City of Havana, IL

The Challenge

McDaniels Marketing was tasked with rebranding the historic city of Havana and communicating its unique charm and desirable attributes to aid in the attraction of new residents, businesses and leisure travelers. Steps in the process of completing this goal included:

• Leading online interviews and multiple in-person focus group sessions with local stakeholders including city and county leadership, business owners, area historians, life-long residents and school district officials.
• Conducting focus group testing of multiple brand concepts derived from interview and session input.
• Developing the final Brand Promise, logo and slogan.

The Brand Promise

New Residents/Business Owners

When you cruise past the boulevards of Havana, Illinois, and soak in the majestic, natural beauty, you’ll know this isn’t just a stopping point in your life — this is home. Our picturesque small town is a place to put down roots. In Havana, you’ll feel safe raising your children in a close-knit community that educates and cares for its own. As you dig into the local restaurants and peruse our independent, locally owned shops, you’ll uncover a wealth of history and tradition that remains untapped and ready to burst forth with pride. When you relocate or start a new business in Havana, you’ll find an abundance of spaces and places in a historic downtown setting — as well as a thriving business community that prioritizes cooperation over competition.

Tourism/Leisure

When you bask in the natural beauty of Havana, Illinois, you’ll immediately feel the stress of everyday life melt away. In Havana, you’ll find that life moves at a much different pace, so take your time as you discover what our city and surrounding area has to offer. Hide away in the unspoiled splendor of Chautauqua National Wildlife Preserve and Emiquon National Wildlife Preserve. Cast a line, set up a blind, or simply spend a day paddling or floating down the Illinois River. Explore our local shops for your latest treasure. Grab a bite or raise a glass at our independently owned restaurants and taverns or stop in and enjoy the live entertainment as music fills the summer night air. Trace the footsteps of the more colorful historical figures who once made Havana a Midwest gambling hub. We’re sure once you tap into Havana, you too will be overflowing with pride for this humble river community.

Let us help you take your marketing strategy to the next level with McD Marketing. Contact Randy McDaniels at rmcdaniels@mcdmarketing.com or call (309) 346-7412 for more information.