Introducing Stonington 1649

Stonington, CT – The Town of Stonington is finding new life in an old date — 1649, to be precise. Heralding the launch of a marketing initiative developed by the Town's Economic Development Commission, "Stonington 1649" is a new brand that will help drive tourism, development, investment and business in the Pawcatuck, Stonington, and Mystic villages.
 
An international logo competition initiated by Kevin Bowdler of the Commission for "Stonington 1649" resulted in a half-dozen finalists presently under review. The community is being asked to evaluate the potential designs, via a web-based survey. The winning logo will be deployed in destination marketing and economic development materials, wayfinding signage, civic promotion and a new website. 1649 is the date Stonington was first colonized, as a trading house on the Pawcatuck River, and is considered the beginning of the area's economy.
 
“’Stonington 1649’ will be used to promote the economic clusters identified by the Commission during a two-year evaluation process of the Town's resources,” said Bowdler. These include marinas, lodging, retail, real estate, eldercare, agriculture / aquaculture, manufacturing, food / entertainment / events, and attractions / culture / heritage (tourism).
 
The first promotional campaign for Stonington 1649 will launch in February at the Hartford Boat Show. The campaign, titled "One Town, Two Rivers, Three harbors and hundreds of years of history" will feature Stonington's many maritime attractions and businesses, in video and print. Subsequent promotional activities will focus on specific economic clusters at appropriate venues throughout 2018.
 
"This is an exciting time for us," said Stonington First Selectman Rob Simmons. "Stonington is growing, and we are seeing an influx of new businesses and people who are adding to the wonderful dynamics already here. By consolidating that with our history from 1649, we are promoting our history, our heritage and our culture, for the future."
 
The survey can be found at 99designs.com/contests/poll/fe8a096367