Provo residents gathered to watch as Provo City showcased its new logo and revealed a new 311 calling system at the Provo City Services Fair on Monday.
By the end of the year, Provo residents will be able to call 311 to report non-emergency situations that occur within the city. This includes the ability to report graffiti, make a utility payment, comment on city issues and contact city employees.
Provo City released its new logo and calling system at the Provo Towne Center in an effort to better represent and serve the people within the Provo community. Helen Anderson, Provo City spokesperson and planner of the event, shared the reasons for the city's decision to get a new logo and implement the 311 calling system.
'It was a long and thorough process that started over a year ago,' Anderson said, speaking about Provo's new logo. 'We wanted something that truly represented our city and the things that Provo is good at. After conducting research and surveys, we finally found one that we felt was a strong representation of us and our city.'
She also addressed the calling system. 'As for the calling system, the main reason that we are implementing it is because customer service is a high priority for us and the mayor.'
Many who attended the event felt that the logo was a great representation of Provo and everything it stands for. The new logo includes mountains, a river, sunshine and the phrase 'Welcome Home.' Louise Jorgensen, executive assistant and neighborhood coordinator, shared what the new logo meant to her:
'I love the new logo, especially the phrase 'Welcome Home,'' Jorgensen said. 'Me and my husband lived in California for a while, but whenever we would come back to Utah, Provo really was just like home. Since Provo really never has had a brand, this new logo has now become our brand.'
A 311 system has been implemented in many of the major cities across the nation, and Provo is joining in. Karen Larsen, director of Provo's Customer Service Division, said the new measure will allow Provo residents to have their needs better met.
'This is a national concept, and Provo is the first smaller city to use it,' Larsen said. 'It is basically a system that allows a more efficient way to handle issues city wide. This system is one that will allow for responses to problems in a responsible and timely manner.'
Not only was the event a promotion of the new logo and 311 calling network, but it was an effort to allow the Provo community members to familiarize themselves with the people who provide services for them in their city. Anderson said she believes it has a great purpose in connecting the Provo residents to the people who play a part in their everyday lives.
'This event helps us, as city employees, connect with the people that we serve,' Anderson said. 'It is also for people to gain a greater appreciation for the services we provide. Many residents use the services that we provide daily but don't realize it is the city; they think that it is the state.'