Town of Marana seeking Letters of Interest for radio partnership

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The Town of Marana is requesting Letters of Interest from radio broadcasting companies seeking to be the exclusive radio media partner for the Town’s Star Spangled Spectacular event.

The Town of Marana intends to select one radio media partner that;

• Provides coverage promoting the event in the months leading up to the event date

• Reaches an audience that reflects the Marana community, as well as reflects the appropriate tone and scope of the event

• Expands the Town’s reach into new audiences that will enhance/grow event attendance

Any additional services provided by the radio media partner that corresponds with the Town’s intent to grow awareness and attendance at the event will also be considered, including;

• Live event coverage and on-site presence

• Emcee services

• Sponsor an attraction within the event with the ability to sell additional sponsorships to Town-approved entities

• Recruiting of musical talent for the Star Spangled Spectacular

The Letter of Interest should include;

• Name of applicant

• Name of a contact person including email and phone number

• Brief description of organization and its qualification. Please include target audiences and reach.

• Description of services to be provided

• Interviews may be required at the Towns discretion

All questions related to this LOI process or procedure must be submitted in an email to Vic Hathaway, Communications Manager, at vhathaway@maranaAZ.gov.  Send all questions by February 8, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. Arizona time. Answers to questions will be distributed to all interested parties.

Letter of Interest packages will be due February 15 by 3:00 p.m. and emailed to Vic Hathaway at vhathaway@maranaAZ.gov or delivered and titled;

LETTER OF INTEREST FOR TOWN OF MARANA RADIO MEDIA PARTNERSHIP to;

Town of Marana
11555 W. Civic Center Dr.
Marana, AZ. 85653
Attn: Vic Hathaway, Communications Manager

Marana marketing campaign wins national award

MARANA - Town of Marana received national recognition on Thursday, September 6 with an Award of Excellence from the City-County Communications & Marketing Association for the category Photography Single-Image Use.  

The submission, labeled “Abaaa-ndon Sheep!” featured a photograph of a young competitor at the Marana Cotton Festival Mutton Busting competition holding on tightly as their sheep raced through the rodeo arena. The photograph was captured by J.D. Fitzgerald.  

The intended goal of the photograph and ensuing advertising outreach was to grow the Marana Farm Festival, promote the event as a way to celebrate the Town of Marana rodeo and agrarian roots, and to demonstrate how rodeo is not only a key component of farm life but part of the very fabric of Marana’s rich tapestry. 

The Town not only saw the size of the event grow over time, but saw a huge increase in social media interaction in posts using striking, professional images.

“Outstanding entry presentation and image,” the judges wrote.

“We made an effort to use dynamic images in our event marketing and outreach and the community really responded,” said Communications Manager Vic Hathaway. “We saw more comments and shares on our social media posts about the event, and had over 2,000 more views on our on-line photo galleries.”

Mutton busting is one of the most popular features at Marana Farm Festival, with the next event scheduled September 29, 2018. Visit www.MaranaEvents.com for more information.

The Town of Marana also won a Savvy Award for Special Events: One-Time Events from the City-County Communications & Market Association.

JD Fitzgerald is an award-winning photographer and cinematographer based out of Tucson, AZ. For over seven years JD served as a staff photojournalist winning several awards from the Arizona Newspaper Association and the Arizona Press Club. He has also produced many films local artists and advertising for small/medium sized businesses.

His clients include: Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, Congressman Ron Barber, Town of Marana, Marana Unified School District, Marana Police Department, and Northwest Fire District.

The City-County Communications & Marketing Association announced the 2018 winners of its national Savvy Awards Competition during a ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Milwaukee in Wisconsin. 

The Savvy Awards, held in conjunction with 3CMA’s Annual Conference, recognize outstanding local government achievements in communications, public-sector marketing and citizen-government relationships. The Savvies salute skilled and effective city, county, agency or district professionals who have creatively planned and carried out successful innovations in communications and marketing. 3CMA accommodates local government organizations of all sizes and budget classes by judging entries in several different population groups.

Marana Communications Manager named Top 40 Under 40

Town of Marana Communications Manager Vickie Hathaway received the 40 Under 40 Award given by the Arizona Daily Star and the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

The award recognizes forty young professionals under the age of forty who are influential in the community through their professional and philanthropic contributions and leadership. 

