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Keith McCord reporting If you want to get the word out about a product or an upcoming event, you'd advertise it; that's why businesses buy ads in the paper or on TV.
Here's the story of a different kind of advertiser. It's not a "who," it's a "what"! Sandy City has launched a new campaign that will run throughout 2008.
Using billboards and radio spots, Sandy wants everyone to know that it's a good city to live and work in! Trina Duerksen, Sandy communication manager, says, "We sat down with businesses. We sat down with the council. [We asked] who are we? Where do we want to go? What do we want to be? What's the vision for the future?"
Utah's fifth largest city is spreading the word that it's a vibrant, safe and fun place to live and work. This month, it launched its new advertising and branding campaign.
Motorists will notice a billboard on the northern edge of town pointing out Sandy's low taxes. Radio spots now on the air, also make the point. The commercial says, "Anyway, it's been 20-odd years without raising property taxes. Maybe that's why folks in Sandy sleep a little better at night, not having to keep such a tight grip on their wallets and all."
The media campaign takes a fun approach at life in Sandy. Another commercial says, "I guess that piece of mind is one of many reasons Money magazine ranked us the 23rd best place to live in America."
Duerksen says the city is welcoming and being open to any business or to any resident who would like to come.
This campaign also brings an updated Sandy City logo, which is now being incorporated onto letterhead, uniforms and on city vehicles.
Branding campaigns are not unusual for cities and counties to embark upon. Kansas City--both in Kansas and Missouri--are working together to promote their cities as one metropolitan area.
For Sandy, it's not that small city way out in the south part of the valley anymore. There's a lot going on, and the city wants everyone to know it. Duerksen says, "The initial thought was getting all the positive things about Sandy to the residents and to the community, and that was the whole goal."
Sandy will spend a maximum of $50,000 on this campaign. The money was budgeted from the city's general fund.
