Planner and community imaging guru Ben Muldrow built up to the big reveal Thursday night with a riveting monologue about what makes Laurel a special place – one that most people are unaware of as they breeze by on U.S. 13.
You can view the brand statement in the presentation Ben made at Town Hall. After three days of meetings and discussions with citizens, community leaders, elected officials, merchants, and many others, Ben succintly summed up the community’s spirit, starting with:
“For over 330 years, people have been draw to the peaceful banks of the the Broad Creek. From the first nation of the Nanticoke to the early settlers of Broad Creek Town, this special place has been the center of commerce, and the center of community. That warm community spirit is still seen today in the dedication of our volunteer fire company, in the spirit of the Bulldogs at a Friday night football game, or in the vision and determination of our local leaders to weave together the tale of our history, our land, and our water . . . “
The brand statement ended with:
We are Laurel, Delaware and we are excited to invite you to rediscover us. Walk the banks of the Broad. Paddle our waters. Peruse our parks. Dine in our restaurants, and become a part of our community. Explore all of the beauty of Nanticoke country from the most historic of basecamps, and you’ll learn what we mean when we say:
Laurel, Delaware Great Things Come Naturally.
He then discussed all the potential ways the brand could be deployed, with examples of events, merchandising, signage and advertising.
The town “needs to have a message that is so clean and confident that it shakes somebody. Laurel??” Ben explained.
