When we engage with a community entity for a branding or marketing initiative—whether it is a school district, a destination marketing organization, a city, an economic development organization or a regional collaboration—we often hear a lot of comparisons to cities like Madison, Wisconsin and Austin, Texas, among several others. 

These communities aren't necessarily looking to emulate the vibe or brand of these communities, but they certainly look to their success and ask "How do we get that?"

The answer, every time, is "Be yourself." 

"If you build it, they will come."

Other than a baseball field in Iowa, that statement really isn't true. You can create the perfect environment for your community or region to grow and expand new and existing business, but if you don't actively market it - in ways that cut through the clamor of all the other competing sites/cities/states, then you are leaving a lot to chance.