Abilene's New Brand

[sparky-4]

Now how much did us taxpayers pay for this again?

Abilene Goes "Frontiering" (9:08pm)
Attachement
Reported by: Austin Kellerman

Tuesday, Nov 11, 2008 @09:01pm CST

Business leaders unveiled the final result of a destination branding effort meant to summarize the "experience" that Abilene has to offer on Tuesday afternoon. The new campaign is "Frontiering." The Abilene Branding Partnership feels the campaign captures the essence of the city and creates a progressive identity developing from Abilene's history, culture, geography, commerce, and the spirit of its people.


give me a break here.
We payed thousands of dollars to go from "The Friendly Frontier" to "Abilene Goes Frontiering" ?

The sales team for this bunch must have been a real doosey.

geez, we have potholes big enough to loose a good sized dog in and we spend thousands of dollars for a new "motto"

bull...

[uwoy2a]

I believe the total cost was $500,000. Is frontiering even a word? Frontier is a noun not a verb

[sparky-4]

like I said, my hats off to the branding companies sales team boy did they pull one off... 1/2 a million bucks:(

[catsndogsdiva]

No, it's not a word. Just looked it up at Merriman Webster online. The first suggestion it gives me is fornicating, then fronting. That's worse than the Friendly Frontier and not a change worth big bucks! What a waste.

[misty]

I completely agree the money spent on changing this could have fixed how many roads. The money that continues to be spent on nonsense just keeps adding up and our wages never change. Guess maybe I am in the wrong profession maybe i need to start selling signs

[amos2346]

So, it is clear how receptive people are to the new brand name. Yes, it was a lot of money spent, but, it has been done and will not be changed within the next year (hopefully). I think now all that we can do is try to embrace this brand.........It is very important to try to get more economic growth to Abilene, we all know this. My question is, besides changing the brand name what else is being done? What other types of tourism do we have here that will cause people to come? I am aware that Abilene is "growing" but my concern is, isn't there are point when we start focusing on other industries besides the retail, restaurants and wind?

I would love to see more options in the downtown area, the vibe is so great down there and also the potential is enormous. I ask you, if you have the option to see just one thing come into the downtown area, what would it be?

[sparky-4]

So, it is clear how receptive people are to the new brand name. Yes, it was a lot of money spent, but, it has been done and will not be changed within the next year (hopefully). I think now all that we can do is try to embrace this brand.........It is very important to try to get more economic growth to Abilene, we all know this. My question is, besides changing the brand name what else is being done? What other types of tourism do we have here that will cause people to come? I am aware that Abilene is "growing" but my concern is, isn't there are point when we start focusing on other industries besides the retail, restaurants and wind?

I would love to see more options in the downtown area, the vibe is so great down there and also the potential is enormous. I ask you, if you have the option to see just one thing come into the downtown area, what would it be?

yeah, I tell ya, with out a brand or city motto, this place would just dry up and blow away:rolleyes:

I wonder how Abilene even got started in the 1800's without a brand?

[bettys]

I agree that it was a big waste of money. There was nothing wrong with "Friendly Frontier" and if there was anything wrong with it, they didn't change it that much, except to make it sound stupid. I just heard on the news that it has not been approved by the City yet; I hope they do not approve it. They say it cost $100,000 to come up with it and that is a waste, but if they stop now, they can save the $400,000 that is is supposed to cost to change all the signage around town.

[roses81602]

What are we frontiering? This is the most ridculous thing I've ever seen. There are so many other ways to spend our tax dollars! How about we take that money, promote industry to Abilene and allow growth so our property tax will truly decrease and not increase to promote such nonsense?

[bigrod]

What a crock! The logo is cartoon like and the term is not hip like I think they intended. As was mentioned in a previous post, there are a lot of road repairs that this money could have gone to as well as other improvements. This adolescent motto will not, in my opinion, draw people to Abilene. The big wigs that run this city need to pull their heads out and realize that their old fashioned thinking is what is keeping tourists from coming.

[roses81602]

Wonderful! Nothing like looking as if we are a town of illiterates! Not even a word! Good job branding committee!

[gayle4102]

What a terrible waste of money. I am so disappointed.

[howdy ya'll]

What a terrible waste of money. I am so disappointed.

I bet that money could have gone toward a really nice 'tent city' for the homeless.

[AMMOACE]

I've been here eleven years and counting, what a colossal waste of time, money and effort that could have been put to MUCH better and more important uses.

