True Partners...

We had our weekly downtown projects meeting yesterday and all our partners — Kent State University, PARTA, Fairmount, and Pizzuti — shared updates on the progress of the respective moving parts that in 9 to 18 months will have to seamlessly come together. 

A daunting task to say the least, but the meetings keep us on track, and they double as problem solving and group therapy sessions that re-charge us for another week of project surprises and hiccups. 

For me, the weekly team meetings have re-affirmed the notion that there’s strength in numbers — whether it’s tapping into the group’s cumulative brain-power to find work-around solutions for a seemingly insurmountable problem or sharing a mini-celebration moment when another milestone is passed on the journey.  Progress seems more likely to follow whenever we plan, think, talk, argue and cheer together. 

These days everyone touts some partnership or other — which in concept is great — but in reality a lot of the collaboration talk seems long on words and thin on real comittment.   There’s good reason for that.  Genuine partnerships only work when everyone has skin in the game and everyone is willing to put the partnership ahead of the individual partners.  That’s a price tag that most people aren’t willing to pay. 

Folks will nod their heads and sign agreements to create partnerships but few really put their money where their mouth is.  Rare is the partner that says I’m willing to pay more, even though I’ll get less than what I wanted, for the benefit of all of us.  That’s the true test of a partnership.  And that’s the test that the downtown project has passed with flying colors.  

For the downtown project, there’s been check points along the way where one partner or another could have dug their feet in and took a stand for their own gain but time and time again, I’ve been surprised by how committed this team is to the partnership.  I think it’s a credit to the character of the people representing each organization and it’s also a function of the project itself — we all understand that there is no project for any one of us, without all of us, period. 

Once you realize that, it makes the decision points easier to navigate on behalf of the team. 

_______________________

Besides the 150 or so new employees from Davey Tree and Ametek that will be in the office space of the project, Fairmount recently shared a list of the retail tenants that have already signed-on to the project:

 And here’s a look at where those stores would go from the latest version of the base site plan for the mixed-use and hotel/conference center blocks:

Kent State Summer Construction...

Not to be outdone by all of the City’s construction projects, Kent State is in the midst of its own major capital reinvestments. 

It appears that the change in the State Chancellor has resulted in getting the the green-light for Kent State’s $210 million in capital improvements.  That’s a lot of constuction work — A LOT — which I’m told will be bonded, which in turn means that those projects have to deal with arbitrage issues if they don’t get done within a 3 year window. 

So it’s a lot of work in a very short time.  If you’re a results oriented person, this should be your favorite type of work.  Here’s a list of what Kent State will be working on this summer:

Kent State Public Art Walk...

With the State Control Board authorizing 3 more land purchases by Kent State along the proposed path of the University Esplanade extension (from the edge of campus connecting through to downtown Kent),  staff at Kent State and the City have the green light to roll up their sleeves and work with a design engineer to come up with the right mix of plantings, arches, stones, materials, features, etc., that will soon become the signature facility of our downtown revitalization effort.

There’s been plenty of talk about re-connecting the campus with the central business district but when it comes to the downtown project, the Esplanade is more than just a way to get from Point A to Point B.  The Esplanade, in and of itself, plays a big part in the overall Kent campus and community experience. 

The vision of the Esplanade is to be a place that encourages not only walking from one place to another, but is itself a place to hang out; a place to read a book; a place with wireless internet to surf the web; a place that can be considered it’s own destination.

Of course it helps re-connect the campus with the downtown but we could do that with a paved street but obviously that’s not the effect were looking for.  The Esplanade gives us a chance to make a definitive statement about Kent, and we plan to make the best of it.  The design engineers are looking at ways to carve out little pockets along the Esplanade for local musicians to set out a hat and play.  They’re looking for a well planned landscape theme that makes the walk feel more like a stroll through a park.  We’re hoping there will be some room for a water feature of some sort and we expect plenty of public art to be part of the Esplanade experience. 

