MERRILL, WI (WSAU) — Leaders in the Merrill are starting a conversation about their city’s identity.
On Thursday the city’s Marketing and Communications Committee met to examine what kind of message they want to put out for prospective residents. Mayor Derek Woellner says their task is to find the right slogan and look for the city, which can make a difference in bringing in new residents and growing the tax base.
“We’ve been saying we want to attract new residents and business and we want to attract tourists. But, those three groups all have different wants and needs. So we have to figure out what our priority is,” said Woellner.
That’s where the Marketing and Communication Committee comes in. The group heard a presentation about branding and marketing from Scott Steele of Church Mutual Insurance Company and took public comment on the issue. He also welcomes comments from those who couldn’t be at Thursday’s meeting. Those can be submitted through their Alderpserson. “We want to gather as much input as possible to make sure we make decisions based on the community as a whole. And if you are trying to pin down an identity, we need to hear from everyone.”
The group was born out of a discussion in the city’s Aware and Active Citizen group and strategic plan discussions. Both of those groups agreed that a refresh to the city’s identity could be in order.
“If you can show people the quality of life amenities we provide and market ourselves as a safe and active community, then I think tourism and businesses will also see those as positives,” said Woellner.
The Marketing and Communications group will continue to meet over the next two months. Woellner says he hopes by then they can begin the process of establishing a new brand for the city.
