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1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: November 17, 2015 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 8-b <br /> SUBJECT: Update on the Campaign for a New "Welcome to Orange County" Interstate <br /> Sign <br /> DEPARTMENT: Community Relations/Tourism PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> 1. Six (6) Suggested Interstate Signs Laurie Paolicelli, 245-4322 <br /> 2. Background of NCDOT Raleigh Sign <br /> Naming <br /> 3. Highway Slogan Ballot <br /> PURPOSE: To receive an update on the campaign for a new "Welcome to Orange County" <br /> Interstate Sign. <br /> BACKGROUND: Orange County has an opportunity to change the North Carolina Department <br /> of Transportation (NCDOT) "Welcome to Orange County" Interstate sign, currently located on <br /> Interstate 40 at mile marker 269 heading west. The sign is damaged and is currently slated for <br /> replacement. The current sign welcomes interstate travelers with the message "Orange County: <br /> You'll Be a Fan for Life". Community Relations will launch a local contest asking residents to <br /> vote for which slogan should be used on the new replacement sign. <br /> Orange County, together with a media partner, will offer six (6) signs that the community can <br /> vote on, rather than an "open slogan naming". Providing six (6) slogans for the public is a <br /> format that is based on past programs of NCDOT that became contentious as a result of the <br /> anonymous curtain of the internet (see Attachment 1). <br /> NCDOT initiated a contest asking for public input to name the 1-40/440 rebuild project in Raleigh <br /> that began in 2015. NCDOT found that the general public that became interested had a sense <br /> of humor. What started out in a serious vein quickly took a distinct twist when the unexpected <br /> quirky responses started pouring in (see Attachment 2). <br /> Orange County Community Relations suggests working with media partner, Chapelboro & <br /> WCHL, to have the public vote for their favorite slogan via various forms of media including <br /> Chapelboro and WCHL Radio. To provide a wider reach, the department will also utilize social <br /> media and WHUP Radio Hillsborough. Using radio and social media as the point of collection is <br /> the most efficient and cost effective way to engage residents AND gain valuable feedback over <br /> an 8-week period. The goal is to use the talents and creativity of Orange County residents, <br /> encourage community engagement and develop a new slogan. The format will be set-up so <br /> that people can "Like" specific slogans and suggest others. After the contest ends, the BOCC <br />