“I’m very honored,” said Hathaway. “To be included with so many incredible people is humbling, and I am inspired by all the accomplishments.”

Passionate about effective communication and compelling storytelling, she pursued projects that enhanced the Town’s communication program. Those projects include incorporating photography and videography into the Town’s brand, restructuring the town’s website MaranaAZ.gov, creating the Marana Newsroom, and establishing the Communications Division of the Town Manager’s Office to oversee public relations, brand management, and events.

“On numerous occasions I’ve sought out Ms. Hathaway for guidance related to branding, community outreach and effective communication, and I’ve always been impressed with the big picture approach she takes with everything she does,” said Marana Police Department Chief of Police. “She is truly a great asset to the Town of Marana.”   

Hathaway has also worked to create positive experiences and memories for individuals and families by restructuring the Town’s signature events program through the use of working relationships with businesses and non-profits from throughout the community. Marana events now collectively draw over thirty-thousand people to the community every year.

“She believes in Marana and what we are doing and works so hard to make sure every detail is thought through,” said Marana Mayor Ed Honea. 

She and her team have received numerous awards for their work, including national recognition for the Town of Marana’s community branding campaign, website design, and citizen outreach.

 “I feel this is also great recognition for the Town of Marana and the great projects my team and I have been able to pursue for the community,” Hathaway said.

Hathaway was raised in southern Arizona and is passionate about public service. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Administration & Public Policy in 2008 and her Master Degree in Public Administration in 2011 from the University of Arizona. She began her local government career as a Management Assistant in 2013 and then Assistant to the Town Manager in 2014 before becoming Communications Manager in 2016.

Marana named top digital city

The Center for Digital Government (CDG) announced the winners of the 2017 Digital Cities Survey and Marana was named one of the top-10 Digital Cities in the United States with a population of 75,000 or less. Now in its 17th year, the annual survey recognizes cities using technology to improve citizen services, enhance transparency and encourage citizen engagement.

“This year’s leading digital cities are leveraging technology to connect disadvantaged citizens with critical information and services, promote citizen inclusion in important government processes and share government data with the public,” said Teri Takai, executive director of the Center for Digital Government. “Thanks to the efforts of these innovative cities, citizens can now meaningfully interact with city government more easily than in any other time in history. Congratulations to the winners!”

The Town of Marana is committed to remaining at the forefront of technology and trying to be innovative in all forms of public outreach.

“We are constantly looking at ways to improve our residents’ experience when it comes to dealing with the Town,” said Technology Services Director Carl Drescher. “We want that experience to be first rate whether they are visiting our website, utilizing our apps, or interacting with us on social media.”

Embracing technology is another way Marana shows our commitment to top-notch customer service.

“The Town of Marana is dedicated to being a community that is attractive to residents and businesses alike, with customer service that is comparable to the private sector,” said Communications Director Vickie Hathaway. “A professional and strategic digital and technological approach is needed to match the demands, perceptions, and pace of the Town’s target audience.”

Marana was one of six Arizona cities across five categories recognized by the Digital Cities Survey, and one of just two from Southern Arizona. Marana was the only Arizona city of its size to be recognized.

Town of Marana Honored as Top Ten Digital City for Second Straight Year

The Center for Digital Government has announced the winners of the 2016 Digital Cities Survey, and for the second consecutive year, Marana made the list. Now in its 15th anniversary year, the annual survey recognizes cities using technology to improve citizen services, enhance transparency, and encourage citizen engagement. Marana is committed to ensuring an online presence that helps residents access the information and services that they expect from their government.

“This year’s top digital cities are using technology to ensure citizens can meaningfully interact with city government more easily than in any other time in history,” said Todd Sander, executive director of the Center for Digital Government. “From open data portals to enhanced connectivity and mobile platforms, this year’s top-ranked cities are actively promoting transparency, encouraging citizen participation, and making it easier for people to do business with government. Congratulations to the winners!”

