Strategic Communications
Communications/Public Relations
Internal Communication Campaign

MarComm Award Entry
August 2022

2017 architectural rendering of Hunt’s new Corporate Headquarters - WestStar Tower
Hunt’s Corporate Headquarters since the 1980s
In 2017, Hunt announced it would build a Class-A, multi-tenant high-rise in downtown El Paso, Texas. The development was central to the Company’s focus on social impact investing in its hometown.
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The Company planned to occupy the top three floors of the new office building and move its 200 El Paso-based employees to the new location.
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At the time of this announcement, the Company occupied a building built in the ‘70s for over 30 years. The offices were in a suburban location on the west-side of El Paso, and employees were scattered across three separate office buildings.
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Employees were tentative about the move, they questioned the idea of having to travel to downtown El Paso, park in a parking garage vs. directly in front of the building and all of the conveniences that go along with that, as well as working in a more “open” office environment.

In the subsequent years, Covid-19 also created obstacles and complexities as we contemplated returning to in-person work and the inherent hesitation and resistance to return to any office environment.

In order to create enthusiasm, excitement and desire for this move, Hunt’s Corporate Communications devised a multi-year internal communications plan.

The campaign was a big hit with employees and created a lot of positive “buzz” ahead of and during the move in early 2022.

YOU’RE JUST 2.9 MI FROM THE FUTURE

The Campaign “You’re Just 2.9 mi From The Future” was created to generate intrigue and interest.

Week 1:

To kick-off the campaign, “teaser”posters were placed throughout the current office space

Week 2:

Following the placement of the posters, a video was created and distributed to all El Paso-based employees.

Week 3:

Vinyl graphics were placed on reception-area walls...
and on office elevator doors.

Week 4:

A Facebook Group was created for sharing information and updates on the construction of the tower and the move.

Ongoing:

A series of “FIRST LOOK” email messages were distributed to employees over the course of a year.

Tours:

VIP Employee Tours were conducted on-site while construction was in progress. The employees were taken on a guided tour of the building and their new offices. Following the tour, they were invited to refreshments and a presentation from the El Paso Downtown Management District.
These “ambassadors” were encouraged to take back information to their peer groups.

Photos and videos of the tours were posted to the Employee Facebook group.

The move:

When it was finally time to move to the downtown tower, employees were enthusiastic and looking forward to seeing their new workspace in person. Each employee was given a clear stadium tote with Hunt-branded merchandise when they arrived in their new office.
All employees also received a take-out food box filled with gift cards from downtown El Paso eateries and a map of downtown to help them orient themselves to the new area.