VI Marketing and Branding builds strategy around OKC’s growth

VI Marketing and Branding has grown alongside Oklahoma City for 35 years, helping shape the messages behind some of the city’s most visible public projects. Today, its partnership with the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber reflects a shared focus on business growth, civic progress and strategic communication. 

Founder Tim Berney said the agency’s long history includes campaign work for MAPS for Kids, MAPS 3, MAPS 4 and the Big-League City effort, the campaign to build a new arena for the OKC Thunder. 

“We were around when Oklahoma City didn't have nearly as much to offer as we do today. We were around before the first MAPS was voted on,” Berney said. “We have benefitted from Oklahoma City more than Oklahoma City has benefited from us, but hopefully we've helped to do our part.” 

Based downtown on Park Avenue since 2008, VI continues to support Chamber-led efforts, including Forward OKC. Berney also previously served on the Chamber’s executive committee. 

“Everyone in the business community should be involved with the Chamber,” Berney said. “The Chamber recruits businesses to the city, helps keep organization within the greater region and assists in passing business-friendly legislation. There are a lot of cities that are envious of the fact that our Chamber and city leadership are all on the same page. This is what happens when everybody's aligned.” 

The team at VI values staying closely engaged with the OKC community to stay informed and identify opportunities to grow and support local initiatives. 

In addition to civic-focused campaigns, VI works with public agencies and businesses across the state, including the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office, Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, Watermark Bank and the OKC Thunder. Its public health and safety work has contributed to a 34% drop in Oklahoma’s adult smoking rate, a 17% reduction in infant mortality and large-scale water conservation efforts. 

Berney said the agency’s connection to OKC has influenced how it operates. 

“The more industries that stay in the Greater Oklahoma City region, the more opportunities there are for all businesses,” Berney said. “It's really easy to do business here, and it's really easy to get involved. There's no easier place to do business or to get involved in the business community than in Oklahoma City.” 

VI also works with nonprofits and civic groups, offering marketing support and participating in local fundraising events. For 15 years, the firm has hosted a chili cook-off benefiting United Way, a fellow Chamber member. The event takes place each October on Park Avenue, raising funds and awareness through a street party format. 

“Everybody has an obligation to be involved and do their part with nonprofits or initiatives,” Berney said. “We do our part by participating in pro bono campaigns, by being involved on boards and committees or by volunteering. We try to be very active and do our part, which we take as an obligation.” 

Looking ahead, Berney said VI will continue to focus on OKC’s momentum, especially as the city prepares to host LA28 Olympic events. 

“Oklahoma City has a great story to tell,” Berney said. “We are now the 20th largest city, and we have the lowest unemployment rate in any major city in the country. Everybody's eyes are on us because of the Thunder, as well as the Women’s College World Series, and now they're going to be on us for the Olympics. For Oklahoma City, to tell success begets success. With this success, we should be able to anticipate more businesses growing here, more tourism here, more conferences and meetings here. We continue to invest in ourselves.” 

To learn more about VI Marketing and Branding, visit thevibrand.com.