by Janel Jernigan

By definition, to rediscover something is to see, get knowledge of, learn or find out something that is previously seen.  By reading this article, you are in fact rediscovering something that has been a part of Kernersville for the last few years, but you may not know why.

If you happen to be sitting at the stoplight at the intersection of Main Street and Mountain Street, or driving down Cherry Street, you will get a glimpse of the black and gold signs that proudly line the footprint of Downtown Kernersville saying: “Discover Yourville in Kernersville.”

So what does it mean? 

“During a strategic planning process the Kernersville Downtown Preservation and Development Council established a Promotion and Marketing Committee,” says Jeff Hatling, Community Development Director.  “The committee had a strong core of individuals with strong experience in promoting and marketing businesses and non-profits.  It was recognized by the committee that a unique theme was needed to attract the attention of potential customers and create excitement for the downtown businesses to rally around.”

One of those committee members, Bruce Frankel, currently serves on the Board of Directors of the new Kernersville Museum.

“The ‘Discover Yourville in Kernersville’ branding evolved from a comprehensive exploration of community insight with a clear marketing focus of what makes Kernersville a distinctive and appealing destination,” commented Bruce Frankel, the task force chairperson.  “A big thanks to all those who were involved.  It is a relevant and sustainable campaign that we can continue to expand and build on.”

What are the ways we are building upon YourVILLE? 

By creating the graphics and logos for the Discover Yourville campaign, Pat Coyne, another marketing committee member, lent his creative process to the development of something that is timeless for our town.  “There is much to Discover in Kernersville.  The campaign ‘Stars You’ and the goal is to feature the most interesting real people, places, and things that make Kernersville the most special place to visit, live, and work in the Triad,” says Coyne.

In choosing the gold star that you see located within the K of Kernersville, the town has many opportunities to expand on the ‘Stars You’ concept.  Just released in June, the new Downtown Newsletter has a section that highlights a citizen or visitor in Kernersville: the YOU in YourVILLE.  The person highlighted is asked questions about their experience in Kernersville.  The goal is to serve as a positive reinforcement for our merchants and community that we are a wonderful community that people seek out.

At the recent annual Kernersville Foundation meeting, the Kernersville Downtown Council received a grant that will help fund events that are planned for 2014 and beyond.  Identifying new ways to bring a “flurry of feet” to our downtown area is an ongoing effort that continues to be discussed in monthly “Meet Me on Main” meetings, where merchants gather to discuss ways to make downtown Kernersville a destination.

What are the ways YOU support YourVILLE? 

In a recent study*, Kernersville was named the 5th best city to live in North Carolina, and it is evident that we are suited to be ranked 1st.  It takes the entire community to support the town they live in, and by all standards, Kernersville has a lot to be proud of.  Take advantage of the abundance of uniqueness we have within the 27284 zip code!  We have unique dining options, consignment shops, interior design consultants, art galleries, yoga studios, beer & wine options, pet groomers, a book store, a coffee shop, a botanical garden, a history museum, and our very own Körner’s Folly, a historic landmark, and it is all in walking distance when you visit downtown.

As the Downtown Marketing Coordinator, I invite YOU to continue to be an integral part of the success of our town and Discover YourVILLE in Kernersville!

*Credit Donkey Study: Best Places to Live in North Carolina