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Survey Says: Brandon Is A Family Town

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By TOM BRENNAN

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 3, 2008

BRANDON - Consultants hired to create a new image for Brandon have discovered what residents have known for decades - Brandon is a great place to raise a family.

That was the conclusion reached by a team hired by the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce to help "brand" Brandon to determine how best to market the community to future residents and businesses. The consultant processed more that 300 online surveys.

"Family-oriented, family-friendly; this is what greater Brandon is best at," said Melissa Laughon, a partner with Tallahassee-based Catch Your Limit Consulting.

The consultants briefed the chamber's board of directors and debuted the survey results Monday at the monthly meeting of the Brandon Community Plan steering committee, which is creating a guide for growth in Brandon.

"We wanted the community plan group to have access to the same demographic research we received and know the different areas of importance to our residents and business owners," said Laura Simpson, a chamber vice president and committee member.

The survey results echoed what committee members have been identifying as the area's strengths and concerns in the past six months.

"It hits the nail on the head," said Joe Incorvia, the county's director of community planning.

But a big stumbling block to a community marketing plan will be defining "greater Brandon."

"Geographic boundaries are unclear to residents and nonresidents," Laughon said. "Residents feel connected to their neighborhoods, but not the community at large."

The consultants solicited online survey responses in local newspapers and e-mails sent to addresses in the chamber's database.

Laughon said 302 people took the surveys. About 150 of them are Brandon residents, and roughly 130 are Brandon business owners. She said the responses included 843 written comments.

Laughon said 93 percent of the residents indicated they are satisfied living in Brandon, and 82 percent of the business owners like doing business here.

Of all those responding, 58 percent said they think Brandon has improved in the past five years, and 47 percent believe it will improve in the next five years. Eighty-seven percent listed safety and security as their major concern.

Transportation is a major concern for 87 percent. Only 18 percent think mobility needs have been met in the past five years.

Ample opportunities for shopping was rated an important amenity by 63 percent of the respondents, and 74 percent said they're satisfied with shopping options in the Brandon area.

Survey results also generated a wish list: 35 percent of respondents said they want less traffic; 20 percent said they want an arts or cultural center; 20 percent want to see a Main Street area; and 11 percent want less crime.

Tom Laughon, Catch Your Limit's president, said the survey painted a portrait of Brandon as a sincere, patriotic, proud community with a small-town personality. Among its other attributes are top-notch education and neighborhoods and a family-friendly, healthy environment.

Laughon said community leaders should focus on Brandon's family-friendly atmosphere in any marketing efforts.

Simpson said the chamber board will digest the research and determine how best to proceed.

"We can use the information to plan the different elements of our community," she said.

Reporter Tom Brennan can be reached at (813) 657-4528 or tbrennan@tampatrib.com.

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