Did anyone vote on this? Shouldn't something that effects the entire population of this town been voted on especially when it costs $500k? They probably didn't want it put to a vote as they KNEW nobody would see the point.

San Antonio has been the Alamo City for how long? Why can't abilene just pick a name/motto/brand and stick with it?

Who's relative is on the payroll needing bailed out of some financial crisis?

Why isn't the media crying out foul? They live here too! At least some of the radio DJs are speaking up and saying this is flat out a waste of money and otherwise, well stupid.

I too was wondering if "Frontiering was a word or not. It sure doesn't flow well, nor does it read well.

How the heck is this "Brand/Moto" change supposed to bring more people to Abilene? How about not turning down companies/enterprises like Texas Motor Speedway, Six Flags and companies such as that. Word on the street when I first arrived here is the Texas Motor Speedway folks choose Abilene first but the "powers to be" said no. Now that would have brought a TON of money into this city, but nope, no such luck. RUMOR also has it that Six Flags looked at Abilene as well but the city told them no. This is the type of BS one has to deal with when those with the money don't want anyone else to have it too and seem to choose thier prestige over the good of the City.

[roses81602]

I agree! Don't we need something to tour? They also turned down a water park, Applebees and another major corporation that would have provided high paying jobs to Abilene. What in the world is going on here. Promote tourism???? Like I said, tour what?

[AMMOACE]

I'm trying to figure out what the 15 new hotels are for, we have about 6 that just went belly up and yet they are putting new hotels in like they were free issue...wonder how long they will last. The one off of I-20 make some sense but not as many as we have while others are going under. Maybe they are for those of us that Geocache and those that are visiting the Texas Forts Trail? Well we do have our share of small rodeos here.

Good pay here is $6 an hour for the same job you get paid $15 for in Dallas and San Antonio and around $20 for in Houston.

[jhjp14@suddenlink.net]

So sad for Abilene that we could not have had a more contemporary and upbeat logo!! Frontiering. . . sounds like a dangling participle. Friendly Frontier was better and the money could have been well spent on more important things. This is awful, beyond words.

[howdy ya'll]

So since yall are so against anything and everything that the abilene gov does, what actions are yall taking to change it!

[bigfatfurrytexan]

you guys need to represent at city hall, and make sure folks know that you will vote them out of office.

sign a petition. that is a lot of money to waste, and it could be used to improve your city parks (which, honestly, need a little help) or, as mentioned above, fix some of those stinking potholes.

[bigfatfurrytexan]

to add: i visit abilene, though i no longer live there. if you want to attract MY family, you need to get some decent activities. The zoo ain't gonna do it.

[roses81602]

This forum is for voicing our opinion in hopes this will be read by city officials. I think the right question would be, what is the city doing to ensure that ALL Abilenians have a say. Aren't they paid by the community?

[howdy ya'll]

That will never work. They wont care. What they care about it action, not talk. Take action instead of just talk about it and something will be accomplished.

[roses81602]

So since yall are so against anything and everything that the abilene gov does, what actions are yall taking to change it!


This "branding" was also made a secret so we would be suprised! Well, we are! How does this promote a good image when it's not even a word!?

[AMMOACE]

So since yall are so against anything and everything that the abilene gov does, what actions are yall taking to change it!


Well since I was never given a choice in this particular matter I am voicing my opinion now, before they set this in stone. I can't run for office but I DO vote when provided the opportunity. Most of the items we listed aren't made public other than leaks and are decided by those that "run" the city with an iron wallet. Had I been given the opportunity to vote I would have voted to shoot this change down in flames!

What the heck was wrong with Abilene The Key City? We are the Key City to a lot of small towns in the area, was that logo/moto too appropiate?

At least pick a REAL word, I looked it up in a dictionary both on and offline and all resourses lead me to the same conclusion. The conclusion is the person or persons that coinded the phrase are illiterate and should have hit spell check... ;-)

[roses81602]

Well since I was never given a choice in this particular matter I am voicing my opinion now, before they set this in stone. I can't run for office but I DO vote when provided the opportunity. Most of the items we listed aren't made public other than leaks and are decided by those that "run" the city with an iron wallet. Had I been given the opportunity to vote I would have voted to shoot this change down in flames!

What the heck was wrong with Abilene The Key City? We are the Key City to a lot of small towns in the area, was that logo/moto too appropiate?

