McMinnville tourism committee hears two branding proposals; staff outlines strategic plan, website grant and media budget

The McMinnville Tourism Advisory Committee on Monday heard competing proposals from two finalists for a tourism branding and identity contract and received staff updates on a strategic planning contract and a state website assistance award.

Jordan Puples, tourism staff, told the committee that the department issued a branding RFP in May and received six proposals. "We received 6 proposals in response to that. And upon evaluation, from the department, we had 2 presenters that were the finalists for the branding and identity portion of that," Puples said, introducing the two finalist teams: Chandler Thinks (Nashville/Franklin) and Design Sensory (Knoxville), both of which gave 45-minute presentations and took questions.

Why it matters: The committee will use feedback from tonight’s presentations and a follow-up survey to recommend whether the city moves one finalist forward. The work—brand research, identity, photography, video and campaign creative—was described by presenters as a multi-step process that aims to produce materials local businesses and residents can use in promotion.

Chandler Thinks presentation Steve Chandler, identified as the founder and brand strategist of Chandler Thinks, framed the work as "place branding" and emphasized community engagement. "Here's the real secret sauce, stakeholder engagement," Chandler said,…