SmallPond Updates North Tahoe Conference Center Brand Identity

After more than two decades as the North Tahoe Community Conference Center, the Kings Beach facility’s name has changed to the North Tahoe Event Center.

Officials with the North Tahoe Public Utility District, which owns and operates the North Tahoe Event Center, have made the change to highlight its potential for many uses as part of the district’s new marketing strategy for the facility. The updated marketing plan, which includes a new logo, updated marketing collateral and new Web site, is funded by a grant from the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association.

“We chose the new name because we want the event center to encompass all events, not just conferences,” said Lane Lewis, board president of the North Tahoe Public Utility District. “The North Tahoe Event Center’s capacity for many functions makes it a perfect place with a beautiful view for any type of occasion.”

When discussing a new name and logo, district officials felt the original name was too long and not descriptive of all the event center offers. Also, they agreed the center’s existing marketing collateral and Web site need an update.

“The investment in a new name, logo and Web site is important because it will help better position the event center in the modern market,” Lewis said.

With the change, district officials said they aim to target groups looking for an affordable, attractive and professional setting at a tourist destination. In addition to hosting meetings and conferences, the facility also accommodates weddings, parties, community events, recreation classes, educational seminars, training, civil service testing, job fairs, retirement fairs, avalanche classes, swap meets, art displays, recitals, Quinceañera celebrations and more.

“With the district’s decision to refocus its marketing strategy, this seemed the appropriate time to update the center's brand identity,” said Meg Raymore, owner of Truckee-based marketing and design firm SmallPond Studio. “The center's stunning location makes it an ideal destination for any event, and our goal is to create a brand emphasizing that point.”

A new Web site for the event center will launch after the new year.

The North Tahoe Event Center, located on Lake Tahoe’s picturesque North Shore, offers options for indoor and outdoor gatherings year-round. Both large and small events are welcome, from weddings, meetings and conferences, community events, parties and more. To learn more about NTEC, visit www.laketahoeconference.com.

SmallPond Studio Welcomes New Graphic Designer

Jessica Ford-Helzer joined SmallPond Studio as graphic designer and production artist. Ford-Helzer will assist the team in all areas of graphic design with a particular focus on print design and packaging.

“We are very excited to have such a talented and enthusiastic designer joining us,” said SmallPond Owner Meg Raymore. “Jessica is a great addition to our team.”

Originally from Reno, Ford-Helzer graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in graphic design. She recently returned to the Reno-Tahoe area to pursue a design career and be closer to her family.

In her spare time, Ford-Helzer enjoys snowboarding, camping, hiking and water sports.

SmallPond Studio is an award-winning marketing and design firm dedicated to helping customers create and maintain a strong corporate identity through inspired design, creative strategy, and a unique understanding of the bottom line. SmallPond offers print design, web design, marketing consulting and brand strategy as part of its suite of services. For more information, call (530) 587-5625 or visit www.smallpondstudio.com.

SmallPond Designs High Pointe Catering Web Site

High Pointe Event Catering has launched a new Web site, featuring event planning tools, menus and information about their services for Tahoe and Reno clientele.

The new Web site, www.highpointecatering.com, allows visitors to view seasonal and themed menus, request a proposal for a special event or schedule a consultation with a culinary expert.

“We are thrilled to showcase our catering services through our new Web site,” said Mike Lathbury, owner and head chef of the company. “The site provides a convenient way for our Lake Tahoe and Reno clients to view sample menus and information about our services.”

Truckee’s SmallPond Studio designed the new site.

High Pointe Event Catering offers high-end catering services for weddings, corporate events and special events. Owner Mike Lathbury brings 18 years of catering experience to Lake Tahoe, Reno and surrounding areas. For more information about High Pointe Event Catering, contact Cathy Thorne, director of sales and marketing, at (530) 414-3357 or cathy@highpointecatering.com.

For more information on SmallPond Studio, a graphic design and marketing company located in downtown Truckee, call (530) 587-5625 or visit www.smallpondstudio.com.

Return to SmallPond Studio.

High Sierra Balloon Company Launches Web Site

High Sierra Balloon Company has launched a new Web site, providing flight planning tools and pre-flight information for clients.

The new Web site, www.highsierraballooncompany.com, allows visitors to book hot air balloon flights over Truckee or Carson Valley and offers detailed information on package deals, gift certificates and more.