At least pick a REAL word, I looked it up in a dictionary both on and offline and all resourses lead me to the same conclusion. The conclusion is the person or persons that coinded the phrase are illiterate and should have hit spell check... ;-)

How would you ever know to vote, suggest, or participate in the selection if this is made confidential? Also, the city is hoping this will grow on us and we will come to embrase it! Not now, not in the future! Not a word!

[howdy ya'll]

It appears that just by this forum alone, there would be enough unhappy people to get the job done. Just by attending the meetings wont get anything done either. Action gets it done. But I am sure yall know that already.

More power to ya and good luck!

[roses81602]

It appears that just by this forum alone, there would be enough unhappy people to get the job done. Just by attending the meetings wont get anything done either. Action gets it done. But I am sure yall know that already.

More power to ya and good luck!

I'm sure this is not going to end here in this forum. I agree, there are enough people in this town that are upset with this and I'm sure will take action to stop it. I appreciate your input! Have a great evening!

[howdy ya'll]

Petition. Write up a legal petition and sit at the walmart entrance, go door to door, sit at the court house steps, Lowes, do mail outs. Yall have a legitamate case going on. I do not live directly in Abilene, but if I did, I would not mind signing a petition.

[roses81602]

Petition. Write up a legal petition and sit at the walmart entrance, go door to door, sit at the court house steps, Lowes, do mail outs. Yall have a legitamate case going on. I do not live directly in Abilene, but if I did, I would not mind signing a petition.


I appreciate the opinions and the support! Wish you did live here! You could head this up!! LOL

[bigfatfurrytexan]

"Abilene Goes Frontiering" is a good Bushism. Or did i misunderestimate him? LOL

[roses81602]

"Abilene Goes Frontiering" is a good Bushism. Or did i misunderestimate him? LOL

At least goes frontiering sounds better than Abilene Frontiering! I agree though, a good Bushism! LMAO!!!!! Wonder when the city officials are going to realize it's not a word? LOL

[howdy ya'll]

I appreciate the opinions and the support! Wish you did live here! You could head this up!! LOL

I have been told that I am too outspoken on issues and can be a real b****, sometimes that is the only way to get things done. sorry I can not help. Contact Ron Konstitine, he is an activist in the community.

[roses81602]

I have been told that I am too outspoken on issues and can be a real b****, sometimes that is the only way to get things done. sorry I can not help. Contact Ron Konstitine, he is an activist in the community.

Will do! I'm pretty outspoken and headstrong too! Sometimes that's a good thing! Sometimes not so good! LOL

[SLAPSH0T]

I ask you, if you have the option to see just one thing come into the downtown area, what would it be?

A nice water park.....similar to hurricane harbor. It would make a ton of money here in West Texas. I have absolutely zero interest in Frontier Texas, or anything to do with the "frontier" (niether do most people my age). A water park however would be the bomb. Wait, you said "downtown area".....a waterpark probably isn't feasable for downtown, but there are certainly plenty of other locations in Abilene for a water park.

[roses81602]

A nice water park.....similar to hurricane harbor. It would make a ton of money here in West Texas. I have absolutely zero interest in Frontier Texas, or anything to do with the "frontier" (niether do most people my age). A water park however would be the bomb.


Would be a blast! The city already blocked that one though! Sorry.

[roses81602]

A nice water park.....similar to hurricane harbor. It would make a ton of money here in West Texas. I have absolutely zero interest in Frontier Texas, or anything to do with the "frontier" (niether do most people my age). A water park however would be the bomb. Wait, you said "downtown area".....a waterpark probably isn't feasable for downtown, but there are certainly plenty of other locations in Abilene for a water park.

I would love to see an imported tile store with a LARGE, non special order selection! You could call it tile frontiering! LOL

[Maddy45]

I love the fact this group of people came up with a word that isnt even in the dictionary!! LOL
what are we frontiering for? This is just the most ridiculus logo Iv'e ever encountered.
Are we hillbillys? Are we ignorant? Because this stupid Brand certainly makes us look that way. I saw all the video,, they going to hang a huge billboard video included on the interstate to try and explain what Abilene Frontiering means??
I mean come on people,, raise some HECK about this!!!

[Maddy45]

forget the water park slap shot, we dont even have enough water around here to water our lawns. They ration it now!