Marana’s digital efforts are wide-ranging, and include an active web presence, numerous social media outlets, and a variety of tools that allow the Town to provide residents with accurate, up-to-the-minute information. For example, in the past year, Marana debuted the Financial Transparency Dashboard, a portal that allows users to track how the Town is allocating taxpayer dollars. Though this information is already made public through the Town budget, by presenting it through this lens, Marana is working to make it more readily understandable to a general audience.

“Our Technology Services and Communications staff work closely to implement creative ideas that connect residents with the information they need. Whether they’re looking to pay a water bill or find out about our upcoming events, we want to make sure their online interaction with us is as straightforward as possible,” says Technology Services Director Carl Drescher.

Over the next several months, Marana will continue to increase its digital presence. The Town recently unveiled the Marana Events app, available in the App Store and on Google Play, which allows residents to learn all about upcoming signature events, like the Holiday Festival and Christmas Tree Lighting on Saturday, December 3. Soon, the Tech Services team will also release another app, aimed at supporting the businesses along the Ina Corridor as the Arizona Department of Transportation constructs the new overpass. This new app will connect consumers with the many shopping opportunities that will remain open during construction.

Innovation is a key pillar of Marana’s Strategic Plan, and this honor as a Top Ten Digital City recognizes Marana’s efforts to achieve that vision.  

The State of the Town is You

Photo by J.D. Fitzgerald

Marana residents, business owners, and leaders gathered on Friday, April 29 to reflect on Marana's State of the Town.  Here, you can read the full text of the speech delivered by Mayor Honea, as well as view the accompanying videos.  

Official Transcript of 2016 State of the Town Address

The State of the Town is you.  The State of the Town is all of you.  Marana is a Town with many faces.  We have a thriving business community.  We have one of the best school districts in Arizona.  We preserve and maintain some of the most beautiful open spaces in the state.  Our residents are passionately committed to their community. Since 1977, Marana has grown from a small farming and ranching community to a thriving Town that has become a destination for many.  I am proud of the tremendous strides we have made, and I am even more excited about our future.

A few years ago, we developed a Strategic Plan which entirely reflects your expectations for Marana.  You are the drivers of this progress.  It is because of you that we will be able to achieve these ambitious goals.  You can expect your government to focus on commerce, community, recreation, heritage, and innovation. Across this Town, I see examples of these focus areas every day.

Marana’s Strategic Plan starts with commerce, and there is a reason for that.  Without business, without people generating income, we could not pay for police, parks, roads, and everything else that makes this a great community. 

Since I stood here in April of last year, a lot has happened to expand commerce in Marana.  Our new Premium Outlet Mall at Marana Center is welcoming visitors from across the Southwest and northern Mexico.  It now has 71 different retail stores, and there are many more to come!  In the near future, Marana Center will offer hotels, auto dealerships, office space, and other national retail stores.  All this development creates the jobs that drive our local economy. 

What also makes me proud is the effort the Town made for the mall project to happen as quickly as possible.  Marana’s business development center collaborated with Vintage Partners and the Simon Property Group every step of the way.  Marana is one of the best places in Arizona to do business, and this project proves that claim.

A few months ago, Marana introduced a brand new tourism website, DiscoverMarana.org.  This tool is sharing all our community has to offer, with tourists from across Arizona and the world.  We have world-class hiking trails, scenic landscapes, and some of the best golf courses in the country.  Even the location of today’s event, the Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, represents the high standards of Marana, and is regarded as one of the best in the country.

Of course, in addition to showcasing what we already have, our commitment to commerce also demands that we attract new industry. International Towers, Incorporated is constructing a major facility along Tangerine Road, and will employ 75 highly skilled tech sector employees.  They will work with the private sector as well as the federal government to provide communications and security technologies. 

In addition to large companies like International Towers, Marana is also home to a growing number of small businesses.  Last year alone, the Town issued 249 new business licenses.

To help them along the way, the Marana Chamber of Commerce advocates for our business community.  They currently serve over 560 members.  This membership serves as a dedicated network with a common purpose:  You. 

The Chamber provides many opportunities for local business owners to grow their customer base.  The Shop Marana program encourages shoppers to support the local economy. By the way, they also asked me to remind you to stop at the gift shop on your way out!

The Chamber also gathers business and community leaders together to share information, strengthen relationships, and exchange ideas that help improve our Town. These programs add value to the community, and will help it grow for many years to come.

