BRANDING EFFORT TELLS LOGAN COUNTY'S STORY

Our history was built on the backs of the pioneering men and women who were brave enough to stop their wagons on this once barren part of eastern Colorado and set up a place to call home. The spirit of the old west still thrives on the high plains of Colorado and lives on in the rural towns sprinkled across 1,839 square miles that make up Logan County.

Today, mixed among the many historic sites and buildings in places in Logan County - and especially downtown Sterling - are signs of progressive development and growth. Alongside the grand old buildings, there are new up-scale restaurants and shops, and the first brewery in not only Sterling, but in all of eastern Colorado.

I was going to continue our virtual exploration of some of the historical buildings around town this week, but after the recent reveal of a new branding project for Logan County, it seemed like this would be a perfect opportunity to share this new message that was cultivated from the basics of who we are.

Over the last couple months, several entities worked together in a “Brand Building for Communities” project conducted by the Logan County Economic Development Corporation through the Colorado Office of Economic Development. The project goal was to establish a common vision and brand that sets Logan County apart and is embraced and adopted throughout the community.

Developed by looking in from the outside, Logan County’s brand voice sounds familiar to those of us who live here: friendly, welcoming, down-to-earth, spirited, independent, proud and authentic. Our new tagline – Space to Find Your Place - sprouted from the community survey results and further research. It certainly ties into Logan County’s imagery of wide open spaces and evokes opportunity, whether it’s in business, moving your family, or creating the life you want. It also plays into the independent, entrepreneurial spirit of the area.

The group also came up with a specific “value proposition” as a concise and authentic statement on what makes Logan County a unique and ideal location for its target audiences:

                “Northeast Colorado’s Logan County is less than two hours from both Denver and Fort Collins – putting us close enough to enjoy big-city amenities, but far enough away to experience quaint, small-town living. We are the region’s economic hub, offering a rich agricultural heritage, top-notch healthcare facilities, room to grow and easy access to Denver International Airport via Interstate 75.

                “Logan County is home to Northeastern Junior College, one of the state’s premier two-year residential colleges, and historic downtown Sterling, which is experiencing a renaissance with new shops, local restaurants, a brewery and cultural gems. Our laid-back lifestyle makes it easy to enjoy a variety of outdoor and cultural activities, from boating, fishing and swimming in North Sterling State Park to admiring the unique public art throughout our county. Our strong community roots, safe environment and cost of living well below that of major metros in Colorado, make Logan County a great place to raise a family.

                “With sky for miles, clean air and no big city congestion, we offer the space to find your place on Colorado’s eastern plains.”

Logan County – Space to Find Your Place. I think it tells our story.