[a1i3f0l9]

An 12 year old could have shorted The Friendly Frontier to Frontiering and the city paid BIG BUCKS to an OUT OF STATE company to do this! Forty years of my life we were known as The Key City and many businesses have that as a part of their name. Also club meetings I attend has Key City in the name. When Friendly Frontier came out I joked with the members we should change the club name since Abilene wasn't The Key City anymore. Why the minor change it still has Frontier in it. I was expecting a whole NEW name. The city got ripped off big time like I said anybody could have said just shorten and added "ing". I DO NOT like it what does an OUT STATE people know about us. This is just another in many ways the city wasted money! Have a local write in and pick what the locals want.

[roses81602]

I love the fact this group of people came up with a word that isnt even in the dictionary!! LOL
what are we frontiering for? This is just the most ridiculus logo Iv'e ever encountered.
Are we hillbillys? Are we ignorant? Because this stupid Brand certainly makes us look that way. I saw all the video,, they going to hang a huge billboard video included on the interstate to try and explain what Abilene Frontiering means??
I mean come on people,, raise some HECK about this!!!

You are so right. We look as if we are completely ignorant, have no education, and go around making up words out of the blue. My heavens. What a scam this was! The huge billboard will be great! We will truly look like a joke to all of Texas! So often in movies and across the country we are portrayed as an ignorant, back woods type of population. Hmmm. Have to wonder who is running our city sometimes!

[Texas Streak]

You are so right. We look as if we are completely ignorant, have no education, and go around making up words out of the blue. My heavens. What a scam this was! The huge billboard will be great! We will truly look like a joke to all of Texas! So often in movies and across the country we are portrayed as an ignorant, back woods type of population. Hmmm. Have to wonder who is running our city sometimes!

It just goes to show ya. Whoever has the money makes the rules. As far as doing something about it, ever heard of "recall" or "voting". One or the other would work in my books.

I just wonder how much in kick back money was paid on that??

This is something that is not going to die quickly. The citizens of Abilene will not take this lightly come election time.

Just my 2 cents!

[sparky-4]

if this stupid brand is allowed to be put on us without as much as a protest at city hall, it will be just like the Emperor's New Clothes...

everyone will be clapping and applauding the most ridiculous item of the year.


does anyone know a radio DJ or some other personality that we can set up a petition and have people come by and sign it, like many people did to protest the smoking ban?



lets get something going from this forum right now!

[roses81602]

if this stupid brand is allowed to be put on us without as much as a protest at city hall, it will be just like the Emperor's New Clothes...

everyone will be clapping and applauding the most ridiculous item of the year.


does anyone know a radio DJ or some other personality that we can set up a petition and have people come by and sign it, like many people did to protest the smoking ban?

I'm serious people, we need to let them know how stupid this is and a waste of OUR freaking money to boot!:mad:

lets get something going from this forum right now!

Originally Posted by howdy ya'll
I have been told that I am too outspoken on issues and can be a real b****, sometimes that is the only way to get things done. sorry I can not help. Contact Ron Konstitine, he is an activist in the community.

[sparky-4]

can we get something going?

what about the owners of KTAB/KRBC would they let us set up a petition table in front of the station or maybe KEAN radio?

Lets call Doc and Kelly, they will get something fired up about it!!!!!!

[roses81602]

can we get something going?

what about the owners of KTAB/KRBC would they let us set up a petition table in front of the station or maybe KEAN radio?

Lets call Doc and Kelly, they will get something fired up about it!!!!!!

I'm in. Anyone else?

[oldvolks]

It sounds dumb to me to and I was not for a "brand" when it was announced they were thinking about doing one.I also was not for the "Freindly Frontier" either.I being really old know the Abilene brand as "The Key City".Thats what most older folks know it as.There was a song that came out back in the 60's, "Abilene My Home Town", I still remember some of the words,we had it on a 45 record and liked to listen to it on slow speed..kids. Its a little dated as then we had three colleges, not univercities...Went like this.

You've heard the stories of other towns now let me tell you mine...The "Key City" of West Texas where the livings mighty fine...Growing fast and going great, A City of renoun, Abilene, Abliene, Thats my home town.

It went on about three colleges and other stuff.
Yes people...Vote them out of office.Thats our voice.:)

[sparky-4]

we have got to start somewhere and I think each of us that have posted on here needs to email the city council members and tell them how we feel.

write out a simple email message, it might say.

