This is an exciting time to live, work and play in Lincoln. Our great city is experiencing undeniable momentum.

I don’t think I need to remind you of all of the great things Lincoln is experiencing in 2012 and expecting in 2013 and beyond.  There are cranes dotting our skyline, there are companies announcing new jobs, we have a new arena set to open next year and a new research campus that is already building buzz nationally among private industry insiders.

So the question that we have heard from our leadership is “What’s next?”

Hopefully you have had an opportunity to see the culmination of some incredible branding strategies from Lincoln youth brand marketing firm Archrival.  The world-recognized youth branding agency worked with Bailey Lauerman to formulate a tremendous strategy for our community.  That strategy was unveiled at the annual economic development breakfast held by the Partnership for Economic Development.  If you missed it, please take some time and view the presentation on our website at www.lcoc.com.

There will be many things going on in Lincoln over the next few months to get out the message out about how great our city is.  There has never been a better time to capitalize on the growth of our city and strive to recruit and retain young talent. It is our time to create a dynamic visual identity which is unique to Lincoln; a visual identity which encapsulates Lincoln’s shared optimism and drives our hopes for the future.

The finished product is not at all what I expected.  When we began this process, I expected to get a new logo, launch a new website and we would be done.  The logo and website are actually only a small part of the overall program.  There will be a range of digital platforms including the new website lifeisright.com, as well as eventual new Chamber and CVB sites as well as a new mobile app.  Additionally, there are a series of activations that will take place throughout the fall that spotlight our brand.

We will begin to incorporate these images and activities into all of our marketing efforts.  There will be a substantial amount of information that is geared to Lincoln area residents.  However, along with the Partnership for Economic Development and Convention and Visitors Bureau, we also will be working to increase the profile of Lincoln nationally.

By themselves, each of these events won’t make a dent in what we need to do to tell our story.  However, as a whole, we will begin to see pride build with our residents and the development of Lincoln advocates that begin to tell their friends, co-workers and family how great Lincoln is and will be.

So people have started to ask me: “What can I do?” My answer is that first and foremost, we need you to become one of those Lincoln advocates.  The great “new” cities in this country have a productive and innovative population that speaks about their place in the world with great pride.  You should do the same.

If you want to become actively involved, visit the website for a list of upcoming events and activities.  As always we would love to have you join the Chamber or one of our organizations and become a part of building our future.

Have a great summer and be proud to be in Lincoln.

The Chamber’s mission is to improve the lives of Lincoln residents by providing increased economic opportunity and can only be accomplished together.  Networking opportunities, business advocacy, and creating economic viability are critical to our success.  We encourage you to become a member and help us achieve these goals for Lincoln.

For more information about the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, please contact Paul 436-2350 or visit them online at www.lcoc.com.