In order to anticipate and plan for this economic growth, the Town is currently developing a brand new Economic Development Strategic Plan.  This effort will help Marana identify specific goals and objectives that will benefit not only local business, but the residents who live and shop in the community as well. 

Commerce in Marana will allow this Town to grow economically.  As that growth occurs, our population will increase also.  In 2015, we added 621 new homes to this community.  That is 621 families who could have put down roots anywhere, and they chose Marana.  I am also excited to share with you that last year, Marana had the largest residential land sale in the State of Arizona.  D.R. Horton purchased the Saguaro Bloom property for $42 million. This highlights the choices people are making to invest in this community.

Whether you have just moved to Marana or your family has lived here for generations, we know that you are the backbone of this community.  You support our stores, play in our parks, and go to our schools.  You are the reason we have dedicated the second section of the Strategic Plan to Community.

Community can mean many different things to many different people.  To some, it means supporting parks and public safety.  To others, it means investing in infrastructure like water and roads.  Our pavement preservation program, for example, is serving residents across the Town, so that every road in Marana provides a safe and smooth surface for drivers and their passengers.

With Marana’s positive growth, we will also concentrate on making infrastructure improvements in some of our historic neighborhoods as well.  These projects will include parks, roads, sidewalks, street lighting, and where needed, drainage systems.  We believe that by investing in these historic communities in smaller projects, we can make large scale improvements more manageable over time.

In addition to these efforts, a number of nonprofits are providing needed services to help support families and individuals. The Marana Community Food Bank, for example, is collecting and providing food for families across this region. MHC Health Care, with its main campus in north Marana, is providing medical services to residents across the community. We proudly support their efforts, to improve the lives of everyone. 

Last month, the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services opened the Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Marana.  This facility meets a tremendous need for our region.  Over 100,000 veterans live in Southern Arizona. Before this cemetery opened, their closest cemetery was in Sierra Vista.  For families wishing to visit the graves of loved ones, traveling that distance can be incredibly challenging.  Marana is proud to support veterans and their families in this way.  We are also a Purple Heart Town that is committed to welcoming veterans and honoring their service.  This new cemetery is a key part of that commitment. 

As part of Marana’s focus on community, we like to find ways to bring people together.  Our Signature Events attract folks from across Marana to gather as we celebrate major holidays.  Our Signature Events include the Star Spangled Spectacular, Founders’ Day, the Cotton Festival, and the Holiday Festival and Christmas Tree Lighting.

What is especially encouraging is the growing number of people we see every year at these events. In 2014, we had 5,000 people at the Star Spangled Spectacular.  In 2015?  Over 10,000! Even our Holiday Festival and Christmas Tree Lighting has doubled in size, to well over 5000 people. 

This kind of growth speaks to the engagement of our residents.  Events like these create family memories that last a lifetime.

Across Marana, we are seeing collaborations among our schools, the private sector, and local government.  Due to these strong relationships, the National Civic League has honored Marana as a finalist for the All-America City Award for the second year in a row. This year, only 20 communities in the nation received this distinction.  This recognition shows Marana’s commitment to helping the whole community grow together as we demonstrate what it really means to be an All-America City.

Finally, the Marana Police Department serves as one of the most visible reminders of the emphasis we place on community.  Their mission boldly promises “unparalleled service and unwavering protection” in everything they do. Our officers strive to exhibit the heart and the mindset of a public servant. I recently heard our Chief give a presentation about Marana’s policing philosophy, which places a heavy emphasis on applying the law with compassion. Their approach encourages officers to be tough on crime, while at the same time treating all people with dignity and respect.

This approach has not gone unnoticed. Every week we receive compliments and expressions of gratitude from the community recognizing the attitudes and helpfulness of our police personnel. Their combined efforts are proving effective, as crime rates in Marana dropped again for a fifth straight year. At a time when many communities are struggling in their police relations, community support for Marana’s Police is at an all-time high.

