Wasn’t There a Simpsons Episode About This?
In an attempt to differentiate it from the dozens of other economically-peaked, mid-sized cities competing for jobs, investment, and college graduates, Evansville is considering (registration required to view the Courier & Press online) a “branding” effort, an idea taken from a recent visit to “Music City,” Nashville, TN. In doing so, Evansville tourism officials have thrown out the organic process of a city growing its own reputation and name, and would stamp a boardroom-approved brand on E-ville. The effort, of course, fails to realize that names like “Motor City,” “Music City,” “Steel City,” and “City of Lights” come naturally, as a result of certain characteristics for which the city is widely known. Evansville has been “Stoplight City” for decades, and even if I-164 eased the traffic burden on its stoplight-clogged city highways, why stop now? Does the image of red lights as far as the eye can see not present the right kind of incentive that drives businesses to locate in Evansville?
This idea reminds me of the kid in jr. high who had a bad nickname (”pizza face,” e.g.) and tried to change it by insisting to everyone that they call him “the dude” or “animal.” It always made it worse.
The most notable development within the Courier & Press’s article on the branding effort is that the C&P has abandoned the old comment box that used to be placed alongside many online articles and adopted a blog-style comment link. Hats off to the C&P for again being near (if not directly on) the cutting edge of journalism.
Suggestions? How about “Air Conditioner-town, USA” or “Plastics-ville?” Nah… they don’t have quite the same ring as “Stoplight City.”
11 Responses to “Wasn’t There a Simpsons Episode About This?”
Was it the film festival episode?
While it does seem a little silly, this does have a significant marketing effect. I applaud the officials for having the oomph to try to get something moving.
Indy of course has a couple – “Life Sciences City” and “Ameture Sports Capital of the World.” I only hope ours is something respectable and that will be attractive to potential businesses.
Come on Josh, it’s more than just a little silly. It’s one of the silliest things I have heard in a long time. Indy is the Amateur Sports Capital, but that’s hardly a brand that people instantly associate with the town. I am 1000% more likely to get “Circle City” or “Hey, Indy 500!!” when I say I live in Indianapolis. But those brands don’t scream “corporate advantage,” so they aren’t marketed.
“Life Sciences City” is another laugher. Next time I hear an out-of-towner say “ooh, Indy… that Life Sciences City” when I tell him that I am an Indy resident, and he’s not a regular visitor to this blog, I’ll send you $100.
These brands always end up being silly: “State of Progress,” “Advantage Valley,” “Feel the Pride Come Alive.” yuck.
Wouldn’t Evansville’s progress campaign have been easier if they’d just built a new riverfront minor league baseball park and made it the centerpiece of the city’s marketing efforts?
Never been, but it seems to me what Evansville really needs is a monorail!
I stole this from Dean Wormer from “Animal House”:
Evansville–Fat, drunk, and stupid IS the way to go through life
Hey, if Richmond can officially be “The Rose City” while being most recognizably the home of Tom Raper RV, then Evansville can officially dub itself whatever it wants.
Charlottesville, where I hang my hat, is known by residents as C’ville. E-ville doesn’t seem that bad. But as you say, the calculated, inorganic move does raise questions about the psyche of E-ville town fathers. Perhaps “Evansville, City of Adolescent Insecurity” would work?
Evansville… the Claybourn City
Hey, Get back to me when you have a real image problem. “Stoplight City?” Aw shucks! Imagine heading to town and seeing the sign, “Welcome to Dayton, TN, home of the 1925 Scopes Trial.”
Now that’s what I’d call an image problem. BTW, this year’s reenactment will be July 15-17. Be sure to come early so you can get a seat under a ceiling fan, the courthouse is still not air conditioned.
Pack,
We only claim the West Side as “Claybourn City.”
As a resident of “Stoplight City” I can attest that the name is very fitting. There’s even a stoplight at every quarter-to-half-mile on the Lloyd “Express”way.
However, apparently up north in Kokomo,Indiana, they also claim to be the “Stoplight City of America”. They don’t even come close..
P.S. The Whirlpool here makes fridges, not ACs.