Dear Council Member,

I am displeased with the actions to replace Abilene's current brand.
The proposed brand is awkward and is not a significant change or improvement.
In tough economic times, we as taxpayers want the city to refrain from spending public money on such activities.

you can copy each council member by pasting their email addresses and send out one message to all of them.

here are their email addresses... let them hear from us!



norm.archibald@abilenetx.com
sam.chase@abilenetx.com
joe.spano@abilenetx.com
anthony.williams@abilenetx.com
robert.briley@abilenetx.com
stormy.higgins@abilenetx.com
laura.moore@abilenetx.com

The council are reasonable folks and citizens like us. They just need input from us.

[sparky-4]

452 views on this topic and counting... somebody is reading it!:D

[Maddy45]

I saw the 6:00 news last night about this topic. Basically the city and group involved are saying the citizens will just have to get used to the new BRAND!
I emailed the mayor and city councilman yesterday morning. Just wonder how many emails they have already recieved? Maybe we should keep the phone lines to their offices busy also?

[Texas Streak]

Light up the phone lines at city hall. I just spoke to a person at city hall and she said the call load was "no more than usual".

LIGHT THE PHONE LINES UP!! The phone number is 325-676-6206. Let the Mayor and city council know that we are against this "brand" that has been proposed. Also let them know if they try to shove it down our throats, the might as well clean their office out cause next election time, personnel will change in the city council chambers.

[jmgjan1]

Why do we need a "Brand" anyway? I totally agree with the roads in desperate need of repair! It is crazy. Do you think instead of spending that amount of money on this "Brand" could be given to the residents to have front end alignments done on their vehicles?

[roses81602]

we have got to start somewhere and I think each of us that have posted on here needs to email the city council members and tell them how we feel.

write out a simple email message, it might say.

Dear Council Member,

I am displeased with the actions to replace Abilene's current brand.
The proposed brand is awkward and is not a significant change or improvement.
In tough economic times, we as taxpayers want the city to refrain from spending public money on such activities.

you can copy each council member by pasting their email addresses and send out one message to all of them.

here are their email addresses... let them hear from us!



norm.archibald@abilenetx.com
sam.chase@abilenetx.com
joe.spano@abilenetx.com
anthony.williams@abilenetx.com
robert.briley@abilenetx.com
stormy.higgins@abilenetx.com
laura.moore@abilenetx.com

The council are reasonable folks and citizens like us. They just need input from us.


Couldn't have said it better! Just added some. Below is my letter sent today!

Dear Council Member,

I am displeased with the actions to replace Abilene's current brand.
The proposed brand is awkward and is not a significant change or improvement.
In tough economic times, we as taxpayers want the city to refrain from spending public money on such activities especially on such a ludicrous slogan. If we as citizens have to look it up to figure out what it means, then what is the state of Texas supposed to think, let alone the United States. Frontiering makes us sound illiterate. There is no such word! This is truly an embarrassment to our community. As a registered voter, I can’t wait until next election! If you believe that this is good for our community, then obviously our community needs a change of leadership! We did not elect you to spend our tax dollars and wasted measures. Why not let industry in Abilene? Why not promote theme parks, tourist attractions, and so on? Why not improve our Expo center so it’s not such a dump! There should be no reason why you would be “shocked” that the citizens of Abilene turn down new bond elections. We are wising up as to where our money is going. Take the airport parking too. Our bond dollars at work??? Hence the higher parking fee correct? Then let’s take property taxes. They are at the lowest in most recent history, but somehow our property value keeps increasing more than the market dictates to ensure we are paying the same. This whole council needs, in my opinion, a turnover! Frontiering is NOT good for Abilene, only good for what I believe to be your social circle. When do the citizens get to vote?!

[sparky-4]

wow, thanks BCHP the thread gets it's own section.
I was looking for it in the general and thought for a second it had been deleted:eek:

[buiskit]

What are we? Third graders? I don't live in Abilene but if I did I would be pretty mad that they spent all the taxpayers money on nonsense like this. Someone needs to grow up!

[roses81602]

Thank you for your comments. Please see the following facts. The will answer some of the questions being asked of the Council.

Joe Spano

ABILENE, Texas – On Tuesday, November 11, the Abilene Branding Partnership unveiled
a new branding campaign for the Abilene community. The following features frequently asked questions regarding the City Council/City of Abilene’s involvement, a timeline of events and the possibility of the City of Abilene adopting the “Frontiering” brand.

