President’s Message – September, 2010

So what do you think?  Notice anything different?  Yes, after more than 125 years of using the same logo, the IVMA has unveiled a new logo, color and tagline.  The previous logo has served the association well over the years and changing it was not something done without a lot of thought and consideration.

            The IVMA Communications Task Force first recommended looking into this change over 2 years ago.  Then the Public Relations and Executive Committees, along with your Board of Directors, discussed how this might move forward.  And finally a generous donation from Pet Rest, Inc. allowed us to pursue the change this Spring.

            Hetrick Communications, a local public relations firm, met with multiple members of our association to discuss the IVMA, veterinary medicine and veterinarians in general to get a feel for what we do and what makes us tick.  They then worked diligently to design a logo and tagline that effectively reflect the IVMA and the important role of the veterinarian in animal health.  I, for one, think they did an excellent job.

            At first glance the logo may just look like a squiggly line, but look closer.   The somewhat helix shape gives a sense of science and professionalism to the logo.  Now look closer yet.  The letters IVMA are actually spelled out if you pay attention.  It’s not bold or “in your face” but rather subtle and begs you to look deeper at the logo.  Now concentrate on the I.  The bottom right corner is rounded allowing it to resemble the outline of the state of Indiana.  How about the small dot at the far right-hand side?  The design now becomes a snake with the dot acting as its eye.  So we still have an important part of our caduceus or, more accurately, Staff of Asclepius that has been a mainstay symbol of veterinary medicine from the very beginning.  The new logo is modern and contemporary, yet still allows us to hold on to our past.

            We also have a new tagline:  “The human side of animal health”.  Simple, easy to remember and extremely effective in describing our role in animal health. 

                We are excited to start putting our new “look” to use.  Hopefully you will feel the same.  And each time you see our new logo, remember, there is much more to it than what you first might notice.  Sounds a lot like our association, don’t you think!!

As always, feel free to contact me at any time with any questions, suggestions or to volunteer at slsunbury@comcast.net.

Steve Sunbury, DVM

IVMA President