First established in 1918 by draftsmen in Seattle’s shipyards, PROTEC17 has grown into a member-powered union representing nearly 9,000 public employees across Washington and Oregon. For over a century, the organization has championed fairness, equity, and dignity in the workplace, expanding its advocacy to include engineers, nurses, social workers, and many other professionals who serve their communities.
When PROTEC17 sought to modernize its identity and enhance its member experience, Watson Creative was tasked with creating a unified brand and an innovative platform to connect and empower its members.
Watson created a comprehensive membership platform tailored to the unique needs of public sector employees. The platform connects members from various job classifications and geographic locations while fostering engagement and collaboration. The platform’s intuitive design ensures members can quickly find the resources and connections they need to thrive both professionally and personally.
Key features of the platform include:
PROTEC17’s rich history is a testament to the power of collective action. From its early days representing Seattle’s technical workers to its current role advocating for public employees across two states, the union has remained steadfast in its mission to advance social, racial, and economic justice.
The rebrand honors this legacy while positioning PROTEC17 as a modern, forward-thinking organization. Watson developed messaging that reflects the union’s core values, including its commitment to inspiring action, building community, and driving equity.
The collaboration with Watson has transformed PROTEC17’s ability to engage its members and expand its influence. The rebrand has solidified the union’s identity, while the membership platform has fostered a stronger sense of community.
Participation in leadership programs and mentorship opportunities has grown, and members report feeling more connected and empowered. The updated brand and platform have also enhanced PROTEC17’s capacity to advocate for policies that benefit public employees and their communities.
Matt Watson, CEO of Watson Creative, reflected on the partnership: "PROTEC17 has a remarkable history of fighting for equity and fairness. It was an honor to help modernize their brand and create tools that empower their members to continue making a difference in their communities."
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