6/20/2008 Editorial This community has applied catchy slogans to itself before, but none of them have had much staying power. Now, a consortium of local organizations has embarked on an effort to select a brand for Owensboro-Daviess County that will identify and promote the community's core strengths. Since we believe Owensboro-Daviess County has a long list of strengths, finding a suitable brand that represents the best of them doesn't figure to be easy. Making the effort, however, is the right thing to do. This community is known for barbecue and bluegrass, but that's barely the start of it. It's a city on one of America's great rivers. It draws thousands of people for sports tournaments and festivals. It is a city of museums, public and private colleges and universities and multiple venues for the performing arts. Education at the elementary and secondary levels is exemplary. It is a city of low crime, scenic beauty and civic pride. Economically, Daviess County is a state leader in agriculture production, but the manufacturing, financial and business sectors supply thousands of jobs. Owensboro is a regional center for health services, and its retail shopping scene has expanded smartly in this decade. Selecting a brand that embodies all or much of the above will fall appropriately on local citizens. Some will participate in focus groups. Later, the public will pick from a selection of brands. City and county government, the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corp., the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, the Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Owensboro Public Arts Commission and The Learning Community are sponsoring the initiative. Springboard Brand & Creative Strategy of Chicago will pull it all together. Owensboro-Daviess County is not devoid of problems. There are plenty of them, as any reading of recent headlines reveals. But the overall sense that the community is safe, stable, a good place to live and one that has an exciting, bright future remains firmly in place. A brand that conveys that message should be the goal.