Mounds View ready to reveal renewed identity

"See for yourself" is the odds-on favorite to become the city's new slogan.

By ALLIE SHAH, Star Tribune

Last update: October 20, 2009 - 4:55 PM

You might say the city of Mounds View is trying to find itself.

For months, leaders of the north metro suburb have been soliciting ideas for a catchy new slogan, or tagline, to tell folks what the community is all about.

They collected more than 100 ideas, many from people living in Mounds View and the surrounding area.

Last week, the City Council, meeting as the Mounds View Economic Development Authority, selected a favorite: "Mounds View -- see for yourself."

A final vote to make it official is expected on Oct. 26.

The new slogan is the last piece of a larger branding effort that began last year and included a new logo and a survey asking residents what they like best about living in Mounds View. City leaders hope that branding Mounds View will help set it apart from other cities and ultimately attract more homeowners and business owners.

"We were suffering from an identity crisis, and we felt we really needed to work on that and create the identity that we really deserved," said Jim Ericson, clerk-administrator for the city.

"There are development opportunities that we probably aren't seeing because [people] don't know what Mounds View is, let alone where Mounds View is.

"Given the development constraints we're all operating under," he continued, "now more than ever, we needed to make sure that people knew we were out here."

From not knowing which county the city's in (Ramsey) to mistaking it for a west metro suburb with a similar name (Mound), confusion about Mounds View has vexed city boosters.

But those familiar with the community's amenities -- big lots, mature trees, close access to several major highways -- know it's a gem and tend to stick around for decades, said Carol Mueller, a member of the City Council.

Though she liked the city's old tagline -- "pride, progress and partnerships" -- she also likes the new one, calling it "spunky."

"There's a lot of new things happening in this old town and I think the 'see for yourself' is a good challenge to people who think Mounds View is in the dark ages," Mueller said.

It wasn't easy coming up with a memorable saying in less than 10 words, but plenty of residents proved up to the challenge. Among their ideas: Soul of the Twin Cities North; Rooted in community; Small town feel, close to it all; and Follow the blue 10 sign.

The idea for the chosen slogan came from council member Al Hull, who submitted this catchphrase: "Mounds View - see us for yourself."

Mayor Joe Flaherty said city leaders wanted to incorporate the idea of viewing or seeing Mounds View into the slogan. They also wanted something short and memorable.

"This one says it all," he said of the winner. "Come visit us and see what's here."

Allie Shah • 612-673-4488

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