Projects like this don’t come around often so everybody is excited about trying to get this right.  Soon enough we’ll have to figure out a budget, and that will definitely bring everybody back down to earth, but for now it’s great fun to dream big and put together something special for Kent’s next 50 years. 

To help get it started, Kent State is unveiling their public art walk.  In time, that public art walk will include the Esplanade.  Here’s the notice:

Town Gown Wins in 2010...

This past week President Lefton graciously hosted the annual town/gown dinner up at Kent State and the table talk quickly turned to all the partnership projects that the City and Kent State have launched together over the last 18 months. 

This year’s dinner event was a well deserved pat on the back for all of the senior staff from Kent State and the City that have worked so hard to break down old barriers and chart a new course that aspires to bring out the best in the Kent community. 

The Downtown Revitalization/Hotel & Conference Center/PARTA project was obviously a hot topic of conversation but honestly, there were a number of smaller projects this past year that together add up to an impressive track record for the state of town gown collaboration in 2010. 

At my table we remarked how popular the new Crooked River Adventure canoe and kayak services was in it’s first year of operation.  In terms of the total number of customers, I heard that the rentals ran about double what the KSU business plan projected for year one, and most of that customer base was community folks that took advantage of the nice weather and livery operation that Crooked River Adventure set up at Tannery Park.  

Crooked River Adventure smartly tapped into the local race circuit by participating in a multi-race series that included 3 adventure/triathlon races in Portage County, including Kent’s second annual Black Squirrel Adventure Race in downtown Kent.

Being good stewards of the river, Crooked River also participated in a couple of river clean up events, making kayaks and canoes available for volunteers to patrol the river and haul out trash and debris. 

The Community Liaison position came up in conversation as a great example of not just talking about improving relations but backing up the talk with resources and an action plan.  With only one semester under his belt the Liaison has built a good base of communication with students and residents in those shared neighborhoods that we hope will help come springtime when the flowers and end of year parties bloom. 

It was hard not to keep coming back to all the downtown plans and everyone agreed that the demolition work that we jointly paid for was a great statment about each organization’s commitment to fulfilling the promise of a vibrant university city.  If 2010 was a year of tearing down, 2011 should be a year of building up which kept the conversation buzzing in excited tones.  Ron Burbick has shown that nothing beats building new stuff to amp up community enthusiasm and we’re happy to follow his lead.  

The University has reached deep into their pockets to acquire key properties that will enable us to work with them to extend the esplanade that meanders through campus and carry it (and all its walkers, bikers, joggers) straight into the heart of downtown Kent’s business district.  Dr. Lefton often refers to the esplanade as the yellow brick road – that should bring the sweet sound of cash registers ringing in downtown Kent — and like a good partner, I happen to agree. 

The engineering and design work for the esplanade is underway, and as far as some of the students that I talked with, it couldn’t come soon enough.  One of the Student Senate leaders I broke bread with said that he was pretty stoked about the prospect of taking the FlashFeet Bike Share Program off campus so that the students could rent the bikes on campus and cruise the esplanade all the way into downtown.  I’m pretty stoked about that idea too. 

It was a good night full of good food and good conversation among friends.  Those friendships have helped us set the high water mark for town gown relations in 2010 but I am optimistic that we can raise the bar again in 2011.  

The best part of this new level of collaboration is how it has transformed what town/gown means.  I had a real sense of affirmation that rather than being a point of friction, town/gown relations have become one of our community’s greatest assets.

Alchemy is alive and well in Kent.   

KSU Winter Construction...

Not rain, or sleet or snow will stop KSU construction activities — that may not be exactly true but it’s a good lead into the listing of winter construction projects underway at Kent State University at the Kent campus. 

