NETWORKING
NETWORKING
When CIANJ Networking Leads to Partnerships
By Jamie Grill-Goodman
When Barnett Design and Mikula Contracting connected through The Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey ( CIANJ ), they didn ’ t know the project would lead to a MarCom Award . But the outcome echoes the association ’ s rich history .
The CIANJ has been busy cultivating connections for decades . Founded in 1927 as the Bergen County Chamber of Commerce and renamed CIANJ in 1983 , there have been countless examples through the years of how the real value of a business association is found in the relationships built between its members and resources shared .
Mikula Contracting has been a CIANJ member since 2021 , and Dennis Mikula , Jr ., President , Mikula Contracting , tells COMMERCE membership has given his company four exceptional years of connections within the organization .
“ I have participated in numerous events , panels , and networking opportunities during this time ,” says Mikula . “ This involvement has allowed our company to expand its reach and build meaningful professional relationships .”
Enter Barnett Design , a CIANJ member for three years . “ Shortly after Barnett joined CIANJ ,” says Debbie Barnett Sagurton , Founder and Creative Director of Barnett Design , “ I attended
Debbie Barnett and Dennis Mikula , Jr . at a CIANJ event .
a networking event where Anthony Russo ( CIANJ President ) and Kathy Agudo ( CIANJ Executive Vice President ) made thoughtful introductions – and that ’ s where I met Dennis ! We had a great conversation , and Dennis shared that Mikula was ready for a brand refresh . The timing was perfect , and our collaboration began from there .”
The two connected through the CIANJ during its in-person event , " A Summer Carnival Networking Extravaganza ," in Jersey City in June 2023 .
“ At the event , I met Debbie Barnett , and our conversation naturally shifted to our branding goals and ways to enhance and modernize our logo ,” Mikula says . “ It quickly became apparent that her expertise was an excellent match for our needs .”
Mikula Contracting was established in 1946 and has become a leader in excavation , demolition , and environmental services . Now in its third generation of family leadership , its team has completed many significant land improvement projects throughout New Jersey .
“ Our commitment to excellence , innovation , and a deep understanding of our clients ’ needs distinguishes us in the industry ,” he notes .
Since its founding in 1991 , Barnett Design has evolved into a full-service creative studio offering branding , campaigns , publications , websites , digital media , packaging , and more .
Photo : Debbie Barnett
The range of clients and industries it serves is diverse , including consumer products , healthcare , non-profit organizations , professional services , education , and more .
“ Our six-person creative team is a multi-faceted group of expert designers , writers , and developers , collaborating to craft fresh , effective solutions that have earned over 100 industry accolades ,” says Barnett . “ We take pride in building relationships with so many wonderful clients . It ’ s all about listening , learning , and pinpointing what ’ s unique so we can deliver meaningful , creative solutions that inspire , connect , and make a lasting impact .”
Rebranding
While Mikula Contracting wasn ’ t actively looking for a complete rebranding initiative at the time when Mikula and Barnett met , during a conversation the topic arose naturally .
“ As we discussed the importance of visual identity in remaining competitive , it became evident that updating our logo could inject fresh energy into our brand and help differentiate us in the market ,” notes Mikula .
Led by Barnett Design ’ s Senior Art Director Jeff Ramos , the project involved refreshing their logo , developing a suite of branded sales materials , creating a website concept , and recommending branded promotional items . Vehicle rebranding will come next .
“ The project aimed to redesign our company logo to reflect our evolving brand identity better ,” says Mikula . “ Mikula Contracting has a long history of excellence , and we wanted our logo to convey our legacy and forward-thinking approach .”
The process included brainstorming sessions , creating design drafts , and finalizing the logo with feedback from both teams .
“ In reimagining Mikula ’ s branding , we developed a streamlined logo that retained their brand ’ s identity while strengthening their color palette , adding a complementary gold / yellow to their signature green ,” shares Barnett . “ The logo features a customized , symbolic backhoe bucket , making it more iconic , and we selected a font that reflects their strength , reliability , and longevity in the contracting industry . This refreshed branding and suite of materials reflect Mikula ’ s values and forward-thinking approach . It is a privilege to help bring their vision to life .”
“ Working with Barnett Design was an outstanding experience ,” says Mikula . “ From the beginning , their team exhibited creativity ,
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