By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Three Bowling Green police officers and one firefighter were promoted into leadership positions Tuesday evening.
“Sometimes we get lost in the numbers,” of running a city and managing budgets, Municipal Administrator Lori Tretter said to City Council members on Tuesday. But the swearing in ceremony for police and fire, she said, provide a connection between the city budget and the people who fill vital roles in the community.
“We’re very proud of all of you. Congratulations,” Tretter said.
Promoted in the police division were Lt. Mike Bengela, Sgt. Adam Skaff and Sgt. Brian Houser.
“They have gone above and beyond the call in so many ways,” Police Chief Tony Hetrick said. “These are the kind of people we look to” for filling leadership roles.
In the fire division, Tony Zmarzly was sworn in as lieutenant. Fire Chief Bill Moorman praised his service, and recognized the firefighters who filled the back of the council chambers to honor their fellow firefighter’s promotion.
Also at Tuesday’s City Council meeting, the new branding initiative for the city was unveiled by Wendy Chambers, executive director of the Bowling Green Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The new branding is intended to reflect the city’s energy.
“This city is not sleepy. It’s engaged, accepting and hungry for smart growth,” Chambers said.
Bowling Green is not what many people think, she added.
“We’re better, cooler and more progressive,” Chambers said. Bowling Green is a small city with a big city mentality, she added. The city welcomes diversity, is open-minded, offers a kaleidoscope of activity and is eco-minded.
The new branding effort is intended to show that this is not the other Bowling Green – in Kentucky.
“Bowling Green has the guts to break barriers and the heart to bring others with them,” Chambers said.
In addition to pushing the message on social media, the Convention and Visitors Bureau plans to look into a series of wearables and branded merchandise, she said.
“We can all be walking billboards,” for the community, Chambers said. “We all need to work together to spread the word.”
Council member Bruce Jeffers said the branding proposal was “really impressive.” Council member Sandy Rowland said the effort captures the community.
“It does a good job at saying who we are,” Rowland said. “We are busting at our seams to be better.”
A “brand launch” party is planned for March 28, from 5 to 7 p.m., in the Four Corners office downtown.