WINTER 2011 CONSTRUCTION PROJECT UPDATE

Here are the major facility and infrastructure improvements that are currently being administered by the Office of the University Architect:

CAMPUS-WIDE ENERGY CONSERVATION PROJECTS:

Kent Campus Academic Building Energy Conservation Project, Phase 1

The Office of the University Architect is preparing a Request for Proposals notice to be released during the first quarter of 2011 for response by Energy Service Companies to assist with planning energy conservation measures in Kent Campus Academic Buildings, excluding laboratories which will be addressed in Phase 2 of the project. Expectations for this project are that the House Bill 251 energy use reduction goal of 20% will be met or exceeded. The project anticipates utilizing provisions under House Bill 7 for payback of the project costs with guaranteed energy savings over a maximum 15-year time period.

Kent Campus Residence Services Energy Conservation Project

The Office of the University Architect and Energy Conservation Committee is reviewing proposals from Energy Service Companies to enable the twenty-six residence halls on the Kent Campus to comply with House Bill 251 energy use reduction goals. The project will utilize provisions per Ohio Legislation for payback of project cost with guaranteed energy savings over the preferred, 10-year energy savings-only total payback, but consideration will also be given for proposals with up to a maximum 15-year payback time period.

ON-GOING CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS:

Centennial Research Park Crystal Diagnostics Build-Out

The interior tenant space located within Centennial Research Park is being built-out for Crystal Diagnostics. In consultation with the new tenant, work includes installation of new wall partitions, ceilings, lighting, finishes and restrooms. Construction commenced mid-December and continues through early March.

Kent Student Center Dining Services Kitchen Hood Replacement

In the Student Center basement kitchen, the existing kitchen hood system will be removed and replaced with a new, larger hood to accommodate new equipment needs. This project will include installation of the new hood, exhaust fan, welded ductwork with fire-rated insulation cover, new fire suppression system for the new hood and replacement of the ceiling. On-site work is taking place during Winter Break until January 5.

Library First Floor Renovations

The circulation desk area and main entry lobby on the first floor of the Library were renovated this summer. New finishes and upgrades for worn and dated materials were implemented and new, energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems were installed. The exterior canopy and new entry system are being upgraded to define the entrance of existing facade; this canopy metal work continues through January.

Lowry Hall Renovations for the College of Public Health

The third floor west wing of Lowry Hall was renovated and converted into faculty offices for the College of Public Health which will relocate to the building. New finishes were installed and office space was designed to accommodate the new program of requirements for staff. Construction punch list work remains to be completed. Office move-in is scheduled to begin in early January.

Stewart Hall Renovations for the Relocation of Information Services

Stewart Hall is being renovated for the consolidation of all Information Services groups campuswide into one facility. Most of the Phase 1 work was completed by the end of October. In addition to demolition and abatement, Phase 1 included reroofing, new window installation, and other repairs to the exterior of the building. Most of the Phase 2 work involving plumbing, mechanical and electrical infrastructure has been completed and drywall installation is nearing completion. Painting and ceiling installation are beginning. The large air-handling units, transformer, electrical gear, and the elevator were scheduled for delivery and installation starting the week of December 13. In the course of the work, the natural gas line was found to be leaking and needed replacement; that work is nearing completion. Construction will continue through January in anticipation that the building will be ready for occupancy in February.

Summit Street Sidewalk Extension

The campus sidewalk along Summit Street was extended from the C-Science parking lot southeast to the bus stop in front of the Parking Maintenance Building to provide safe access to the campus. The sidewalk was extended to a bus stop on Summit Road across from Whitehall Terrace apartments. Paving has been completed and landscaping will resume in the spring.

Williams Hall Lab 223 HVAC Improvements

The HVAC system in laboratory 223 of Williams Hall was upgraded this past summer. All existing fume hoods and lab casework were demolished and replaced; six additional fume hoods were installed on the exterior wall; new lighting, new plumbing fixtures, emergency eyewash and shower, flooring, and wall finishes were installed. An ADA fume hood and accessible bench workstations were also provided. Punch list work continues through winter break.

