Can you summarize the process of creating the Glasgow brand and its key components?: Two Rivers Economic Growth and the City of Glasgow recently completed the Glasgow Brand, which was done through cooperation with individuals representing the Glasgow Area Chamber of Commerce, Glasgow Tourism Business Improvement District, Glasgow schools, Glasgow Police Department, Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital, Valley County Commissioners and several local business owners.
According to a press release from Two Rivers: "A successful brand turns a location into a destination by building a name that makes a lasting impact on the public's perception. Its aim is to turn a city into a place where people want to live, work and visit. A strong identity is vital in vying with other places for attention in tourism and business or revitalization initiatives. Through this process, a logo and a tagline have been adopted to represent our area."
Key assets and community values were identified and a positioning statement for the city was formed: "Proudly named after a town in Scotland, Glasgow is a vibrant hub in northeast Montana where life is lived at the pace you choose. Rooted in appreciation for tranquility, freedom, and tradition, life is just simpler here. Integrity and generosity are the backbone of our community, which is why our people go the extra mile for their neighbors and welcome visitors with a friendly smile and genuine northeastern Montana hospitality. Glasgow offers a blend of local retailers, quaint boutiques, fun family attractions, tasty coffee shops, eateries, and a brewery – all surrounded by sweeping landscapes and recreational opportunities under dramatically endless skies. With our wide open spaces, there is plenty of room to explore outdoor adventure and natures wonders without the crowds."
From this statement, the brand promise was formed: "In Glasgow, you will discover a new perspective on life and awaken your sense of peace, place and pride." This promise then translated into the tagline of Glasgow: "More of What Matters" and is also part of the city logo. This logo represents a strong agriculture industry, the Milk and Missouri Rivers, Glasgow's dramatic sunrise and sunset and an active, vibrant and progressive community. All of the colors within the image are also represented in the plaid pole banners throughout town and can be used in unison so that the Scottish heritage and pride continues to shine through.
The Glasgow Downtown Association successfully initiated this process and the Association will be integral in utilizing this brand in the development and revitalization of downtown Glasgow. Funding through the Montana Main Street Program made it possible to develop a city growth plan in 2013 and a downtown master plan in 2015. Both of these identified the immediate need for a city-wide brand. Two Rivers and the city of Glasgow applied to Montana Main Street for funding this year, and was able to hire the Wendt Agency of Great Falls to develop the Glasgow brand based upon this direction.
Now that the brand is complete and a new grant cycle has been open with Montana Main Street, Two Rivers and the city of Glasgow have taken the next steps in applying to develop a Wayfinding Plan. This plan will help pedestrians and vehicles navigate Glasgow and identify key areas within the community to encourage patronage and vitality of space. Signage projects are planned to begin in May 2018 as a shovel-to-the-ground approach by getting to work as soon as the planning phase is complete to achieve viable results as soon as possible.
Two Rivers and the City of Glasgow encourages local businesses and organizations to utilize this brand in recruitment efforts and in promoting Glasgow as a place to live, work and play.
For questions, more information or if you would like to use the logo, contact the Two Rivers office at 406-263-GROW (4769) or e-mail at trg2@nemont.net.
This prompt doesn't seem malicious.