The Future of Oskaloosa is About to Unfold

Roger Brooks covered Oskaloosa on Friday. He talked about what we have that is good, and where things can be improved. This was the first step in a brand development project for the community.

MAHASKA COUNTY –With 900 communities in the state, what makes Oskaloosa special? Why should someone move to Oskaloosa? Play in Oskaloosa? Start or relocate a business in Oskaloosa?

These important questions will be discussed on Friday, Feb. 27 by Roger Brooks, one of the world’s most sought after experts in place branding, marketing, tourism and economic development. His presentation will be held from 9:00 to 10:30 am in the Chief Mahaska Room at the William Penn University Atkins Memorial/Student Union Building on the second floor. It is free and open to the public.

According to Oskaloosa Main Street President Josh Buckingham, Brooks and his team continue working with the Oskaloosa Brand Development Committee. “This committee has been working with Roger and his team since their initial presentation in Oskaloosa last September,” Buckingham explained. “We are now in the process of fine-tuning our focus for Oskaloosa going forward.”

The Oskaloosa Brand Development Committee is made up of a wide cross section of individuals who have a vested interest in marketing Oskaloosa to bolster economic development and tourism. Buckingham said the committee consists of members of city and county government, business leaders, retailers, young professionals and interested citizens.

“This committee feels strongly that to make the branding efforts a success, input and involvement from throughout the community is needed,” Buckingham stressed. “We had more than 1,500 respondents to the online survey earlier this year. This is a record number of participants and the Roger Brooks team was very impressed with the level of community support and wide array of ideas suggested.”