WKSU Broadcast Center Generator Replacement

The old generator for the WKSU-FM Broadcast Center was removed and replaced with a new generator for standby electric power. The new generator is operational; punch list work remains to be completed.

 
PROJECTS ADVERTISED FOR BIDDING: 

Harbourt Hall Renovations for Administrative Functions

Harbourt Hall, a former residence hall built in 1967, will be renovated to provide office space for multiple administrative functions on campus. Work includes the conversion of the residence rooms and bathroom facilities, improvements to the public areas (lounges, classrooms, lobby, corridors), and the upgrade/replacement of the entire heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems, electrical distribution, telecommunications systems, fire alarm and fire suppression systems. The currently proposed program includes office spaces for the Office of the University Architect, Facilities Planning and Operations, and several, smaller financial and administrative units. Contractors’ bids for construction will be opened on January 14. Construction is anticipated to begin by the end of February and be completed in early July.

Kent Hall Lab 134 Renovations

Renovations to Kent Hall lab 134 include the demolition of the small room partitions along the south wall and all existing lab casework. New ceilings, lighting, flooring, HVAC, plumbing, lab casework, an autoclave, fume hood, water purifier, ice maker and glass washer will be installed. Contractors’ bids for construction will be opened on January 14.

Loop Road Recreation Field Improvements

Improvements to the Loop Road Recreation Fields include installing subdrainage for the soccer fields, installation of sports lighting and irrigation, improvements to the basketball courts and amenities. Contractors’ bids for construction will be opened on January 27.

MAC Center Acoustics and Sound System Renovation

The MAC Center’s sound system will be renovated with an acoustical treatment and upgrades to improve the sound quality and intelligibility. Contractors’ bids for construction will be opened on January 6. On-site construction is scheduled to be conducted from May 9, until May 23.

Summit Street Power Plant Cooling Tower System Upgrade and Repairs

The existing Power Plant cooling towers will be repaired, additional tower cells, pumps, side stream separators will be added, and then existing piping will be modified to accommodate the new tower cells. The new towers and pumps will help provide the cooling tower tonnage required for better operation and performance of the central utilities chiller plant. Contractors’ bids for construction will be opened on January 10.

 PROJECTS UNDER DESIGN:

Business Administration Building Renovations to Room 100

Lecture hall room 100 in the Business Administration Building will be renovated during the summer with the installation of new seating, lighting and finishes and technology upgrades. This project should be advertised for bidding in the spring.

Intercollegiate Athletics Facilities Assessment and Master Plan

A consulting firm is conducting an assessment of existing athletics facilities and needs of Intercollegiate Athletics’ programs. The final study will provide recommendations for all varsity sports facility priorities and their associated costs. The consultant will also provide marketing materials, such as renderings and computer animations, as requested. Intercollegiate Athletics will utilize the results of the study to plan for the next several years and to prioritize their fundraising efforts.
Kent Campus Medium Voltage Loop 6B Electrical Distribution Upgrade

To accommodate the new 13.2kv electrical distribution system, upgrades will be made to the Allerton distribution transformer, Child Development Center building transformer, DeWeese Health Center electrical service, Ice Arena transformer and electrical service, and cabling for Stewart Hall, Van Campen Hall, Student Recreation and Wellness Center and WKSU Broadcast Center. New medium voltage distribution equipment and cabling will be installed from the Power Plant. New power meters in these associated buildings will be installed. Currently this project is under design.
Kent Multimodal Transportation Center

Kent State University, the City of Kent and the Portage Area Transportation Authority (PARTA) received a $20M grant for the construction of the Kent Gateway multimodal transportation center. Currently under design, the center incorporates parking, mass transportation, pedestrians and bicycles into one central facility designed to promote and increase transit, pedestrian and bicycle access to the university and downtown Kent. Design and construction of the Kent Gateway will be closely coordinated with the design and construction of the esplanade extension, the hotel and conference center and the other downtown development initiatives.
Lake and Olson Halls Elevator Replacements

New, four-story masonry hoistways will be built at both Lake and Olson halls to contain new, four-stop elevators. Selection of an architectural firm to assist with designing this project is currently underway. This project is anticipated to be prepared for bidding during the spring for summer construction.

