"Everywhere's possible."
That's the new branding slogan adopted by the city of SeaTac to attract businesses and developers to the city.
Staffers at HadleyGreenCreates, a marketing firm that has been working with the city for six months, presented the brand Aug. 6 to SeaTac council members,
They said it is meant to convey that the city offers businesses, residents and visitors access to air transportation, major highways and soon light rail to go wherever they want to go.
The marketing firm also unveiled a blue and green logo to accompany promotional materials.
Besides the city's name, a blue and green three-quarter circle represents that people that can start from SeaTac and go "everywhere" and then return to SeaTac for its attractions.
Blue represents the business community while green means family and community, according to the marketers
Sea-Tac International Airport and adjacent parking facilities and hotels are the primary focus in SeaTac.
The airport/SeaTac city center light-rail station is slated to open in December 2009 at International Boulevard and South 176th Street.
Another light rail station at South 154th Street and International Boulevard, which is under construction, is scheduled to open six months earlier. It is located in Tukwila, just across the street from SeaTac's city limits.
SeaTac is developing plans for economic development in both areas.
Lawmakers also passed a resolution at the meeting affirming the city's plans to purchase property near the city center station. Estimated cost is $4.8 million.
Economic Development Director Todd Cutts said a mixed-use development is planned for the site but potential business occupants want to be assured the city will purchase the property for a public/private development.
To create the brand, HadleyGreenCreates met with council members, business owners, the hotel/motel tax advisory committee members and city staff.
From these interviews, the consultants fashioned a statement meant to reflect the city's current state and future aspirations:
"The portal to the Puget Sound region, the City of SeaTac is a transportation-centric community perfectly positioned and highly motivated to help you succeed."
A recommended marketing plan includes public relations, print advertising, a new economic development web site, blast emails and prospective tenant folders.
Cutts said the city is currently prioritizing the items.
"It's fun working with you guys," Councilman Joe Brennan remarked. "It is an exciting time. Things are starting to come together including the two light-rail stations."
Replied John Rubino, the consultants' managing director, "We are excited. We are building on the momentum you started before we got here."
City Manger Craig Ward announced the council now will take a summer break and will not meet again until Sept. 11.