Frequently asked questions
1. How much money did the City invest in the brand campaign?
The City Council authorized $30,000 in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds to the branding effort. The Abilene Reinvestment Zone Number One Board, which oversaw TIF funds, made the recommendation to the City Council to authorize the funding. No other funds are budgeted at this time for the community branding project.

2. Isn’t there another $432,000 that the City is spending on the “Frontiering” brand?
The $432,000 is for the purchase of destination/wayfinding signage that will direct visitors and residents to Abilene area attractions. The $432,000 is coming from TIF funds. The City Council authorized $432,000 of TIF funds for these signs on June 14, 2007. The purpose of the signage is to help people find their way to locations in Abilene. The bidding for the signs was delayed until the brand was unveiled. However, the new signs may or may not include the “Frontiering” slogan.

3. What are TIF funds?
The Tax Increment Financing or TIF funds was established in 1982 and ended in December 2007. The TIF is funded through property taxes on new value created from improvements in the downtown area after the fund began. These funds were used for enhancement and attraction of businesses in the downtown area.





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4. What is the Abilene Branding Partnership?
The Abilene Branding Partnership is made up of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce, Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau, Abilene Cultural Affairs Council, City of Abilene and Develop Abilene. The Partnership is chaired by George Nichols and there are 23 committee members including the chair.

5. Didn’t the City Council appoint people to the Abilene Branding Partnership?
No, the City Council was not involved with the selection process for membership in the Abilene Branding Partnership.

6. Who decided that “Frontiering” would be the community’s new brand?
The Abilene Branding Partnership contracted with North Star Destination Strategies of Nashville, Tennessee for research and development of the name, logo and campaign plan to implement Abilene’s new brand.

7. Who paid for the new brand?
According to the Abilene Branding Partnership, the City of Abilene contributed $30,000 of TIF funds and $10,000 each from the Abilene Chamber of Commerce and Abilene Cultural Affairs Council. The Partnership said the rest of the $107,000 came from local businesses, foundations and private individuals.

8. Will the City spend money to change their logo to “Frontiering”?
There are no immediate plans for implementation of the brand.

9. Couldn’t the City have spent the $30,000 on other items such as hiring more police officers?
The TIF funds expired at the end of December 2007. They could only be used for the enhancement and attraction of businesses in downtown Abilene.

10. Who should I contact if I want to express my opinion about the brand?
You are welcome to contact the Mayor and City Council. However, it is the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council that is overseeing the branding initiative. You may contact them at 325-677-1161 or via e-mail, acac@abilene.com (acac@abilene.com)










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Timeline
July 31, 2007: The Abilene Branding Partnership asks the Abilene Reinvestment Zone Number One Board A/K/A Tax Increment Finance District Board to consider approving funding for the Abilene branding project. The board approves to authorize $30,000 in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds to help with contracting expenses for North Star Destination Strategies to develop a brand for Abilene.

August 23, 2007: The City Council hears a presentation from Assistant City Manager Richard Burdine who brought forward a recommendation from TIF Board #1. The TIF Board #1 recommendation is to spend $30,000 for contracting expenses of the Abilene Branding Partnership in hiring North Star Destination Strategies of Nashville, Tennessee to develop a brand for Abilene. The City Council approved the Resolution to authorize $30,000 of TIF funds for participation with Abilene Branding Partnership to hire North Star. The City Council approved the motion 6 to 1 with Councilman Stormy Higgins voting against the motion.

October 7, 2007: A check for $30,000 is sent to the Abilene Arts Alliance to help with funding costs for the branding campaign. The Abilene Branding Partnership estimated that the entire cost of the branding effort, not including implementation, would be approximately $110,000.

November 11, 2008: The Abilene Branding Partnership introduces the “Frontiering” brand campaign to Abilene civic leaders and media during a presentation downtown.

Next steps
At this time, the City of Abilene has not yet had an opportunity to discuss the new branding strategy. No decision has been made yet on whether or not to adopt the “Frontiering” brand. There are no immediate plans for implementation and no additional funds are currently allocated for the community branding project.

[roses81602]

Light up the phone lines at city hall. I just spoke to a person at city hall and she said the call load was "no more than usual".

LIGHT THE PHONE LINES UP!! The phone number is 325-676-6206. Let the Mayor and city council know that we are against this "brand" that has been proposed. Also let them know if they try to shove it down our throats, the might as well clean their office out cause next election time, personnel will change in the city council chambers.

