PUBLIC INPUT Public input is crucial to the success of a community brand.
Listening to local citizens express their opinions about Holly Springs gave branding experts at the University of Georgia the background necessary to create a brand that reflects how residents really view and experience their community. Over 800 residents took part in the public input process, reflecting the views of citizens from across the community. The Holly Springs branding process included a two-part public input phase, including both an online community perception survey and in-person focus groups. Focus groups were held with representatives of key stakeholder groups including local elected leaders, small business owners, civic and community groups, clergy, and students at Sequoyah High School. This public input process revealed many unique characteristics of Holly Springs and reflected the rapid change in the community. Only 12% of survey participants grew up in Holly Springs. Holly Springs is attracting residents from across the region, particularly families drawn to the quality of public education and attainability of a slice of the American dream. While Holly Springs is clearly changing and continuing to attract new residents, local citizens value the small-town sense of place and feeling of safety that the City still holds dear.
“It’s exciting to see all the new diverse families and the development happening.” - Public input participant
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