It’s been almost a quarter-century since the townships of Mara and Rama amalgamated, becoming Ramara and combining two logos into one.
Now the township is looking for a more singular identity.
“Our municipality has changed considerably since the amalgamation and the need for an updated brand has been identified for economic development activities,” said Jennifer Stong, Ramara’s economic development officer. “The branding project will better position the municipality’s investment attraction efforts and unite our residents and businesses. It will align the municipality regionally and enable us to be more competitive in the marketplace.”
The township is seeking input from residents as it develops a new brand. An online survey will be available until May 4.
“It is important to have a voice in your community and ensure what you feel is important in the municipality is noticed,” Stong said. “There is an opportunity for the shorelines, hamlets, villages and rural areas of the municipality to unite and boast about the greatness in our community as well as identify the uniqueness of the small communities located within our beautiful township.”
The survey is part of the first of three phases of the branding project, for which the township has hired Strexer Harrop and Associates. Phase 1 also includes consultation with stakeholders, committees and community groups.
Phase 2 will focus on the “brand development process,” Stong noted, which will include the results of the survey and a summary of the consultations. The marketing objectives and the development of the potential logos and tag lines (the current tag line is “Proud History — Progressive Future”) will be presented to a steering committee, whose recommendations will be forwarded to council for approval.
“In Phase 3, Strexer Harrop and Associates will develop a comprehensive brand identity guideline for the municipality and templates for business cards, letterhead, print ads, e-newsletters, and reports,” Stong said.
The entire exercise is part of the township’s “obligation to the people here and to ensure Ramara thrives,” she added.
“Our goal is to attract new residents, visitors and new businesses to the community. That is why we have embarked on a brand identity project. Brand identity is about marketing your community and distinguishing it from other places. A brand is a promise to new residents, tourists and investors that your place is a great place to live, work or visit.”
The township’s corporate strategic plan was finalized last year and Ramara is working on its first economic development strategy, which is set to go to committee of the whole April 16.
The survey can be found here.
