OUR NAMING INITIATIVE

Our partners in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia began a research-driven, community-wide naming initiative in early 2019. This effort was to help Our Region stand out in the marketplace as we grow toward our future. The benefits of having one regional name allow us to better share our unique story,
and attract new visitors, residents and businesses.

We valued your involvement throughout this process. This process works best when our communities, churches, organizations and businesses, collectively unite to provide their thoughts, feelings and ideas. Our aim was to represent each voice, and by working together, ensure that the name chosen is a true representation of all of us, our region, and one of pride in our future.

OUR PROCESS

  • Step 1: Research process for naming initiative

  • Step 2: Key stakeholder interviews

  • Step 3: Collect community survey data

  • Step 4: Share research results. Click here to view.

FAQS

Why are we renaming the Tri-Cities?

We are not renaming the Tri-Cities. In fact, we are not renaming anything at all! We are working to determine a name for a geographic area that has never had a name. Johnson City, Kingsport and Bristol are at the core of that area, which includes many other communities as well. The Tri-Cities will remain the Tri-Cities. Incidentally, there are more than a dozen areas across the country that call themselves “Tri-Cities.”

Why does that area need a name?

Overall growth, particularly population, is stagnant. We need to market our region to the rest of the world so they can see what a wonderful place this is to visit, live, raise a family, start a business, etc. But we can’t effectively market something if we don’t know what to call it.

Why would we market the region anyway? Why wouldn’t each city market itself?

Because – as cliché as it may sound – we really are stronger together! Each of us has something good to offer. But when you combine our strengths and leverage our assets, we have a ton of great things to offer. From industrial property to housing options, from outdoor recreation to retail developments, from award-winning education to entrepreneurial opportunities, we literally have it all, together.

But $48,000?

The $48,000 is divided among the partner agencies leading this effort, meaning the burden is not heavy on any one community. We already spend far more than that on isolated efforts that are not working toward a common goal. If we  consolidate our resources and unify our message, the value will be far greater for all of us.

What is importance of community naming?

The idea of naming a community is simple: use a community’s greatest strength to create a consistent memorable identity that will help propel the town to its desired future. The best identities are grounded in reality but aspirational in vision. They bridge the past and the present with an eye toward the future. They are uncovered and brought to life through a process that unites rather than divides. And they serve the interests of diverse groups within the community with different agendas.

Can you share some examples of community naming?

North Star Destination Strategies, our partner, has many examples on their website.

Why do we need so much research?

Data is the primary driver for uncovering Our Region’s name. A statistically significant body of quantitative and qualitative research ensures the name is informed by the reality of the perceptions from all consumers, residents and stakeholders. The more research, the more validation that will be provided for the final result.

What were the research results?

You can read the full report by clicking here.