“This Web site is a great way for High Sierra Balloon Company to showcase our premier service to our clients,” said Jeremiah Skirvin, president of the company. “It also provides an easy way for our clients to book a balloon ride over Tahoe’s scenic landscapes.”

Truckee’s SmallPond Studio designed the new site.

High Sierra Balloon Company launches at sunrise in Truckee, 120 days a year, weather permitting. Hot air balloon flights carry riders up and over beautiful, scenic mountain landscapes with views of Lake Tahoe and the Pacific Crest of the High Sierra. For more information on High Sierra Balloon Company, call (888) 359-8753 or visit www.highsierraballooncompany.com.

For more information on SmallPond Studio, a graphic design and marketing company located in downtown Truckee, call (530) 587-5625 or visit us online at www.smallpondstudio.com.

Porter Simon Launches Web Site

Truckee-based law firm Porter Simon, a Professional Corporation, launched its new Web site this week with an updated design and new features for clients and the community.

The new Web site, www.portersimon.com, offers visitors information about the firm, its practice areas, and serves as a portal for legal resources and community events.

“This new site allows us to further serve our community by offering public access to legal and governmental resources,” said Jim Porter, the firm’s senior shareholder. “It also allows us to showcase our attorneys, staff, and broad-ranging practice areas with cutting-edge technology.”

The new site, designed by Truckee’s SmallPond Studio, includes attorney and staff bios, a listing of the region’s upcoming events, access to free legal resources, a law journal, a showcase of Porter Simon’s community involvement, individual attorney contact forms, and details regarding the newly formed Porter Simon + Shadek, a Professional Association, in Incline Village, Nev.

Since 1969 the attorneys and staff at Porter Simon have provided legal services to their clients in a broad range of practice areas. With offices in Truckee, Reno, South Lake Tahoe and Incline Village, they serve clients with interests in Nevada and California. For more information about Porter Simon, visit www.portersimon.com or call (530) 587-2002.

For more information on SmallPond Studio, a graphic design and marketing company located in downtown Truckee, call (530) 587-5625 or visit www.smallpondstudio.com.

SmallPond Welcomes New Member to the Team

SmallPond Studio is pleased to welcome Alice Miller as marketing coordinator. Alice will manage the firm’s accounts, coordinate projects, and provide marketing and public relations support.

“Alice is a great addition to our team,” said SmallPond Owner Meg Raymore. “Her background in marketing and public relations, coupled with her energy and enthusiasm, fills a much needed account support role at SmallPond. Her talents will help ensure we meet all of our clients’ needs quickly and completely.”

Prior to joining SmallPond, Alice worked as the project manager of the Vail Resorts advertising account in Breckenridge, Colo., for Spin Creative Studio. A graduate of UC Berkeley, she has also worked in marketing for the San Francisco Opera, the National Repertory Orchestra and, most recently, Adventures Around the World.

Alice teaches piano for the Tahoe Conservatory of Music and coached skiing for the Sugar Bowl Ski Team last season. In her spare time, she loves to ski, mountain bike, and compose music.

SmallPond is an award-winning marketing and design firm dedicated to helping customers create and maintain a strong corporate identity through inspired design, creative strategy, and a unique understanding of the bottom line. For more information, visit www.smallpondstudio.com.

Personal Chef Service Launches New Web Site

Hey Chef!, a local private chef and kitchen staffing service, has launched a new Web site, providing event planning tools and information to its Truckee and Tahoe clientele.

With the new Web site, designed by SmallPond Studio in Truckee, Hey Chef! owners Holly and Grog Verbeck can take reservations from clients who wish to book the culinary concierge for personal, effortless and distinctive events in their home.

“This Web site is a great way for Hey Chef! to showcase our premier service to our clients,” Holly Verbeck said. “For our clients, the Web site provides an easy way to plan the perfect in-home dining experience.”

Through the site, clients can use the event planning tool, view sample menus, meet the company’s premier chefs and staff, and view event tips from the experts.

Hey Chef! works with clients to create the menu, books the chef and staff, handles all of the preparation, set up and presentation of the meals, and they leave the kitchen cleaner than when they arrive. For more information on Hey Chef! call toll-free (877) 4-HeyChef or visit www.heychef.com.

