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The Town of Rutherfordton received the award for "Best Image-Building Campaign" at the 2017 annual North Carolina Main Street Convention in Shelby, N.C. on March 15, 2017. The North Carolina Main Street & Rural Planning Center is a division of the N.C. Department of Commerce. The award was the result of an image-building campaign implemented by the Town of Rutherfordton using North Carolina Rural Center grant funds, awarded through the Small Town Economic Prosperity (STEP) grant program. Through that program, the Town of Rutherfordton was also named the 2016 "N.C. Small Town of the Year" by the North Carolina Rural Center.
The marketing and branding projects were the product of a team of individuals collaborating to enhance the image and lure of the town. In doing so, the team developed and implemented a gold standard of branding to appeal to both residents and visitors alike. Highlighting the town's rich gold history - established by the entrepreneurial spirit of Christopher Bechtler, who minted America's first one-dollar gold coin in 1832 - the team forged a plan to bring positive awareness to the town.
Some of the branding initiative implemented included: an annual marketing plan, re-branding of the Town of Rutherfordton to include new logo and brand statement, development of two new town websites, countywide billboard campaign, multiple street banners, public relations campaign, social media presence across several channels, historic walking tour, multiple print and digital marketing materials, and more.
In true team spirit, a committed group of individuals worked together over the course of two years to plan and execute the branding and marketing objectives, in addition to several other initiatives. Members of the award-winning team included the Town of Rutherfordton, Rutherford Town Revitalization, N.C. STEP Committee, Arnett Muldrow & Associates, Addielen Marketing & Design Firm, McConnell Group, KidSenses Children's InterACTIVE Museum, Michael and Aimee Cornelia, and Barbara Mears Architect.
Rutherfordton Mayor Jimmy Dancy was honored to be recognized by the N.C. Main Street & Rural Planning Center and proud of the teamwork that garnered this prestigious award.
"I am very proud of our town and it is a very heart-warming experience to be associated with such devoted citizens of Rutherfordton," said Mayor Dancy. "It is an honor to recognize the efforts of their work in our community."
Learn more about Rutherfordton at www.rutherfordton.net or follow them on social media, Facebook at MyRutherfordton or Twitter at RutherfordtonNC.
About the Town of Rutherfordton: Established in 1787 and home to the man who minted America's first one-dollar gold coin, the Town of Rutherfordton is one of the oldest towns in Western North Carolina. With the tagline "A Minted Original," visitors to Rutherfordton can mint their own unique experience in Rutherfordton by visiting charming shops that have spanned generations while collecting vintage treasures and admiring one of the only remaining cluster of antebellum homes in any North Carolina downtown. Enjoy a historic walking tour of Main Street infused with modern day stops like KidSenses Children's InterACTIVE Museum, shops and boutiques, local art gallery and diverse restaurants. Learn more at www.myrutherfordton.com.
