Believe it or not, brands are powerful. In fact, they are so powerful that the successful brands names are often used in place of the actual product. Need an adhesive bandage? Ask someone to give you a Band-Aid. Need a single sheet of very soft tissue? I’m sure that you’ll reach for a Kleenex. Oh, and when someone asks you for information that could be found on the internet, surely you’ll ask them to “Google” it.

The same works for the places we choose to live. The only difference is that instead of a brand, it’s more commonly a sense of place–meaning that those who live in the community tell the positive stories of an area and those who visit know the story.

The Hinds County Economic Development Authority is in the process of crafting a brand for Hinds County, and quality craftsmanship depends upon your input. This week, they’ll host a series of meetings that will allow Hinds County residents to chime in on what what elements should be used in creating the brand. HCEDA has contracted with Greenville, SC-based planning firm, Arnett-Muldrow & Associates, to conduct the process.

The end result of this exercise should be a brand that will assist Hinds County and its municipalities in developing marketing programs to assist in their economic development efforts.

If you’re interested in participating, feel free to attend one of the following sessions:

Wednesday, July 20:

12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., Clinton Visitor’s Center, 1300 Pinehaven Road, Clinton, MS

3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.,  Terry Community Center, Cunningham Street @ Village Square, Terry, MS

5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Eudora Welty Library, 300 N. State Street, Jackson, MS

 

Thursday, July 21:

8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., Eagle Ridge Conference Center( Auditorium), 1500 Raymond Lake Road,  Raymond, MS

12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., Charles Tisdale Public Library, 807 E. Northside Drive, Jackson, MS

 

The week will end with a Presentation Meeting of the brand outline on Friday, July 22, from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. at the Mississippi eCenter’s Oklahoma Room (1230 Raymond Road).

Questions regarding the process can be directed to the Authority at (601) 353-6056.