Dorran wants to brand the county

By Terry Murry on Monday, May 10th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

PENDLETON – Umatilla County is a diverse place worthy of recognition. Commissioner Dan Dorran says a strong brand will help achieve that.

“From the top of the blues to the Columbia, from the Walla Walla River to upper Butter Creek, I think we all understand Umatilla County,” he said.

The problem as Dorran sees it is that the county isn’t very visible.

“Branding is critical,” he said. “It has to be consistent, and it has to be done with a purpose. I think that’s something that all three commissioners are committed to.”

Dorran said that Pendleton, Hermiston, and Milton-Freewater are examples of the visibility and sense of pride that branding can achieve. He would like to see the county do the same, including welcoming signs at its borders.

“There’s a three-inch by 22-inch sign that says you are entering Umatilla County, but the sign that says you’re leaving Morrow County is bigger,” he said. “I think it’s time that we make branding a little more of a priority.”