MAC Center Building Envelope Restoration

The Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center’s (1950) roofing has failed and costs are escalating to maintain it to prevent further damage to building interiors and subsequent deterioration of exterior walls. A professional consulting firm has assessed the roof and entire building envelope and to provide estimates and options for restoration of masonry, parapets, glazing, and entries, and planned construction of selected repairs. Until funding is secured, design of this project is on hold.

Music and Speech Center Parking Lot Renovation

The existing Music and Speech Center parking lot, including curbs, walks and asphalt surfaces, will be renovated, lighting replaced and pedestrian circulation through the lot improved. Currently under design, this project should be advertised for bidding in January with construction commencing in May.
Science Research Lab Building Envelope Restoration

The roof over the Science Research Building (1986) has lasted beyond its useful life and failures are causing water to penetrate the building’s systems, subsequently causing the exterior walls to deteriorate. A professional consulting firm has made assessments, recommendations and cost estimates for the building envelope. Work involves roofing, concrete and masonry repairs to facades and entry areas, fenestration and caulking; however, the scope of repairs to be performed in 2011 beyond reroofing of the building is currently under discussion due to funding concerns.

Our Hamlet Update...

On December 14th 2010 I posted about an interesting new cultural project in Kent being organized by Hal DuBois called Our Hamlet.  Our Hamlet defies simple explanation — yes, it’s a Shakespeare classic, and yes, it has real live actors — but its also equal parts collaborative study, discussion and cross-pollination experience between town and gownies that makes this brainchild of Hal particularly intriguing and uniquely Kent. 

The DuBois family has a long history of service to Kent State University and the Kent community and Hal is genetically hardwired to add his personal touch to that legacy which he is exactly what he’s doing in this new cultural/social/educational journey that starts with Our Hamlet but is planned to continue as part of what he calls the Ingensia adventure. 

Besides his business acumen Hal is loaded with high octane creative juices and the Ingensia series is certain to be the motherload of a unique cultural experience.  Here’s an update on status of the Our Hamlet project from Hal himself:

Good morning! 

I prepared the attached flyer to distribute at the Kent Rotary Club meeting this afternoon.  It covers the details of the first major events in the “Our Hamlet” project schedule, so I’m sharing it with all of you.  Please share it or post it for the benefit of your colleagues, co-workers, customers, clients, and friends!

One of the most stunning professional and critically acclaimed productions of Hamlet, streamed into Cleveland from the UK’s National Theatre with breathtaking digital clarity.  Join the Kent State cast and crew for this special event!

Wednesday, January 12^th
Cedar Lee Theater – Cleveland Heights

Bus leaves KSU Roe Green Center (Music & Speech) at 5:45 p.m.
Screening Time:  7:00 p.m.

Discounted Group Rate Tickets:  $15
Bus fare at rider’s discretion

Tickets and transportation extremely limited!

The Riverside Reader’s Theatre

Audition for Readers – Sunday, January 16^th
2:00 – 5:00 at the Water Street Gallery
(257 North Water Street, downtown Kent)

While polished actors will cover the major roles, there are several opportunities for community members to join in speaking “the speech, trippingly on the tongue!”  An excellent opportunity to gain a quick understanding of the character, plot and language in just over an hour of creatively woven readings from the Bard’s masterpiece!

Inaugural Performance:  February 2^nd

7:00 p.m. – KSU Roe Green Center

Admission is free and no ticket is required.

Sponsored by The DuBois Family Foundation

 Call Hal DuBois at 330.221. 4709 or e-mail DuBoisHalB@aol.com to join a pre-production reading or study group now!

