The Birth of the Brand

The folks who sat at the table (our Communities of Choice Committee) helping to develop the new Orrville brand, were asked to share their thoughts about the experience.  

Here is what David Lehman, President of Mennonite Mutual Insurance Co. wrote:

"When Jenni first talked with me about the idea of a "community of choice" I was reading a book given to me by a friend, Leading Causes of Life.  The idea that life as an individual or as a community is all about choices.  We have the ability to choose a response that is driven by a desired outcome or to react out of circumstances that influence our behavior. 

In the book, there is this quote. "They poured their years into the stream of life, leaving it stronger and richer, just as each of us will do.  It seems that every generation needs some help in remembering the point of it all; that life passes through us and beyond us."

As a small city and community with a rich tradition of embedded values, we at times are uncertain of our place in this emerging socioeconomic society of the 21st century.  A key point of the author is, "Hope does not escape circumstance, it transcends it."

The key moment of serving on the committee for me was when I realized that there is a group of people within this community who choose to come together and acknowledge that we have a choice as a community to define the type of community we want to be now, and not just allow it to happen by default and/or lack of active decision and choice.

An "Aha!" moment for me was that realization, during our discerning and discovery of "WHERE PROGRESS AND TRADITION MEET"...."THRIVE HERE!"  is, in reality, who we have been, what has made Orrville a truly unique community and what will carry us forward, allowing us to "thrive" in that future as well."

Thank you Dave!  

 Also adding here the first snapshot of one of our city gateway signs with the new brand.  Thanks to LetterGraphics Sign Co. for making this happen the day after the official unveiling. 

These are paid for by the Orrville Area Development Foundation and the Chamber.

 Watch for more information soon about the expanded "Bloomin' Orrville!" flower program that will bring color to this picture come summertime!  Together we can all make things Thrive Here!