Take time to sound off on ‘branding’ for city of Florence

Let’s hope residents take the time to let the right people know what they think about Florence, both the good and the bad.

Because what we think of our city plays a part in what others think about Florence.

And that’s important for our community as we continue to try and improve and recruit people and businesses to come here and be a part of our community.

Tonight, the Florence Branding & Marketing Campaign will hold an important meeting for the public.

It’s the start of several days of “feedback” building on past efforts of the past few months to help the campaign come up with ideas to help give Florence an identity.

It might seem to some that we have much more work to do, especially in the downtown area before trying to build a “marketing campaign.”

But it will help the group to hear the positives, as well as what needs to be improved, as it works toward a plan.

Tonight, the committee will conduct the first meeting for public input and will continue through a Thursday meeting with specific groups that have a stake in where Florence is headed.

According to a press release from the group the purpose of the meeting is to:

“... Capture input on the essence of Florence which will then be translated into graphic design collateral to aid the City in telling its unique messages to multiple audiences for the purpose of building community pride and stimulating economic development. On a more simplistic level, however, the community must realize that its citizens, its employees, and its visitors brand them every single day. Based on people’s interactions with the city, its government, its businesses, and its assets, perceptions are formed in people’s minds about our town. Said simply, if Florence doesn’t brand and market itself, others will do it for us … and perhaps, without our best interests at heart.”

The public can give input today at 6 p.m. at the Poynor School on Dargan Street in Room 2A.

Then on Thursday, the researchers will present to the public their preliminary thoughts at 6 p.m. at the Drs. Bruce & Lee Foundation Library in the public meeting room.

Randy Wilson and Ben Muldrow will discuss what they have learned and talk about a proposed logo and marketing slogan.

We are sure there will be positive and negative reactions to what they have to say.

But just like when we urge people to get out and vote, we encourage people to take part in this process.

It has been going on now for a while, including an earlier public meeting.

This won’t be the end.

If you would like more information, you can call Jennifer Wilcox, who is the Downtown Development Coordinator for the City of Florence at (843) 665-2047.