Summer 2021 Hometown Messenger

Innovating. Entertaining. Thriving. Shakopee launches brand to celebrate what makes Shakopee unique

This summer, the city is unveiling a new tagline aimed at highlighting the best of what this city offers to residents, businesses and visitors.

INNOVATING Shakopee has a diverse group of innovative businesses and organizations backed by a supportive community. The city is also an innovative organization that thinks creatively to improve all city services. ENTERTAINING Shakopee has a unique variety of options for entertainment, enjoyment and relaxation. We are an active community with something for everyone. As a city organization, we strive to build community by bringing people together. THRIVING Shakopee is a safe, diverse, welcoming, growing and economically strong community. The city supports initiatives that build community and ensure all residents, businesses and visitors feel at home here.

“Shakopee has so much to celebrate as a community and city organization,” said Mayor Bill Mars. “From our innovative businesses to our abundant recreation opportunities to our high-quality of life, this new tagline encompasses what makes Shakopee unique.”

The Shakopee City Council directed staff to work on developing a consistent brand as part of the 2020-24 Strategic Plan. Council was concerned with low image results from previous community surveys that didn’t line up with city services data. The purpose of the tagline is to accentuate the strengths of the community as a way not only to celebrate them in the community and region, but also to build upon them through future initiatives. “These three words really encapsulate what Shakopee is about, not just here at the city but across the community,”Mars said. “We are innovating, entertaining and thriving. It’s time to tell the story proudly.” Residents will see the new brand roll out this summer in city communication materials. INNOVATING. ENTERTAINING. THRIVING.

'Make it in Shakopee' to celebrate the city's unique businesses This summer, the city will unveil a new economic development campaign to celebrate the exciting business diversity in Shakopee. The 'Make it in Shakopee' campaign will highlight the variety of employers who call Shakopee home while inviting new entrepreneurs to consider locating in the community. "Shakopee has all the characteristics of a vibrant community — diverse and thriving businesses, many recreation and entertainment options and numerous high-wage job opportunities," said Economic Development Specialist Jenn Brewington. While Shakopee can be overlooked due to its location or labeled a bedroom community, Brewington said the city is the most economically diverse in Scott County, serving as headquarters to several large firms. Among the businesses to be featured in regional advertising are the globally-recognized Rahr Corporation, Bayer Crop Science, Entrust, Cameron's Coffee, Emerson Electric and KEB America. In April, the Economic Development Authority approved contracts with two consultants for entrepreneurial consulting services and a branding campaign. The six-month marketing campaign will build the Shakopee business brand across the region. "Shakopee is home to many innovative companies and talented workers, and job growth is increasing," Brewington said. "But what's more is we have a community that supports our businesses and entrepreneurs. And that is exciting to be a part of."

WELCOME TO SHAKOPEE! Visitors to Shakopee will soon be greeted by two new gateway signs welcoming them to our community. The monument signs are similar to the downtown Shakopee sign off Highway 101 near River City Centre. It features a Kasota stone base with a limestone cap, aluminum city logo and LED lighting to illuminate the sign at night. One of the Big Ideas proposed in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, the gateway signs will beautify Shakopee highways and create a better first impression for visitors and guests. The sign locations have not been finalized, but the city is working with Scott County and the Minnesota Department of Transportation to identify suitable sites.

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