BUTLER TWP — Four Slippery Rock University seniors led a focus group Friday afternoon in the Butler Township municipal building.

The group — which included both township and nontownship residents — discussed possibilities for the township to “rebrand” itself. While it's a capstone project for the students, the township is considering possibilities for a new logo.

A new look

“Today, we want to get everyone's opinions,” said Patrick Sennott, a senior integrated marketing communications major and project manager.

Along with seniors Kelly Muenster, Emerson Brown and Kevin Reasner, Sennott asked the group to assess the township's current logo.

The logo, according to township Commissioner Fred Vero, dates to at least 2004. Vero said the focus group may be the beginning of changing the township's brand altogether.

“It's getting us started,” Vero said.

The students asked residents to specifically speak to the current logo's design and wording.

“It looks dated,” said Mike White, a Connoquenessing Township resident.

“The colors are very old,” said Ann Sennott of Ross Township. “They don't pop.”

“I see ... multiple ideas that they're trying to portray,” said Karen Westerman, who lives in Butler Township with her husband.

Residents also felt the center artwork is too busy. Westerman said the logo's oval shape closes it off. Joan Pancoast of Ross Township, Allegheny County, said she likes some of the specific details of the logo, but feels there's room for improvement. “We love the worker,” Pancoast said. “But there's so much more to this township.”

Lasting impression

The students asked the group if it had any interest in changing the color scheme. Residents said they'd prefer shades of blue, which is “pleasant,” “modern,” “open” and brings “good feelings.”

Residents said they also are interested in opening up the logo's oval and using all-caps type.

In the end, the group felt family, agriculture and industry best represent the township.

White reminded the group the logo probably will be publicly reproduced as part of the township's rebranding. How it would appear on shirts, mugs and decals should be considered. White suggested including a township landmark, like the municipal building.

“Everything happens here,” White said. “It's ... the hub.”

White also said township officials should consider where the logo will appear.

“Who's going to be wearing that?” White asked. “What does that represent?”

Assistant Township Manager Cheryl McNeill said the current logo doesn't represent the township as well as it could.

“It's not iconic,” McNeill said.

The next step

“I'm impressed with you young people,” Pancoast said. “I'm very pleased and thankful.”

Vero said the township has worked with similar SRU student groups before on different projects. He's had good experiences.

“We've had great success,” Vero said. “(And) we were given the opportunity to participate again.”

The township will wait to hear from the students, who are now compiling the opinions gathered Friday afternoon.

“This is an exercise,” McNeill said. “This is just the first step of feedback.”

An online survey will be posted on the township's Facebook page by early next week. The community is urged to take the survey.

The students aim to provide the township with a comprehensive understanding of how it can rebrand itself by the end of the semester.