For more information on SmallPond Studio, a graphic design and marketing company located in downtown Truckee, call (530) 587-5625 or visit www.smallpondstudio.com.

International Member Association Site Gets a New Look

Truckee-based Sourcing Interests Group is an international association for sourcing professionals that was in dire of a makeover for its Web site. The old look and functionality of SIG’s site was not suited for the sophisticated tastes of its members, many of whom are Fortune 500 companies.

SIG brought SmallPond on board to design the new web site, manage the project, and find a system so SIG’s staff could update the site and so members could log in and access members-only content

SmallPond knew this new site would have to be easier to use, as well as look good. With hundreds of files and reports available to SIG’s membership, it was essential that the site was searchable and easy to navigate.

We found SIG a low-cost, turn-key content management system by Internet4associations. Throughout the process, we ensured the site was implemented specifically for SIG’s needs and membership.

The result: Sourcing Interests Group now has a site they’re proud to show their membership. Check it out at http://sourcinginterests.org

For more SmallPond web design projects, visit SmallPond's web design portfolio.

SP former office awarded

Blue Sky Home Center has been awarded for its renovation of several buildings in Brickelltown, on the west side of downtown Truckee.

A panel of eight building and design professionals selected the project as the top historical renovation for Tahoe Quarterly’s Mountain Home Awards (article). Judges said the project, which was six years in the making, “breathes new life into Truckee’s west end.”

The project area includes the Sassarini-McQwinn House, which is Blue Sky’s current base of operations, the Titus House, the Titus Garage, and the Eaton Houses.

“I am honored to be recognized in the effort to revitalize Brickelltown,” said Mitch Clarin, owner of Blue Sky Home Center. “Thank you to Tahoe Quarterly for recognizing our project and to SmallPond Studio Owner Meg Raymore for submitting the application.”

The highlight and “most historically faithful” piece of the project, according to the panel of judges, was the Titus Garage, former home to SmallPond Studio.

“This recognition is long-deserved,” said Raymore, who submitted the application to bring attention to Clarin’s contribution to the revitalization of downtown. “The restoration of this part of Brickelltown has given people a reason to venture beyond Commercial Row and will hopefully serve as a model for future projects.”

The restored buildings are now home to several retail businesses, including Riverside Studios, Fair & Green, and The Feather’s Edge. SmallPond Studio has relocated to a larger space in the East Eaton House in the project area.

Established in 1991, Blue Sky Home Center provides real estate, vacation rentals, ski leases, summer leases, long term rentals, property management, remodels, renovations and new home construction. For more information, contact Blue Sky Home Center at (530) 587-0943 or mitch@blueskyhc.com.

SmallPond Studio Relocates and Welcomes New Member to the Team

We've grown and moved to a new office in Brickelltown.

Renee Shadforth Deinken joined SmallPond as director of Web development. Deinken will oversee all Web design and development projects, as well as assist in various areas of marketing and public relations for the company.

“We are thrilled to have Renee join our team,” said SmallPond Owner Meg Raymore. “She brings exceptional design talent and an extensive business background that will allow us to fully serve all of our clients’ design, marketing, and advertising needs.”

Prior to joining SmallPond, Deinken owned marketing and design firm The Buzz Design Group, and worked as the assistant editor of the Sierra Sun, where she led the newspaper’s redesign and managed special publication projects.

Deinken serves on the North Tahoe Business Association Board of Directors and also lends her design and marketing talents to the NTBA’s Promotions Committee. In her spare time, she volunteers with the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe.

To accommodate its growth, SmallPond Studio has relocated to a larger office space in the recently remodeled East Eaton House located in historic downtown Truckee.

Raymore worked closely with the building’s owner, Mitch Clarin, to design the interior space in a “modern Victorian” theme that gives nod to the origins of the building, which was originally constructed in the late 1800s, while creating a welcoming and inspiring design studio.

Situated in the heart of Brickelltown, Truckee’s up-and-coming art and design district, SmallPond is an active participant in the area’s revitalization, and the firm’s central location and abundance of free parking offers convenience for clients.

SmallPond is an award-winning marketing and design firm dedicated to helping customers create and maintain a strong corporate identity through inspired design, creative strategy, and a unique understanding of the bottom line. For more information visit www.smallpondstudio.com or call (530) 587-5625.