A few weeks ago I wrote questioning the initiative to "brand" Warrensburg. Maybe I just didn't understand what the "brand" was, because I see that Kansas is spending big bucks on its new brand - "Kansas, it's bigger than you think." It seems that the "brand" is a semi-amorphous phrase that can have different meanings to different markets, build up pride, get some free media coverage, etc.

Anyway, I have been inspired, and herewith submit my idea for "branding" Warrensburg:

"Warrensburg - a Doggone Good Place"

This "brand" can be used for almost any market just be adding a few words. For tourism, we add "to visit," the Chamber can add "to shop," CMSU can add "to learn," the Parks Department can add "to play," the Industrial Development people can add "to build your new plant." Even the establishments on West Pine Street can hop in by adding "to party."

With this brand, Warrensburg can stay true to our heritage as the home of the Old Drum speech, while sounding really positive about ourselves. The best thing about this "brand" is that I'm offering it absolutely free of charge, so there's no need to pay me the $60,000 or so the consultants want. Need to run some focus groups to iron out the details? Get a CMSU or WHS class to do it.

I did an internet search for the phrase on the major search engines and didn't find anyone using it. But act quickly, before someone else decides to be "A Doggone Good Place."