…and don’t forget to mark these key dates on your calendar today!

Café Elsinore – Wednesday, April 13^th
KSU presents “Hamlet” – April 15-23, 2011

Entrepreneur In Residence...

Dan Smith, the City’s Economic Development Director, has been circulating the job announcement found below to solicit interest from proven entrepreneurs that would like to be hired as Kent’s first Entrepreneur-In-Residence. 

Recognizing the importance of entrepreneurship and small business development in our local economy, the City and Kent State University have joined forces to share in the costs of hiring an experienced entrepreneur to jump start all those emerging business men and woman who could benefit from some professional advice. 

Making the leap into a new business venture can be intimidating so the City and KSU are trying to take some of the uncertainty and risk out of the equation by providing a personal business advisor who’s been on the front lines of business development.   

City of Kent Seeks Entrepreneur-In-Residence in Partnership with Kent State University
The City of Kent is currently seeking applicants to serve as an entrepreneur-in-residence (EIR) in partnership with Kent State University.  The program is a collaborative effort between the City of Kent and Kent State University to provide consulting and advisory services to the business community.  The City of Kent has appropriated $5,000 initiate the program and KSU will contribute a matching $5,000 in support of entrepreneurial endeavors. The broader vision is to spark economic activity for the region through encouraging entrepreneurship and related activity. There are currently several successful programs up and running in Aurora, Orville and Twinsburg is just getting started.

The entrepreneur-in-residence will work to engage in entrepreneurial development within the City of Kent as well as work with KSU’s entrepreneurially-oriented students.  The effort is designed to enhance student initiated or operated businesses like Bookends Café at the Kent Free Library, the Acorn Alley student entrepreneur space and The Tannery (integrated marking communications), just to name a few. The person will connect local entrepreneurs to resources at Kent State University.  He or she will provide consulting and advisory services to individuals and firms as well as work with high school students to encourage young entrepreneurs.

The person to be hired must have experience as a successful entrepreneur, be able to set aside time to serve between September through May and have a personality conducive to working with students.  He or she must be a resident of Kent and an advocate of entrepreneurship curriculum and education. 

Selection of the EIR will be made jointly by the City of Kent and Kent State University.  The EIR will be required to be on campus one day per week to exchange ideas with other EIR’s, be a director for operating KSU student businesses, be a class presenter to curriculum majors in entrepreneurship and serve as judge/panelists for business plan conferences for regional high school competitions at KSU.  It is also expected an average of eight hours a week in the Kent community. The City and KSU will jointly evaluate the effectiveness of the EIR on a regular basis.

Persons having an interest in the position should contact Dan Smith, Economic Development Director of the City of Kent, by December 27, via e-mail at smithd@kent-ohio.org.

 Best Regards,
Daniel D. Smith, Economic Development Director

Kent Community Liaison On-Line...

The Kent State University Graduate Assistant, Neal Stefanko, who was hired to serve as the Kent community’s first neighborhood liaison has been a busy guy.  This Fall Neal walked his beat — those neighborhoods that are predominantly student rentals — to introduce himself, to listen and to get a lay of the land. 

Bridging the town gown gap is not an easy task, but by all accounts Neal has navigated these waters very well.  And although we were realistic in our expectations for what he could accomplish in his first 6 months, I still think he’s done a great job at communicating with the neighbors and I think it’s working. 

With a couple of long warm stretches late into Fall there were plenty of late night outdoor festivities in the neighborhoods that could have turned ugly but at the end of the night the revelers went home on their own usually without a police escort — which is always a good thing for everyone involved. 

I can’t say that Neal is the reason we had a safe and civil Fall but I think it’s fair to say that his personal touch has helped take some of the edge off of the town gown relations. 