The Abilene Cultural Affairs Council is overseeing the branding initiative. You may contact them at 325-677-1161 or via e-mail, acac@abilene.com (acac@abilene.com)

[sparky-4]

I tried that number earlier.. the recording said that they are out "Frontiering"http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/fusionbb/images/smilies/rotf.gif

[bigfatfurrytexan]

Here is the new brand for Abilene:

http://www.optimizeandprophesize.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/04/26/brand_4.jpg

all residents are expected to be at City Hall today at noon to recieve it.

[roses81602]

WE ALL NEED SOME OF THIS MERCHANDISE!

http://www.cafepress.com/savethefrontier

I was told earlier by the cultural affairs committe that frontiering is just the same as googling and the name kodak! They told me those weren't words either at one time. I said I don't googling anything, just google! What a crock! LOL

[sparky-4]

you just all need to shut up and take it!:mad:

because that's just how it's going to be, you pay for it, we spend it and you'd better like it. How dare you question us!:mad:

I loved that ARN article about how other towns hated their brand too, but after a few years, they got used to it... what a bunch of bovine excrement

[roses81602]

you just all need to shut up and take it!:mad:

because that's just how it's going to be, you pay for it, we spend it and you'd better like it. How dare you question us!:mad:

I loved that ARN article about how other towns hated their brand too, but after a few years, they got used to it... what a bunch of bovine excrement


Thought you'd like that response I sent!:rolleyes:

[sparky-4]

what is new with anyone on this?
any updates?

[howdy ya'll]

Ok, who is the person who stepped up and started the petition????

[sparky-4]

His name is Cole and he was very vocal about it on the ARN Forumns

I'm proud of him:)

[roses81602]

Has everyone signed? I know Cole. Glad he did it!:D

[Texas Streak]

I signed it and I'm proud of it! As most folks that know me will attest, I'm not afraid to call it as I see it. This was the worst waste of TAXPAYER money that I have ever seen.

I just hope the city council sees it the same way or I would guess that there will be some changes in city council next election day. I for one think that would be a great idea.

[sparky-4]

here is the link to the petition (http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/savethefrontier/index.html)

we have to get several hundred signatures on this thing.
If half of the people who were complaining online at ARN signed it we would have double the signatures by now.

send the link out to everybody you know in Abilene!
We have to let "them" hear "us":D

[maverick]

Now how much did us taxpayers pay for this again?

Abilene Goes "Frontiering" (9:08pm)
Attachement
Reported by: Austin Kellerman

Tuesday, Nov 11, 2008 @09:01pm CST

Business leaders unveiled the final result of a destination branding effort meant to summarize the "experience" that Abilene has to offer on Tuesday afternoon. The new campaign is "Frontiering." The Abilene Branding Partnership feels the campaign captures the essence of the city and creates a progressive identity developing from Abilene's history, culture, geography, commerce, and the spirit of its people.


give me a break here.
We payed thousands of dollars to go from "The Friendly Frontier" to "Abilene Goes Frontiering" ?

The sales team for this bunch must have been a real doosey.

geez, we have potholes big enough to loose a good sized dog in and we spend thousands of dollars for a new "motto"

bull...

i like "Abilene the friendly frontier" ... "Abilene goes frontering." .... i'm out!

[sparky-4]

now the branding committee has launched a website to explain and break it all down for us to understand "Abilene Frontiering"
If a catch phrase or logo must be explained to the viewer by a video or website, doesn't that defeat the purpose?

Catch phrases or brands are meant to imply feeling and meaning immediately

I guess we should set up booths along I-20 everywhere they want to put one of these billboards and hand out DVD's for all of the tourist to understand it better.

geeze.. it stinks already, give it up!

[roses81602]

:dwe won!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No frontiering!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[TheModerator]

Where'd you hear that??

[sparky-4]

maybe someone woke up finally..

[TheModerator]

The story is on bigcountryhomepage.com

Just read it.

[roses81602]

Where'd you hear that??

KRBC had the story at 10 last night.

[roses81602]

maybe someone woke up finally..

Thanks for your passion to help fight this!

[actors]

It is not just the money spent for this new logo but the fact this logo is accepted. You would get better results out of the North end of a South bound mule. All I have heard is negative from people and yet over the wishes of the people of Abilene it is accepted. This should not have even been considered. There are English Teachers turning over in their graves.