Letter To The Editor: I Am Encouraged
Editors Note: The views and opinions expressed in this editorial are not necessarily the views or opinions of Oskaloosa News.
As the Director of the Oskaloosa Chamber and Development Group (OACDG), I am encouraged by the many initiatives taking place around the community. From my perspective, one of the most important initiatives is the “Simply Brilliant” branding effort, and here is why.
First, our mission fits with the branding goals. The mission of the OACDG is to promote, improve, and enhance the business environment and quality of life in Oskaloosa and Mahaska County. I spent the past year visiting with Chamber members and hearing their concerns and suggestions for Oskaloosa to ensure the Chamber was carrying out our mission. The Roger Brooks branding efforts address many of the issues identified by Chamber members and other local business owners. Additionally, the branding effort will help multiply the energies of local business owners already working hard to make their businesses attractive.
Second, in order for the community to grow and prosper, we need to have an improved image of ourselves and we need to communicate that image to others. The “Simply Brilliant” branding effort is a great start in that direction. Brooks and his team were brought to Oskaloosa to provide input and suggestions. The “Simply Brilliant” brand captures the essence of Oskaloosa and it provides a fresh platform to share our community pride and town synergy.
Third, the brand brings together our strong history and gives us a vision for the future. Oskaloosa has pride in our history and heritage. The branding suggestions are an effort to focus on our rich history and who we are as a community. Our qualities of a strong musical legacy, impressive sporting facilities, and gorgeous downtown are brought together in this “Simply Brilliant” brand and it is a great tool for us.
Fourth, there is already a groundswell of support. The OACDG is proud to be an integral part of this community and is excited to see improvements being made to the community. While the Chamber is not directly involved in this project, we are supportive of the concept and excited about the broad grassroots enthusiasm for the branding project.
Fifth, this branding effort has already seen positive impacts around the community. The Corridor and Wayfinding project led by the City of Oskaloosa is a core piece to improving our community image. Enhancing the travel corridors of A Avenue and Market Street will have a direct impact on those first impressions of visitors to the community. Additionally, a cohesive set of wayfinding throughout the community will enable these visitors to find their way to the many great attractions we have in Oskaloosa.
More directly, the Chamber has teamed up with the Oskaloosa Herald to create a Yard of the Week program, which is designed to help Oskaloosans and others see some of the beautiful residences we have in the area. This has already been a hit, with dozens of deserving nominations each week. Moreover, there are unseen positive impacts around the community as well. People have already been investing in Oskaloosa because of this plan and downtown businesses are investing in their buildings and sprucing up their businesses. This is a huge positive for the community as a whole.
The Simply Brilliant branding effort gives me hope that I will see this community continue to thrive for years to come and that I will get to take part in its success. I hope that you will embrace this amazing opportunity to enhance the Oskaloosa that we love and see it as a chance to continue to grow into a thriving community.
-Respectfully Submitted,
Valinn McReynolds
Executive Director
Oskaloosa Area Chamber and Development Group