Neal let me know that he’s uploaded information for folks to access and download that he thinks offer the kind of sound advice that students and permanent residents need to know.  Here’s the welcome message that Neal posted on his site as part of his first neighborhood newsletter called the Kent Communicator:

Welcome to “The Kent Communicator!”

My name is Neal Stefanko and I am the University-Community Liaison and I would like to welcome you to the new “The Kent Communicator.” First, let me explain my position. I am a vital communication tool that will be used between Kent State University and The City of Kent Community. One way I am working to obtaining communication has been to walk through the community going door to door talking to residents and students. Throughout this process I am pleased to say I am enjoying meeting everyone and look forward to meeting those residents and students that I have not yet met. The feedback I am receiving will help in my position continue to make informed communications and educate where needed to obtain a well balanced approach to the University and Community residing in harmony.

Second, I want to welcome everyone to “The Kent Communicator”. This newsletter will be of great value to students and residents alike. Every article will be vital information for students and residents with emphasis on important issues that are needed to help educate and inform students and residents alike. There will be a blend of information streaming from University and Community sources. As this newsletter continues to grow I would encourage anyone and everyone to submit ideas or articles to my email. This may include pictures and graphs or any other information that would be considered vital for everyone from students to community to read about.

In closing, I welcome your feedback at anytime. Feel free to contact me at UniversityCommunityLiaison@kent.edu or 330-672-2480. I cannot wait to hear many more good stories about our amazing student body as well as the opportunity to answer your questions.

Sincerely

Neal A. Stefanko
University-Community Liaison

You can read the entire newsletter by clicking here.  (I particularly like his column on How to Get Caught By the Police — good message delivered with a sense of humor.)

Kent Folk Festival...

The 44th Annual Kent State University Folk Festival gets underway this week in Kent, November 17th through November 20th. 

True to it’s folk and blues roots the Folk Festival is all about the people and their music.  It’s not a choreographed, in-sync, glam rock, big hair-a-palooza.  It’s gritty, sometimes grimey, and always expressive musical storytelling.  You won’t find pyrotechnics at these shows that are held in the kind of small, intimate venues that Kent is famous for where the musicians and their music take center stage.

One of the best parts of the Festival is the ’Round Town series.  The Folk Alley ‘Round Town tradition continues, stretching the definition of “Folk Music” with a variety of performers stationed in clubs, pubs, churches, stores and more throughout Kent. Free concerts begin during lunch and continue into the wee hours. Have a bite to eat, do a little shopping and enjoy live music wherever you go.

Here’s a link to the full event schedule and below is a snapshot of the Round Town venues and performers.

One Kent Campaign...

Last year the City of Kent was the client for a senior class of marketing/communications students at Kent State University.  The challenge for the class was to come up with different campaigns that present Kent in a more unified way as a place that is relevant for both residents and Kent State students. 

The class came up with 3 interesting campaigns, each of which emphasized the idea of one Kent.  The messages varied a bit but the goal was the same — to rediscover Kent as a place that is interesting and meaningful for everyone.   

I attended the Ohio 2nd Annual Town Gown Conference and the message was clear — cities and universities have to get beyond just tapping in to each other, they must get fully engaged.  They called that the power and possibilities of partnerships.  My favorite quote of the day was “partner or perish.” 

Much of the downtown redevelopment work is premised on the physical (esplanade extension) and economic impacts of a fully engaged Kent, where residents and students have places to shop, eat and hang out.  With the downtown project building the physical connectivity, the idea behind the Kent re-branding campaign was to create social connectivity themes.  

We happened to be digging through our files this week and we pulled out the student project materials, and that got us thinking some more about how we communicate our Kent brand in our web site, this Blog, and any other place where you’ll find the City.  We think we can do better so we thought maybe we could get some fresh ideas from the student projects.  

We decided to go ahead and upload the student project reports for anyone that’s interested to browse.  Here’s a link to the full reports and below is a couple of my favorite excerpts from the 3 campaigns: