
these places close and leave a brand new building
standing there empty. It becomes very apparent that
times are tough when even brand new buildings are
standing all over Cadillac with no businesses in them.
Another problem that arises from the whole situation
is the loss of families.
DWELL
JUNE/JULY 2012
I LOST MY JOB
Many families have had to leave Cadillac because
they lost their job or their company is downsizing and
moving them to a different facility. Everywhere one
goes you can hear a story about someones son who
had to move for his job, or someones mother who lost
her job after 20 years and is now working two jobs
just to make ends meet. There are places even in the
nicer neighborhoods where every other house is for
sale. The number of foreclosed homes and families
who had to downsize because of foreclosure has sky
rocketed. It creates a very vicious cycle when business
close causing people to leave and the town to shrink
with no hope of recovering any time soon. Then what
do you get? A town fi lled with various empty houses,
but even worse, empty businesses. These businesses
sit for years and with the owners unable to pay for
them or sell them, they quickly become run down
and unsightly.
KEEPING UP APPEARANCES
As a result of the low economy buildings sit around
Cadillac in shambles. Things start to fall apart, grass
becomes overgrown and the area becomes very
sad and lonely. This creates a town that is not very
pleasant to drive through as a tourist or on a Sunday
afternoon drive. If the town looks run down and
empty it is easy to see that it will be hard to convince
people to come back. It also creates a very depressing
lifestyle for those who saw Cadillac in its better times.
Many people have said Cadillac was once a growing
city, now there is nothing left. They worry about how
far their children will have to go to fi nd jobs and
whether or not they will be able to survive much
longer themselves.
NOT FAR FROM THE TREE
Its no surprise that small cities like Cadillac struggle
when you look at the overall health and stability of
Michigan itself. To put the struggles of Cadillac into
better context consider this analysis by Kurt Metzger.
While Michiganians, or Michiganders as our new
Governor prefers, knew that the fi rst decade of the
21st Century had been hard on the state, the fi rst
2010 Census results, released on December 21, truly
brought it home. With a 2010 population count
of 9,883,644, Michigan was the ONLY state to lose
population over the decade, dropping 54,800 or 0.6
percent. The last time the state experienced such loss
was in the fi rst half of the 1980s, though population
gains in the second half of the decade outstripped the
losses. The past decade reversed this scenario as gains
over the fi rst fi ve years were more than wiped out
by fi ve straight years of population loss. Population
change is the result of: Natural Increase, the difference
between births and deaths, and Net Migration, the
combination of Immigration and Domestic Migration
(movement within the 50 states). With the exception
of immigration, Michigans numbers went the wrong
way on all fronts. The number of births decreased by
11 percent between 2000 and 2008, while the number
of deaths increased by 1.5 percent. The birth rate of
12.1 live births per 1,000 population was down by
12.3 percent over the decade and placed Michigan
in the bottom 10 states. While this decrease has been
driven, in part, by economic uncertainties that have
caused couples to postpone parenthood, the more
important factor has been the loss of residents in
their childbearing years, the younger singles and
couples who have both the education and the
fl exibility to move.
While the labor force has remained relatively steady,
dropping by 5.8 percent, the number of employed
decreased by 760,000, or 15.3 percent, while the
number of unemployed increased by 460,000, or
242 percent! While all industries suffered, it was
manufacturing, Michigans bread and butter, that
took the largest hit. Manufacturing jobs in Michigan
fell by almost half, 48 percent, dropping from just
under 900,000 in 2000 to about 463,000 in 2009.
While there has been some good news on the
manufacturing front in recent months, the number in
October 2010 is still about 470,000. The last thing to
address in this brief decade overview is the economic
well-being of Michigan and its households. While this
analysis will focus on per capita personal income
and median household income, let us not forget the
foreclosure crisis that has kept Michigan in the Top 5
states since its inception in 2005.
The Bureau of Economic Analysis measures per
capita personal income (PCPI) for the nation, states,
metropolitan areas and counties. While Michigans
income well surpassed the national average during
the 1970s, the recession of the early 1980s pushed it
below average, where it stayed until a brief rebound
in 1994 and 1995. By 2000, however, Michigans
PCPI had fallen to just less than 97 percent of the
national average. Losses in 2001 and 2003 were
followed by a brief rally in 2003. However, the next
four years brought a steady decrease to 86.8 percent
in 2007, and a low of 86.6 percent in 2009. While
income losses can be directly tied to the loss of jobs,
particularly manufacturing, we must remember that
Michigans income has remained artifi cially high due
to those highly paid auto-related manufacturing jobs,
jobs that did not require high levels of education. The
restructuring of the nations economy has made the
need for post-secondary education more critical than
ever, and Michigans low level of college graduates has
resulted in its rapid income drop.
One last income number really drives home the story
of Michigans decade decline. The median household
income for Michigan dropped by 21.3 percent between
2000 and 2009, while the national average fell by
one-third of that -7.1 percent. When translated to 2009
dollars, we fi nd that every Michigan household, on
average, lost over $12,000 in buying power. Such a
loss ripples through the entire economy and decreases
the need for all the retail, service and construction jobs
that feed off of our disposable income.
Well, here we are at the beginning of a new decade.
