By Marty Gordon
Local leaders are asking the public why they think Christiansburg is a great place to live, work and play. The marketing effort was started earlier this week.
Councilman Harry Collins spearheaded the idea.
“It originated when I kept seeing Christiansburg get bashed in the newspapers by a small percentage of people in the area. I wanted a way that most citizens could speak out and say what they wanted to say about the great qualities of Christiansburg. Many, many citizens have asked me personally how they can do that,” he said.
A form has been placed on the town’s website and allows people to leave positive comments about the town on “Why I Love My Hometown”.
The effort says: “We want to know… what is it about Christiansburg that you love? What makes it #ThePlaceToBe? Share a story or comment about why you love your hometown, and it may be read aloud at the next Christiansburg town council meeting.”
Collins said he is planning to read one or two responses at every meeting.
”We need to share the happiness people feel about Christiansburg. This will also help give the people associated with Christiansburg a great venue to brag about their town and spread the good will about what they are most proud of.,” he said.
Of course, Collins admits this is not a cure-all idea and never was intended to be one. However, it is an idea to make people happy and proud to be here.
“There are many issues and important topics discussed at each council meeting, but this will allow a short, dedicated time to reflect on why people choose to live, work and play in Christiansburg. It will recognize what makes Christiansburg unique,” he said.
Collins has lived in Christiansburg since 2007 and considers it the best place he has ever lived.
“It has everything that I could ever want: a small town feel, a progressive town, great schools, a place where I want my children and grandchildren to live, a place to be proud of, the best people in the world, a beautiful landscape, and a place I’m proud to call home,” he said.
Already the town has received several responses. The first one said: “Being a resident just over 2-1/2 years I love the sense of community, the stance of ‘It Takes a Village’ and the feeling of family. Whenever someone is in need, the town comes together to give support in any way that is needed. I am proud to be called a resident of Christiansburg.”
If you would like to leave response, go to: www.christiansburg.org/FormCenter/Administration-2/Why-I-Love-My-Hometown-68.
