Hamilton's Image

Many municipalities have engaged in place-based marketing to develop and maintain a positive municipal image that attracts investment and jobs. This priority requires that Hamilton identify its key strengths and assets (education, health care and other strong elements) and develop its “brand.” The brand would then link to a marketing strategy specifying targets, messages and media. To be successful, this part of the action framework clearly requires the participation of City officials, private sector companies and community groups. A strong, creative brand for Hamilton will help to change attitudes and build a positive sense of momentum for the city. Every citizen of Hamilton can play a part in promoting this part of the agenda.

Hamilton’s Image Working Group Team Co-Leads:

David Adames
David Adames has been the Executive Director of Tourism Hamilton Inc. since May 2002. He is the first Executive Director of the new public-private organization that is Hamilton’s tourism marketing agency. David currently serves on the Boards for the Ontario Museum Association, the McMaster Alumni Association, the McMaster Museum of Art, and the Advisory Committee for the Travel and Tourism Program at Mohawk College. He is a part-time instructor at Mohawk College. David has a Bachelor of Arts (History) from McMaster University and a Master of Public Administration from Queen’s University

Grace Diffey
Grace Diffey has been Vice President, Community Relations of Hamilton Community Foundation, an organization which links the philanthropic interests of Hamiltonians with the city’s needs and opportunities. Grace is an accredited, award-winning practitioner with corporate communications and consulting experience in financial services, government, regulatory, health care and other public sector clients as well as with some of North America’s best-known private sector corporations. She currently serves on the board of the Hamilton All-Star Jazz Band and the governance committee of the Canadian Public Relations Society. Grace is a journalism graduate of Ryerson University.