By By ERIN VER BERKMOES / Niles Daily Star
NILES - Life is better here.
That's the message Buchanan city officials want to get across with its new logo, presented to about 40 community members, city officials and students in Buchanan on Tuesday evening.
The city hired Perry Ballard Inc., a communications and marketing firm from St. Joseph to conduct an independent, community-wide study to determine how Buchanan could distinguish itself from other Southwestern Michigan cities.
Perry Ballard learned from the series of community interviews they performed members of the community are deeply passionate about living and working in Buchanan and what they believe Buchanan can be best at in the world.
Several members of the community shared why they believe “Life is better here” in Buchanan.
The new tagline and slogan are very fitting for the city of Buchanan. Things have gotten a lot better here and this town is an example to other communities, Chris Siebenmark, district representative for State Senator Ron Jelinek stated.
Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce Director Michelle Klarich said, how the new logo design represented the “better” qualities of the community.
Klarich added that with the new tagline being “Life is better here” doesn't mean Buchanan is perfect.
Klarich then explained to the audience the meaning behind some of the new logos elements.
The sun behind the hills represents the bright past, present and future of Buchanan. While the ribbon of blue water represents the river and creek which runs through the city. These waters attracted settlers to the valley, and is why they built the mill, she said.
They share a rich history, a commons, Pears Mill, the Tin Shop theater, and a historic downtown, she added.
The graphic is nestled in the valley of the U and the U represents the residents of Buchanan.