?Discover Rogers City? campaign gets the green light

A new promotional program was approved for Rogers City by the Community Development Authority (CDA) last week. Working together on behalf of the Cool Cities initiative local residents, Deb and Al Stiller, joined team members Jeff Hopp and Anne Belanger to present a billboard image campaign. The proposed campaign received unanimous support from the CDA board. Original artwork created by Deb Stiller will be placed on a billboard located on the northbound (east) side of US-23 Highway, near Heythaler Highway. CDA board members suggested some minor revisions to the design, and then gave the green light to move forward with the creative process and fulfillment of the project, according to Belanger. One of the goals of the Cool Cities program is to build upon a cohesive theme that draws motorists into Rogers City via the business route. Local residents may have seen the poster artwork by Deb Stiller around town titled ?Discover Rogers City.? Because of their admiration for Rogers City, the couple took the initiative to make the rounds throughout the community earlier in the year to promote the illustrated posters to business owners.

Many of the merchants and businesses in the downtown area placed the colorful posters in their windows. The illustrations are also available on T-shirts and tote bags. The central theme of the characters is shown in various community activities and highlights the ameni

ties of life in Rogers City. Additional billboard locations are being considered for future placement as well as interchangeable messages and images throughout the year. As part of the Cool Cities action plan, the promotional campaign addresses the issue of signage at different entry points into the city. The plan is to create an attractive display that will invite and direct motorists into Rogers City. All entry points located off major highway access intersections, including US-23, M-68, M-65 and I-75, are to be designated with theme-based billboards, directional signs for local attractions and points of interest.

The billboard initiative is part four of a five-point action plan created by the Cool Cities team and approved by the city council. The five points are: 1. Grass roots initiative; 2. Develop a common vision; 3. Establish a cultural plan; 4. Promotional campaign; and 5. Adopt a proactive approach. ?This is an example of the positive steps being taken to help promote an economic stimulus to the downtown area,? Belanger said.