A New Breed of Agency Collaboration in Portland’s SE Waterfront

Collaboration trumps outsourcing as local specialty agencies evolve the model

Three Portland-based agencies, ECHOS Communications, Foghorn Labs, and Cascade Web Development have joined forces to create a collaborative agency partnership servicing local, national, and global brands. These agencies work alongside each other in a cluster of permanently docked, newly renovated 1950’s railcars across the street from OMSI.

The partnership between brand communications agency ECHOS, digital marketing agency Foghorn Labs, and Cascade Web Development reflects an innovative evolution of the agency service model. Each agency will continue to operate independently, with the ability to offer complementary services, bundled to maximize results. While most traditional agencies have gravitated towards being jack-of-all-trades, but master-of-none, these specialized agencies come together on one track to deliver unparalleled value to clients.

“This collaboration benefits both clients and agencies by enhancing communication and efficiencies in ways traditional outsourcing does not,” says Adam Lewis, founder of Foghorn Labs. “Agency partnerships have always existed in one form or another, but communication and quality of work tend to suffer when everyone’s not in the same room. These partnerships began virtually in 2011 and have been instrumental to our collective growth. Working alongside each other will strengthen these partnerships, helping meet ever-evolving client needs.”

About ECHOS Communications:
ECHOS is a brand communications agency which was founded in 2009 and serves brands at the intersection of outdoor, cycling and consumer technology. ECHOS has extensive experience working alongside brands they admire such as Levi’s, Bosch, BMW to local PDX companies like Argonaut, Speedvagen and Showers Pass. www.echoscomm.com

About Foghorn Labs:
Foghorn Labs is an online marketing consultancy focused on developing outstanding integrated marketing campaigns for outdoor and active-lifestyle brands. Past and current clients include Black Diamond Equipment, Chrome Industries, Toad&Co, GU Energy in addition to local brands like Mt. Hood Meadows, TREW Gear, Showers Pass and Picky Bars. www.foghornlabs.com

About Cascade Web Development:
cascade web//development is a consulting and web solutions shop, capable of tackling every stage of the web solution process from strategy to launch. Founded in 2001, cascade has worked with clients in a variety of industries including outdoor, bike, ski and travel/hospitality. Past and current clients include Tecnica/Blizzard, Sugar Wheel Works, BUFF USA and Gerber Gear. www.cascadewebdev.com

About the Railcars:
Located in 1950’s era railcars that have been transformed into modern business offices, the Office Park sits a half mile north of the Oregon Rail Heritage Center. The space pays homage to Portland’s great rail heritage at the crossroads of Tilikum Crossing’s modern MAX and streetcar transit lines.