It sounds painful, but Innisfil wants to be branded.
And the town’s economic advisory committee wants you — the average resident — to help do the honours.
Branding, of course, is a marketing term for creating an instantly recognizable image, usually through logos and slogans. Corporations have proven it works, so municipalities are also jumping on the branding wagon.
“We’re really looking for a motto and a logo to project Innisfil to the business community that are looking for a new place to locate,” said Stephen Farley, chairperson of the economic development advisory committee.
So far, the committee has received about 40 responses to an online survey from the general public. But it wants more input before it makes any recommendations to council later this year, Farley said.
To offer your input go to www.town.innisfil.on.ca and take the branding survey on the right-hand side. The survey says submissions are due by April 6, but ignore that. The deadline has been extended.
The survey asks some general questions and finally asks for suggestions for a new town logo and motto.
The survey is just part of the committee’s efforts to help lure jobs, preferably manufacturing jobs, to Innisfil, Farley said.
While Farley acknowledges more retail jobs will flock to the Alcona area has the population increases, the town needs more high-paying employment.
“Those jobs will come. Those types of jobs are great for our teenagers,” Farley said. “But we really need the types of jobs that people can support families with.”
The municipality also requires more industry to balance its residential/industrial tax ratio, which will take pressure off homeowners.
But while the economic committee continues to come up with a game plan, which includes Council hiring an economic development officer in the future, creating an industrial zone along Highway 400 remains the key.
Simcoe County has agreed to such a designation in its ongoing growth plans, but building industry along the Highway 400 corridor still hasn’t been approved the province.
“We want to make sure everything is in place to help with the marketing once that land is developed,” Farley said.
Meanwhile, a consulting firm called Y-Factor has been conducting interviews with Innisfil stakeholders, including the Chamber of Commerce and Alcona Business Association to gain input.
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