Semaphore Develops SC Chamber of Commerce Invitations

Semaphore has assisted the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce with its membership and legislative reception invitations for more than a decade. A reception is held annually in each of four major geographic areas of the state: Midlands, Lowcountry, Pee Dee and Upstate. Semaphore developed a template for these invitations that optimizes efficient mail-ability. The invitation features a unique fold and includes a return-mail response card. The interior panels display sponsors of the event, featuring four levels of giving: platinum, gold, silver and bronze.

The challenge of this piece is to create a unique cover and yet establish differentiation among the four targeted regions. The design process begins each year with creating a theme and look for the pieces. Once a theme is selected, Semaphore creates variations that are representative of each of the above-mentioned regions.

For instance, a recent theme was South Carolina trees. Semaphore selected a tree indigenous to each region to feature on the cover of the invitations. The 2006 theme was scenic South Carolina. We chose a compelling image to represent each of the four regions: a mountain vista for the Upstate, a crape myrtle in full bloom for the Midlands, a pastoral scene for the Pee Dee, and a hauntingly beautiful Lowcountry image. In 2008, Semaphore used landscapes and nature scenes, such as a native bird perched on a tree branch and a view of Table Rock State Park.

Semaphore uses the color scheme and design elements from the cover to build the look for the interior. For example, the 2008 version uses a postage stamp design as a framing device. In this manner, each of the four pieces has its own identity yet is part of an overall look.