As residents across Marana are working hard to make our community strong, that work sometimes overlaps with great fun.  That is why we have made Recreation the third focus area of the strategic plan.  Marana has wonderful recreational opportunities.  A few minutes ago, I mentioned our four Signature Events, but that’s not all we are up to.  Throughout the year, at our various parks, we host Movies and Music in Marana.  At these gatherings, families can enjoy a free movie or concert.  Just last month, a happy crowd of girls and boys dressed up in their favorite costumes to watch Cinderella. Last weekend, we hosted Camping Under the Stars at one of our parks. 

In addition to these annual activities, we are also working to expand our recreational offerings. Some of you may have noticed a large sign along Tangerine Road announcing a new park. We have reached out to the neighbors who live near this park to solicit their input on what kinds of facilities they desire. Once we have determined what best meets the community’s needs, we will begin construction. 

Marana is also home to a dedicated hiking and biking community, and we are always searching for new ways to serve them.  Our Parks and Recreation Department maintains almost 30 miles of backcountry trails in the Tortolita Mountains.  These are some of the finest hiking paths in the whole region. The Wild Burro Trail in particular has received national recognition for its incredible beauty. To add to these trails, the Town is working with the Central Arizona Project to open up a hiking and biking path along the CAP canal. 

Cyclists in Marana also have an exciting new partnership to look forward to.  This year, we are working with Perimeter Cycling to host a Marana segment of El Tour de Tucson.  El Tour is one of the largest long distance cycling events in the country.  Marana’s segment will be 28 miles from start to finish.

With Recreation as a key element of our Strategic Plan, one thing that makes Marana special is the strong connection between our sense of fun and our cultural roots. That strong connection is the reason Heritage is the fourth focus area of the Strategic Plan. Marana started out as a farming and ranching community. The acres of cotton, wheat, and alfalfa demonstrate both our heritage and the reality that agriculture still represents a crucial aspect of our lives.  Ranchers, cattle, and horses are not bygone symbols of yesteryear. 

Our partnership with the Marana Heritage Conservancy extends across many events throughout the year, from Founders’ Day in the spring to Cotton Festival in the fall.  This partnership allows Marana to preserve and promote our shared history and culture. 

Our commitment to Heritage enables us to celebrate history from centuries ago. You, our residents and business owners, come from many different backgrounds.  The Heritage goals in the strategic plan celebrate all of you.     

Commerce, Community, Recreation, and Heritage.  These are four of the focus areas in the Town of Marana’s strategic plan.  Connecting each of these pillars is a spirit of innovation, the last focus area of the strategic plan.  The Town is always exploring new ideas, new ways to make Marana great, not just tomorrow, not just next week, but over the next decade and beyond.  We are searching for inspiration from communities across the country.  We are constantly reflecting on our past accomplishments, and always asking, “How can we keep improving?” “How can we do better?”

In the next year, we will have a number of opportunities to implement these ideas.  Throughout the year, we will be planning our new police facility. Marana Police will have a dedicated, stand-alone headquarters.  This commitment, to public safety, is a crucial development for Marana’s long-term growth. 

Marana’s new police headquarters will strengthen our department and create value for the larger community.  It will afford training opportunities for officers, including a firing range, as well as facilities for K-9 units.  Overall, this addition to the Marana Municipal Complex will allow the Marana Police Department to operate more efficiently and effectively as it serves our residents.

We are also reflecting on how Marana’s Development Services Center can improve to meet the needs of our customers.  This includes process improvements and updates to the Town’s Land Development Code. We believe that as the Town grows, we must continually find ways to keep improving. The Town is learning from the private sector. We are reducing processing time, simplifying how you pay, and hopefully getting your operation up and running as quickly as possible. Our business… is to make your business… successful.

Innovation in Marana is what drives the progress of every other focus area.  Whether we are looking for ways to improve business procedures or ideas for a new police facility, we always believe in a spirit of creativity and determination.  This innovation is what sets Marana apart and makes us an ideal community for our residents.

Marana will be celebrating its 40th anniversary next year. In early 1977, a small group of neighbors wanted to establish a Town.  Four decades later, we can see, all around us, the result of that vision.  However, it is impossible to have a strong vision without strong leadership.  The Marana Town Council is providing that leadership every day, and I want to thank Vice Mayor Jon Post and Council Members Dave Bowen, Patti Comerford, Herb Kai, Carol McGorray, and Roxanne Ziegler for their commitment to Marana. I also want to thank our Town staff, who work so hard for our community. Would the Council and staff please stand and be recognized?

