City leaders looking to come up with “brand” for Perry

PERRY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – When you think of Perry…what comes to mind? Fair? Dogwood Festival? The city’s economic development director is working to come up with a brand.

Although it isn’t a booming metropolis, residents in Perry will tell you the city always seems to be moving, and they say that’s a good thing.

Economic Development Director Robert Smith will agree.

“We want to develop a unified, consistent message to send people,” Smith said. 

That’s why he’s determined to come up with ideas of a brand that helps identify the city. 

“Perry is a lot more than the fair. It’s a lot more than the buzzard drop,” Smith said. 

He and a branding committee are already in the beginning stages of finding a theme, and he believes it’s more than a catchphrase or slogan. 

“So when they think of Perry, they think of something that symbolizes high quality of life, good government, good place to do business, good place to live, good place to work,” Smith said. 

While Smith and his team are coming up with ideas as to what message will Perry’s brand be and what the city is known for…residents say it’s at the fairgrounds.

“I think Perry is becoming more and more synonymous with the Georgia National Fairgrounds,” Trey Moody, a Perry resident said. 

While it’s still early, Smith has a vision set on a growing Perry, with more jobs and opportunities. 

“We want Perry to be the best place to live and work, not only in middle Georgia, but in the state,” Smith said. 

Residents will tell you it’s the charm of the city that makes it stand out. 

“I think of Dogwood Festival, the fairgrounds, and nice people in the community,” Hanna Scott, a Perry native said. 

The branding committee has already come up a few ideas that include incorporating the clock tower at the fairgrounds in the brand. 

Others are throwing around the idea of using the phrase “the crossroads of Georgia.”

Smith says as of right now it’s still early, but he’s looking for the public’s feedback on coming up with a brand for Perry.