By ROBERT HANKINS, The Enterprise
11/06/2007
Updated 11/05/2007 11:08:13 PM CST
http://www.southeasttexaslive.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18992346&BRD=2287&PAG=461&dept_id=512589&rfi=6
ORANGE - City officials and a Dallas-based marketing group believe that with help from the public, Orange has the potential to be the premier destination in Southeast Texas. "We envision a day when Orange is nationally recognized for its world-class resources," Walter Riedel III, CEO of the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation, told an audience at the Lutcher Theater Monday. As first reported on BeaumontEnterprise.com, the foundation and Dallas' Imaginuity Interactive premiered the catchphrase, "Small Town Charm, World Class Culture."Accompanying that slogan is an insignia showing orange blossoms that can be tailored to fit various attractions such as the soon-to-open Shangri-La Botanical Gardens.The logo will make its public debut in January in broadcast and print advertising, and on city vehicles, stationary and other venues. A similar version can be viewed at www.WatchOrangeGrow.com. "I live in Waxahachie and have to drive 45 minutes to Dallas and pay to wait in line to see a little bit of the local museum," Imaginuity's Corbett Guest told the crowd. "Here in Orange, I can drive down the street from my hotel, get in the door to the Stark Museum very easily and not even pay admission to stay as long as I want."But Guest cautioned, "...the seed can't grow without each and every person watching over it...we need to spread the word that Orange has so much to offer, and will soon have much more to offer. If you don't, then all of our advertising efforts will fail."Monday's presentation was mainly aimed at city employees. Similar presentations are set for 5:30 p.m. today and Thursday. Receptions follow at which audience members can join a support club to receive promotional items (such as bumper stickers) and future e-mails about upcoming projects.At a reception after Monday's program, business owner Christine Vermuelen said she liked the new logo."Orange has needed that for a long time," she said. "It can be used to show the historical part of Orange while showing that we embrace the future."Cecil Broom, active in tourism concerns, said residents need to get involved in current events."Any kind of festival that is happening, or any kind of show, people here need to be active in it," she said. "I grew up in Orange and it's still the best thing that's ever happened to me."