The five pillars of our strategic plan are not just words on the page.  They are what have made Marana so successful today.  Commerce, community, recreation, heritage, and innovation are what drove the Town in its earliest days. They are the ideals that continue to inspire us today.  I am proud to belong to this community and to stand before you to share the State of Your Town.  The State of Your Town is Prosperous, Distinguished, Fun, Rooted, and Innovative.  It is you, and it is us, and we are strong.  That strength is evident all around us.  Take a look at just a few examples of the folks who make Marana such an incredible Town.

We are Marana.  God bless the Town of Marana and God bless you, each and every one.  Thank you for coming.

Marana Water News: Just the facts

At the Town Council meeting on October 6, the new logo was debuted. This new branding will be used throughout the department, and the Town for all Marana Water related materials and events. Keep an eye out for all things from Marana Water. If you want to sign up to receive notifications please click here.

The new logo will debut in October on the website, in social media, and on the water bills. It took hard work from Marana Water staff and the Town's Communications and Marketing division to have this created entirely in-house. Here at Marana Water, we are excited to roll out the new design! There have been many additions to the department this year including, a new name, online bill pay, new employees, and now a new logo. 

CUSTOMERS

Marana Water was created in 1997 with a little over 500 customers. Now, there are over 6,400 customers and sewer services have been added. These customers are in seven distinct water systems spanning the Town limits. The chart below shows the growth of the customer base since the department began.

Marana Water has seen steady growth since its creation in 1997.

WATER USE & CONSERVATION

Yesterday's post talked about water conservation and gave tips on how to change habits to reduce water demand. In general, the water use between 2014 and 2015 decreased. The chart below shows the water use trends for the two years. Keep in mind, about 300 customers were added over the year time frame. Keep up the great work conserving this precious resource!

Shows customer water use over a nine-month span for 2014 and 2015. While there are some months that the water use has crossed, overall the use for 2015 has decreased. This chart is presented in millions of gallons.

WATER RECLAMATION

In 2012, Marana Water began providing sewer, or water reclamation, services. Prior to 2012, Pima County had been serving all the customers in Marana. This transition allows Marana Water and the Town to control our destiny. The water rights that come from processing the wastewater will be helpful for future growth and development in the Town. The customer base has grown, and through September 2015, it is almost an even split of sewer customers served by Marana Water and those served by Pima County.

SUPPORT

Marana Water works with departments across the Town. The Finance, Legal, Technology Services, and HR teams help keep everything running smoothly, and we provide water service to many of the other Town departments. Public Works will use our water on street cleaning or other projects; the Airport has fire extinguishing requirements that we help to meet; and Parks & Recreation has over 37 acres of grass that is irrigated by Marana Water. These arces are divided between five parks, Crossroads at Silverbell District Park, Continental Reserve Neighborhood Park, San Lucas Neighborhood Park, Gladden Farms Community Park, and Ora Mae Harn District Park.

At the Town of Marana, all departments work together to make our community a great place to make Your Town.

Town of Marana receives national award for advertising campaign

The Town of Marana received national distinction last week when it was presented the top award in public communications for print advertising at the annual City-County Communications and Marketing Association conference in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Town ‘s “Your Town” advertising campaign, designed and created entirely in-house, was one of 700 entries submitted to 36 categories for the 2015 Savvy Awards. The campaign includes a series of photographs showcasing different aspects of the Marana lifestyle.

Judges were drawn in by the strong visuals and authentic subjects.

“These beautifully designed ads featuring real people from Marana convey a strong message. This fast-growing city should continue to flourish with ads like these that are so easily identifiable and welcoming to the reader”, the judges wrote of their decision.

The City-County Communications and Marketing Association recognize outstanding local government achievements in communications, public-sector marketing and citizen-government relationships. Their Savvy Awards salute skilled and effective city, county, agency, or district professionals who have creatively planned and carried out successful innovations in communications and marketing.

The winning advertising campaign is part of a Town initiative to market Marana to residents, businesses, and visitors, and includes the “Your Town” trademark. Consistent with the inclusive messaging, the trademark is designed to be read fluidly, alternating between “Your Town” and “Our Town” depending on the reader’s preference.

