Though the Peachtree

City Council remains bitterly divided over the creation of a tourism board,

and the future of the tourism board itself remains in limbo, the council

will be asked to consider a new city logo and slogan at its Dec. 4 meeting

that informs visitors they'd better "plan to stay."

Described as a "simple

but elegant design" by Betsy Tyler, public information specialist,

the elongated logo - perfectly shaped for bumper stickers - was chosen

fall.

The stylized graphic

of a blossoming branch with the slogan "Plan to Stay" beneath

would replace the existing tree logo that's been used on city stationery,

printed materials, vehicles and Web site for years.

The committee members

� Councilman Murray Weed, Recreation Commission Member Johnny Inman, City

Manager Bernie McMullen, Tyler and Debbie Britt of BrittIdeas, a local

marketing consultant and volunteer, unanimously recommended both the slogan

and the proposed logo, Tyler said.

"At Council's

direction, the committee originally accepted and reviewed slogan suggestions

submitted by Peachtree City residents," she said. "Although

Peachtree City has no single landmark or historic site, a variety of themes

emerged, including the path system, Peachtree City's abundant greenspace,

and the planned community concept that contribute to the overall quality

of life here."

While no single submission

summed up the variety of feelings and ideas presented, the committee derived

the overall public sentiment from the ideas and applied professional standards

in developing the new slogan, Tyler said.

Realizing a new slogan

wasn't much good without a new logo, the committee enlisted the talents

of graphic artist Jay Johnson of Five Minute Productions to develop a

logo that visually reflected the themes and the city's high quality

standards. Johnson donated his services for the project, said Tyler.

Said Britt, "Although

the committee was not originally tasked with updating the city logo, this

was the perfect time.�The new slogan and logo will also integrate into

the city's overall marketing plan, working to attract visitors and

new businesses to the community."

The committee will

ask that the Council not just approve the new slogan and logo, but have

it incorporated on printed materials as supplies are replenished over

the next two years.�This will dramatically reduce any costs associated

with updating the city's image.

Weed commended residents

who submitted slogan ideas.

"Everyone really

put a lot of thought into this process, and their suggestions demonstrate

the people's love of this city and what the residents feel is important

about the community," he said. "Their input was invaluable in

coming up with the committee's recommendation."