Guilford County currently has a lot of things.
It has many great businesses, great weather, a pretty good flow of traffic most of the time, two world famous hamburger restaurants, some pickleball courts, and much, much more. But there’s something it doesn’t have – a brand.
Though the county was formed more than two and a half centuries ago, as of 2023, it simply doesn’t have a brand, a theme, a catchy trademark – something that those promoting the county can center their efforts around.
Well, that’s about to change because Guilford County government and its new PR department are going to come up with one. And they’re asking for your help.
Here’s the main question county officials are now asking citizens: “How would you describe Guilford County?”
To find out the answer, they’re inviting input to help create a Guilford County “brand.” To that end, the county has just initiated an online branding survey, and it is preparing to host “virtual engagement sessions.”
Guilford County Communications and PR Director Julie Smith laid out what she’s looking for.
“Guilford County is a fantastic place full of unique history, culture, diversity, and promise, and we want to develop a brand that provides a sense of unity and pride for all our residents,” Smith said. “Successful brands are iconic. People know them instantly and they reflect an entity’s core values. Through this project, we want to work with citizens to develop a brand identity that reflects our diverse community and allows our county to look and speak as One Guilford.”
As a first step in the process, county residents are being invited to take a 5-minute online survey. It will remain open through Monday, Oct. 16.
Also, there will be online engagement sessions on the following dates:
• Wednesday, Oct. 11, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Thursday, Oct. 19, from 11:30 am to 1 p.m.
County residents can sign up to participate in a focus group by visiting the county’s website or by going to https://form.jotform.com/232715677189065.
People can visit guilfordcountync.gov/brand to learn about the county’s branding process.
According to the press release announcing the effort, it is an important step in the progress of the county.
“This is the first time Guilford County has created a countywide brand to unify the county around a shared vision of the county’s values, voice, look, and identity,” the release states. “By creating a unified brand, county residents will be able to easily express who Guilford County is and what it represents and will be able to more readily identify legitimate official county programs and departments.”
Once the initial brand concepts are developed, the public will have another chance to weigh in on the project.
The formal brand rollout process is expected to begin in the fall of 2024.
Two world famous hamburger restaurants? Where?
Most in town are mediocore, at best.
Everywhere you look there is clinics and help for people on opioids. Where was all this concern and help when the crack epidemic hit the black neighborhoods. To this day there is limited or if any place a person trying to get help for crack cocaine can go and get free or government assisted help. But you have a methadone clinic on just about every side of town
“A brand that provides a sense of unity and pride for all our residents.” Chuckle chuckle.
Most people well know what Guilford county stands for. Anyone can see through the pixie dust and see what Guilford county and Greensboro city governments priorities are.
Good try but another project with wasted tax dollars.
Your increased tax dollars being spent so wisely. Really? Totally pathetic.
There is room for a lot of sarcasm here, but try to restrain yourself.
I’m gonna look at this branding survey first.
I took the survey. I think I wasted my time. They don’t want to hear my suggestions.
And what are those 2 world famous hamburger restaurants?
The two Hops
I went into Hops one time (Spring Gdn St.).
The service was slow and brusquely offhand, and they overcharged me on two beers (by which time I was dying to get out of there).
Not my cup of tea.
I’ve been a few times. Food & service were fine. Prices were not. Not going back.
Aren’t we the Gate City?
The Wife just spent four years running her clothing store beside Lurch & Snaggletooth’s Burger Bar on Lawndale.
These people are woke nihilists with no respect for themselves or anyone else.
That’s what I thought, but I guess the newbies weren’t taught. Isn’t that always the way? New people move in and take over changing everything. Old ideas get shoved to the side. I won’t comply.
Guilford County Government summed up;
If its backwards, stupid and convoluted, Embrace it!
If it makes sense, Reject it!
How about a Hammer & Sicle brand for Guilford County? Any ideas on the design? Colors?
Red and White Stars and Bars