FLOWERY BRANCH – Creating a strong first-impression is an invaluable marketing strategy for any small town. Flowery Branch is aware of that fact and Thursday night the City Council decided to make an investment in that direction.
The majority of first-time visitors to Flowery Branch come from points south, especially the Atlanta metro area, and their first impression of “The Branch” is created as they drive down the exit ramp from I-985 toward Spout Springs Road at exit 12.
As they approach the stop light at the bottom of the ramp they cannot help but notice the large stone monument seated on a small hill across the intersection, fronting the Stonebridge Village shopping complex. On that monument is an electronic sign flashing in large red letters words of welcome and information.
City Finance Manager Jeremy Perry told City Council members that the text-only sign, purchased in May of 2008, was, however, on its last legs.
“It’s done pretty well keeping up, but I’m starting to have difficulties and I’m crossing my fingers,” Perry explained. “I have to go out there and manually change it every time.”
According to Perry, the 2’6” by 8’ sign has needed repairs twice in the last nine months.
So Perry has been shopping for a replacement; the City Council earlier authorized $15,000 for the project.
“It’s a pretty busy sign. I have local churches ask me to put stuff on it. I have schools ask me to put stuff on it. I have races, the recent firefighter’s competition, the Falcons…” Perry said as he began listing those who could benefit from the sign.
Technological advances since the sign was purchased over seven years ago have made text-only signs practically obsolete, so Perry is in the market for an LED digital message board capable of displaying graphics and motion.
Perry said he received a bid from a vendor for a 4’X8’ LED sign that topped $21,000 – way over budget - and he was discouraged.
Then he got an offer from a Lawrenceville sign company to sell him an existing 4’5”X8’8” sign constructed for another buyer that for various reasons was never delivered.
SignCo Signs and Graphics was offering the much-higher-definition full-color sign to the city for $18,720. Enthused by the offer Perry approached the City Council, asking that his budget be increased to allow the purchase.
Councilman Fred Richards agreed with the added cost of investment. “I personally feel that it is better to upgrade. It’s the first thing 80-percent of the people that come into the city see, and we might as well put our best foot forward.”
Debate among council members continued over where the additional funds could be found, but once that issue was resolved the unanimous show of hands approving the investment demonstrated that the value of “making a strong first impression” was a high priority.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2015/8/330822/flowery-branch-to-get-new-hi-tech-welcome-sign