Input and comments from public key first step

The City of Forest Grove and the Chamber of Commerce are working on an important project to enhance the reputation and image of the City as an attractive destination for visitors and business locations.  The first step is to get feedback from area residents, businesses and organizations.  “Your participation is vital,” said Mayor Richard G. Kidd.  “Broad input and perceptions of the public will help insure a more effective branding and marketing effort,” he added.  Public outreach will include interviews, focus groups and an on-line survey.

The City of Forest Grove has engaged Portland-based Total Destination Management (TDM) to develop a brand strategy for the City.  “Competition for cities has never been more intense than it is today.  There are more than 20,000 incorporated cities in the USA.  Everything from business relocation to tourism is at stake.  Every city must compete with every other city and region,” said Bill Baker, President of TDM.

The key questions at the heart of branding to be answered include:

• What does Forest Grove want to be known for?
• How can Forest Grove stand out from the crowd?
• What thoughts and feelings do we want to come to mind when people are exposed to our city’s name?
• What ONE image would you use to show what makes Forest Grove different from other places in the metro region.  What photo would you take?

“We have found that the best results come when local residents and partners have ample opportunity to contribute their insights and comments to express their views, “said Mr. Baker.

Residents can access this online survey at www.destinationbranding.com/forestgrove.

“Driving by at sixty miles an hour staring straight ahead, I suppose a view of Forest Grove isn’t especially dissimilar from any other town, USA”, said TJ Buehler, President of the Forest Grove Chamber of Commerce.  “But a more concentrated look exposes a community of uncommon people, ideas, and opportunities.  It’s our objective, with Baker’s focus and expertise, to harness the intellectual capital of this community to develop, and effectively market, the identity of this unique city,” Buehler added.

Mayor Richard G. Kidd said he sees the branding process helping to highlight the many opportunities and assets that Forest Grove offers.  It will help explain why Forest Grove is a place that visitors don’t come to just once but return again and again after they discover our area. ”We can build on the fact that Forest Grove is a great place to live, learn, work and play,” added Mayor Kidd.

This project is being funded by a grant from the Washington County Visitors Association as well as matching funds from the City of Forest Grove, Forest Grove Chamber of Commerce and the local businesses.  The branding strategy is part of a comprehensive effort to build on the momentum to improve marketing, tourism and business development provided by recent reports.  These include the Marketing Communication Plan: Strategy & Tactics by Diversity Corporation, Downtown Resource Team Report from Oregon Downtown Development Association, and Community Assessment Findings & Suggestions prepared by Destination Development, Inc.

In addition to providing a detailed strategy for Forest Grove to follow when communicating to external audiences, a new logo and tagline will be developed to enhance the marketing of the city.  The process is expected to take approximately six months.

For Further Information Contact:

Jeffrey King                                 Bill Baker                                          Brian Wilbur

City of Forest Grove                    Total Destination Management        Pacific Insurance Partners

(503) 992-3293                          (503) 692-4603                                (503) 357-7111

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