County looks for new logo

The entries have begun rolling in to help design Columbia County's future symbol.

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Two days after the county's Board of Commissioners voted to take their quest for a new logo to the public, officials said they already had begun receiving submissions.

The public appeal is part of an ongoing effort to update the county's emblem.

The current logo, in place for 12 years, shows a sailboat in front of a sun, the words "New Horizons" as a slogan and "Columbia County" wrapped around the top.

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All together, the package could use some tweaking, said Marilyn Heuer, the county's project administrator.

Columbia County's old logo is hard to read and expensive to print, officials say.

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The orange sun has faded on outdoor paintings of the symbol, the arcing "Columbia County" is difficult to read and the four-color logo is more expensive to print than a less colorful one would be, she said.

But that doesn't mean the old logo is out of the picture.

Whether it's suggestions for improving the sailboat image or starting over with a new concept, county officials want to see what the residents come up with.

"I think when the public has input, they have ownership of it," Vice Chairman Tom Mercer said during Tuesday's commissioners meeting.

Schoolchildren, artists or residents struck by creativity have about a month to submit their suggestions to the county.

Heuer said she would like to retain the message, "A county of vision. A community of pride. Endless opportunities." that local marketing firm The Alison Group developed while working on the county's rebranding effort.

"It doesn't have to be perfect," Heuer said about the submissions.She said officials are looking for unique ideas of images - symbols that represent Columbia County.

The actual artwork can be polished later if necessary, she said.

Commissioners discussed the possibility of a monetary award for the winning design but as of Thursday officials had not settled on the details.

Heuer said the submissions are due by Dec. 19 and can be faxed to her office at 868-3348 or e-mailed to mheuer@co.columbia.ga.us.