 Winning the Savvy award is an important milestone for the Town as it continues its marketing and outreach efforts. As Marana continues to grow, these efforts contribute to the Town’s reputation as a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive community.

Marana Awards Spotlight: Teri Makes Her Mark

Photo credit: Marana Rotary Club

Last fall, Teri Murphy was awarded the Town of Marana Branding Iron Award for her volunteer service in special events.

Both a resident and business owner, Murphy volunteers her time to make Marana a great place to live and work. She enjoys helping Town staff plan, coordinate, and execute fun and engaging special events. Her love for rodeo is evident in her contributions to last year’s Marana Harvest Festival and this year’s upcoming Marana Cotton Festival.  Her passion has driven her to host a number of community rodeo events over many years, helping keep Marana’s heritage alive. 

If there’s one thing about Marana that’s even better than having a resident like Teri, it's that there are many more just like her who give back to the community.

The Branding Iron Award celebrates individuals who have made a "mark" on the community and have made a substantial contribution to the Town.  The Town is now accepting nominations for this year’s award, and urges you to nominate anyone you believe is deserving of this distinction.

Nominations are accepted until end of day September 11, 2015.

Town to Residents: "Tell us how we're doing!"

In many communities, elections are the only time when residents get to provide feedback to their government.  At the Town of Marana, though, citizen satisfaction is always the top priority.  In order to realize that ideal, the Town is launching a new Citizen Satisfaction Survey, which anyone can take anytime, anywhere, since, starting today, it will be available on the Town website. 

With questions ranging from Parks and Recreation to police to streets, the Town is hoping to deepen its understanding of citizens’ needs and expectations.  Marana always want to be sure that what the Town government does reflects what its citizens need and want.  This tool will help clarify the picture of what that is.

Please share this information with your friends, colleagues, and neighbors, so that Marana can become an even better place to live, work, and play.  You never know when your idea will become Your Town’s next big project.

Town Brand Earns Accolades

How the Town of Marana projects itself is much more than aesthetics.  The Town’s brand represents its residents and how they feel about their community.  A year ago, Marana adopted the “YOUR TOWN” brand to emphasize Marana’s inclusive character.  This month, the International City/County Management Association recognized these efforts by highlighting the brand. 

Putting Out the Welcome Mat

Marana, Arizona (population 42,000)

This town wanted to establish a brand that made people feel welcome.  A staff team chose “Your Town” to make it relatable to anyone who lives, works, or even visits the community.

Focused on five themes of the town’s strategic plan—commerce, community, heritage, innovation, and recreation—staff developed story lines around how these focus areas weave together and build a composite picture of the place, the people, and the city’s purpose.

The visual aspect of the project is simple, but stunning.  Staff produced street banners, print advertisements, and videos.  The brand was incorporated into social media and the town website to reflect the unique nature of this southern Arizona community (visit wwww.marana.com).

-Karen Thoreson, Public Management, September 2015

The Town is honored for the recognition, and the creative team isn’t done yet. 

“We’re always looking for innovative ways to engage with the residents of Marana,” says Town Graphic Designer Ramon Armenta. 

Whether that engagement occurs through street banners, online, or somewhere in between, the Town is always seeking to ensure that residents don’t just see the brand, but actively see themselves in the brand as well. 

Your Town podcast is live

Want to learn more about what's going on in Marana? Check out the Your Town podcast series, which features news and insight about our shared community.

The series includes programs about the Marana Regional Airport, premium outlet mall and building safety among many other exciting subjects. A new podcast will be introduced at least twice a month, so subscribe to the series to receive notification when a fresh episode is posted.

Notary services available at Municipal Complex

The Town offers notary services any weekday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Marana Municipal Complex (11555 West Civic Center Drive). Service is limited between noon and 1 p.m.

Those needing the service are asked to ensure that they have proper identification and completed paperwork. The notary public has the right to refuse services if the person fails to provide evidence of identity, if the document appears to be fraudulent or if the document does not comply with other requirements of the Arizona Secretary of State's Office.

The maximum state fee of $2 will be charged for each notary.

Customer service clerks are not permitted to provide notarial advice or forms.