Breckenridge Texan

By Carla McKeown/Breckenridge Texan

The official City of Breckenridge will soon have a new look after the City Commissioners approved a new logo at last week’s regular meeting. Additionally, the commissioners heard about the plan to refine and further develop the ideas from the City’s strategic planning sessions, creating a message and brand for the City.

The City of Breckenridge’s new logo

The new logo is one of four created by Katherine Parker Post and presented to the City employees, as well as to the community.

Before the commissioners voted on which logo to approve, Post went through all four logo options, explaining the pros and cons of each image and providing pictures of what the logos would look like on City vehicles, letterhead, business cards, as well as t-shirts and other items.

“I think that this is a strong local option. I love the bold ones,” Post said, describing the logo that the commissioners eventually chose. “I think it would translate well across the different mediums.”

Results of the City of Breckenridge’s logo survey

City Manager Cynthia Northrop and City Secretary Jessica Sutter presented the results of an online survey, which showed that 30 percent of those who voted on their favorite logo chose #1, pictured above, the one that the commissioners approved. Logo #2 received 28 percent of the votes; logo #4 received 25 percent; and logo #3 received 17 percent.

After considering the results of an online poll and input from the City staff, the commissioners voted on the logo that was most popular.

Incorporating a stylized “B” and the greens — both the darker green and the “Kelly Green” — that have become synonymous with the City of Breckenridge, as well as the local school district, the new logo also features an outline of Texas with a small star where Breckenridge is and the words “City of Breckenridge” and “In God We Trust.” There are slightly different versions of the logo for internal and public uses, Post explained.

Post partnered with Selah Hirsch with Express My Brand in developing an overall branded message for the City. Hirsch used the strategic plan developed by the City employees, with input from community members, to create an internal message and an external message.

“Katherine and I have had an incredible experience working with (City Manager) Cynthia (Northrop) and (City Secretary) Jessica (Sutter), looking at speaking into a place of brand, where we hold the equity and the history and … so much of the meaning within the city of Breckenridge, and we’re able to project into the future as the city leadership that’s around the table tonight are working on plans to both benefit the citizens and attract new people into the city. And that’s what the power of brand is doing,” Hirsch said via a video call. “It is helping to answer the question of what we want to be known for, and help people — from our internal employees/city culture to our external, visitors and residents that will join our city in the future — to understand the true beauty that is within Breckenridge.”

For the internal branding message, Hirsch presented the commissioners with the slogan, “Boldly Leading Breckenridge: Together, we are building a community where everyone can thrive.”

“Our goal in this area here is to underscore the city’s dedication to preserving Breckenridge’s rich history and heritage while fostering a forward-thinking spirit, ensuring a fulfilling experience for all who call Breckenridge home,” she said. “And it’s good that we are able to communicate to the residents and citizens here within our current community, just the value that they have within the city leadership.”

Hirsch went on to discuss the City’s core values (be bold, be responsible, be excellent, be compassionate, be knowledgeable), along with the vision statement, mission statement, purpose and promise. The City of Breckenridge’s Mission Statement is: “Consistently plan for higher quality of life through positive community relationships that value citizens, welcome visitors, and invite business growth by focusing on innovation, education and safety.”

Then, Hirsch presented the external brand message, which features the tagline “The Beauty of Texas Beckons,” a message intended to capture “the appeal of Breckenridge, showcasing its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, activities, amenities, and community spirit.”

The external brand message was designed to bring an awareness of Breckenridge to an audience that hasn’t had a chance to experience the culture here — potential visitors and new residents.

“And I’ll tell you, as I got to work with Katherine and Cynthia and the leadership team … I was able to hear over and over again just how much is held within the city. Again, from history and heritage to local shopping and dining as the downtown district evolves, and just the beauty of the people,” Hirsch said. “And, that’s lost if you go across to different metropolitan cities, or if you cross … the nation and head over to different states.

“… But we want people to know that there is a beauty within Texas … there’s a place that they can call home,” she continued. “And we love the idea of ‘beckons,’ It’s gonna call to you, ‘Come check us out, come visit us. Come be a part of a staycation. Come look at moving and growing your business here with the land and the development opportunities. What about a beautiful place to raise a family…’ And so we want that tagline again to hold so much meaning.”

The external message was developed to impart a hometown feel of history and hospitality, she said. It encourages visitors to “unplug, unwind and discover something unique in Breckenridge.”

From the community’s Buckaroo pride and its Boomtown history depicted in the murals around town to the outdoor opportunities, such as fishing, boating and hunting, and other activities, like exploring the fine arts, shopping and dining in town, the message is intended to share everything that Breckenridge has to offer.

“We believe that as we begin to present Breckenridge in this way, it’s going to show people that there’s a place that’s rooted in history and is blooming with hospitality for them to come and to join us,” Hirsch said as she wrapped up her presentation.

Employees of the Month

Last month, the City of Breckenridge announced a new honor for employees with the Employee of the Month award.

At the Nov. 7 meeting, Chad Skiles with the Breckenridge Fire Department was honored.

At the Oct. 24 meeting, Thomas “Gordy” Gordon III with the Cemetery Department was honored.

The Employee of the Month receives a certificate, public recognition and a gift card.

Chad Skiles with the Breckenridge Fire Department was honored as the City of Breckenridge’s November Employee of the Month. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)

Thomas “Gordy” Gordon III, left, with the Cemetery Department was presented with the City of Breckenridge’s October Employee of the Month award by Public Services Directory Stacy Harrison at the Oct. 24 meeting. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)

Other Business

Additionally, the commissioners approved a request by Bayer Chevrolet to close the 16-foot wide alley between the 600 block of West Walker Street and the 600 block of West Williams Street.

In the meeting’s consent agenda, the commissioners approved a variety of items, including:

• A resolution reappointing Leslie Howk, Turner Baugh and Bo Asher to the Breckenridge Board of Adjustments. There is a vacancy on the board, and City staff will bring the item back to the commissioners once someone has been found to fill the position.
• A resolution reappointing Will Thompson, Joyce Toland and Audrey Brown to the Breckenridge Housing Authority Board of Director for two-year terms.
• A resolution reappointing Rob Durham to serve on the Stephens County Appraisal District Board of Directors for a two-year term to begin on January 1, 2024.
• An interlocal agreement between the City of Breckenridge and Stephens County to provide fire protection services inside the city and outside the city with the county. The terms set forth state that County will pay the City $50,000 annually (paid monthly) and both entities will split the cost of fuel and vehicle maintenance.
• The renewal of the City of Breckenridge’s membership in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, aka ERCOT.

Cutline, top photo: The Breckenridge City Commissioners, Mayor and City Manager, from left, Vince Moore, Bob Sims, Blake Hamilton and Cynthia Northrop, look over the four proposed logos for the City of Breckenridge. After listening to a presentation about the logos and considering the opinions of the public and the City staff, the commissioners voted on Logo #1, pictured above in this story. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)