We have a new Governor and the forecast for
both the nation and Michigan is a slow, but steady,
recovery. The message for Michigan, in addition to
YOU DONT HAVE TO GO FAR TO FIND BUILDING FOR SALE OR LEASE.
DETOUR
DWELL
75
transformation and innovation, must be education,
education, education! Unless we decide to focus our
resources on the education of our residents, from
birth to career, Michigan will continue to experience
decreasing population, employment and income. The
future is ours to decide.
With Michigan itself struggling to survive, its diffi cult
for small cities like Cadillac to survive. Small cities rely
on the people in the city to sustain businesses. When
all the people begin to leave, so must the business,
until slowly there is nothing left.
Many People live day to day wondering
if their job or their business will be next.
DWELL
JUNE/JULY 2012
32 | samantha-martin.com
-
Detour: cadillac, MI | 33
DWELL
DETOUR
Cadillac is fi lled with empty buildings, rundown businesses and various spaces to lease.
DWELL
JUNE/JULY 2012
77
THE FUTURE
In the future, when the economy recovers, Cadillac
will have a decent chance of recovering as well. It is
still a quiet city with a lot to offer. Hopefully the
families that have held out this long will be able to
stay in their hometown of Cadillac and the businesses
that remain can manage to survive in these tough
times. In the future Cadillac will be able to regain some
of its former glory or at the very least shed its layer of
empty, run-down buildings and homes.
-
34 | samantha-martin.com
BrIGHTer ToGeTHer
Problem: the student Advancement Foundation of Grand Rapids, MI needed collateral for their annual event Mindshare. this event to raise money for the students of Grand Rapids Public schools, required save-the-date postcards, invitations, rsvps, programs, pledge cards and various environmental graphics including banners, way finding and t-shirts.
solution: stars and constellations and their ability to shine were chosen to support the concept of Brighter together. the gathering of multiple stars, which shine brighter together, represents the strength achieved when students and community members work together.
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Brighter Together | 35
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36 | samantha-martin.com
Kelsey GRPS Student
I am pleased to support the students of Grand Rapids Public Schools at the following level:
e North Star $10,000
e Big Dipper $5,000
e Little Dipper $2,500
Orion's Belt $1,500
Gemini $100 per ticket I would like to purchase individual tickets.
I am unable to attendPlease accept my contribution of $ to the saf.
Joan P. Secchia Sustainability FundI would like to make a donation of $ to the Joan P. Secchia Sustainability Fund in support of the safs on-going operations.
RSVP for MindShare by April 13!
Payment Information
Name
Street Address
City, State, Zip
Phone
Email
Please make checks payable to: Student Advancement Foundation
Please invoice me
Please bill to: Visa or MasterCard
Card # Exp. Date
Cardholder Name
Billing Address (if di erent from previous)
Guest Information
List your guests names as they should appear on name tags and please notify us as soon as possible if your guest list changes.
RSVP by April 13 to Alyssa Morillo Scheidt
Return by mail Fax to (616) 988-5419Email alyssa@grsaf.org Call (616) 988-5430, ext. 3
1.
5.
2.
6.
3.
4.
9.
10.
7.
8.
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Brighter Together | 37
Students + Community
e Grand Rapids Student Advancement Foundation is hard at work planning an evening to dazzle and delight you. Mark your calendaryou dont want to miss MindShare 2012.
Tuesday, April 24 2012DeVos Place, Grand Rapids
For more information about MindShare 2012 and the SAF, please visit www.grsaf.org or contact Alyssa Morillo Scheidt at alyssa@grsaf.org or 616.988.5430.
Please join us as we come together to help our students shine.
Look for your MindShare invitation in March.DES
IGN
: G
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ES
IGN
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BRIGHTER TOGETHER
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38 | samantha-martin.com
I would like my donation to support:
e Arts
Literacy
Environmental Education
Physical Wellness
Math, Science, and Technology
Joan P. Secchia Sustainability Fund
Principals Student Support Fund
Where Needed Most
Donation amount $
Please make checks payable to: Student Advancement Foundation
Please bill to: Visa or MasterCard
Card # Exp. Date
Cardholder Name
Cardholder Signature
Billing Address (if di erent from previous)
City, State, Zip
Please invoice me
Payment information:
Name
Street Address
City, State, Zip
Phone
Email
You can also give online at www.grsaf.org
Students + (Your name)
Brighter Together
BRIGHTER TOGETHER
BRIGHTER TOGETHER
Help light their way
111 Library NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616.988.5430 www.grsaf.org 2012 Grand Rapids Student Advancement Foundation
Design: Graphic Design Program, College of Business, Ferris State University
Thank you
Thank you for attending MindShare
and for your support of the youth
of Grand Rapids Public Schools.
Help light their way
111 Library NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616.988.5430 www.grsaf.org
2012 Grand Rapids Student Advancement Foundation
Design: Graphic Design Program, College of Business, Ferris State University
Thank you
Thank you for attending MindShare and for your support of the youth
of Grand Rapids Public Schools.
Help light their way
111 Library NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616.988.5430 www.grsaf.org
2012 Grand Rapids Student Advancement Foundation
Design: Graphic Design Program, College of Business, Ferris State University
Thank you
Thank you for attending MindShare and for your support of the youth
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