City motto entries being sought
By Matt Caulder
Published in News on June 2, 2013 1:50 AM
A month after the city of Goldsboro announced a contest to adopt a city motto, more than 250 people have submitted proposed phrases, city officials are saying.
The contest is part of a larger branding effort to give Goldsboro an identifying banner that represents the city.
"We want something short and sweet that presents (Goldsboro) in a good light," said City Manager Scott Stevens.
Stevens said the motto is not to make Goldsboro feel good about itself but it is for others to get an understanding of what Goldsboro is.
"I think people here generally feel good about Goldsboro," said Stevens. "This is for people out there in eastern North Carolina and even out of state."
Stevens is not sure how or where the slogan will be used but is open to the possibility of having it on city vehicles and letterheads or signs coming into the city.
"What are you proud of?," said Kim Best, Goldsboro public information officer. "What is Goldsboro known for? Is Goldsboro a gateway or a destination?"
One thing Mrs. Best wanted to clear up about the competition was that submitting the same idea more than once does not improve a submission's chances of being chosen in the top 20.
"It's only been four or five people so far submitting their ideas 20-30 times each," said Mrs. Best. "I just think they don't quite understand how it works."
The winner and runners-up will receive city-themed prizes such as Downtown Dollars or a free membership to the Goldsboro YMCA.
Whoever submits the winning slogan will win a dinner with Mayor Al King in addition to a bevy of other prizes.
The motto can be no longer than 10 words, cannot contain profanity, and it must represent Goldsboro.
Individuals and groups are encouraged to submit entries, and prizes will be disbursed among the group.
Submissions opened May 1 and will run until June 30.
The top 20 submissions will be selected by the city marketing team by July 31, and online voting will open to narrow those selected down to five suggestions.
Voting to select the top five mottos will take place online at www.goldsboronc.gov until Aug. 30.
The top five mottos chosen by voters will be reviewed by the city marketing team that will make its selection by Oct. 31.
Applicants can submit mottos on the Goldsboro website or in person by filling out a form at City Hall.
The top 20 submissions will receive two passes to the Goldsboro Municipal Golf Course, two tickets to a Paramount Theatre movie, a "Do It Downtown" T-shirt and a city of Goldsboro bag.
The top five entrants will receive two rounds of golf with a cart at the Goldsboro golf course, two tickets to an event in the Paramount Theatre Performing Arts Series, a gift card to a downtown restaurant selected by the Downtown Goldsboro Development Corp. and one Goldsboro restaurant voucher.
The winning selection will receive dinner with King, a one-year membership to the Goldsboro golf course, a Paramount Theatre full series package, $100 Downtown Dollars, one free Parks and Registration program registration to an activity of their choice, a one-year membership to the YMCA, a prize package at Lights Up Downtown 2013 and will be featured as a guest on the WGTV morning show.
All ages are eligible to submit entries.
Entries must be original and not contain copyrighted material.