Leadership of the Georgia Independent College Association wanted to improve the organization’s communications, but they didn’t really know how or even what, exactly, they needed help with. The ORS team recommended and conducted a communications audit consisting of stakeholder interviews to gauge perceptions of GICA’s current communications and a design and content review of select materials. We then implemented the most critical design, content, and process recommendations. The result: Among many improvements made to GICA’s communications, we elevated their monthly newsletter to a high-value communications tool that is much more attractive, readable, and effective, tripling its open and click rates within six months and receiving unsolicited accolades. Our team’s insights into what’s at stake for GICA and its members and our skills as communicators made for a powerful combination that goes deeper than “simply” communications.