Weekly Message from Mayor John L. Madden

Earlier this fall, I shared that we planned to announce a contest for Borough residents to submit their ideas to help promote Middlesex to both the outside world and to our own community.

As a temporary break from the troubling health news in our world, this week I'm pleased to announce the details are available for our two contests calling on residents to develop a Middlesex Borough slogan and a re-designed seal. Ultimately we hope these contests will lead to an improved visual identity and play a role in attracting high-quality economic investment in Middlesex Borough.

As you think about a new slogan and a re-design of our seal, I ask you: how you would summarize Middlesex Borough in just a few words? The simplest presentations are often the most memorable, like "Virginia is for Lovers," "Just Do It," or "Got Milk?" Obviously the Borough is not a product, but we're looking for a way to summarize our local experience and make it accessible to the outside world.

Calling all creative residents

I know the people of Middlesex Borough take great pride in our community. I am confident that our creative and talented residents will submit good ideas for a new seal and slogan that encapsulate everything that is great about the Borough. There's no guarantee of a winner -- but we're excited to see what you come up with and we hope you'll exceed our expectations!

The winning slogan and re-designed seal are due by  January 31, 2021 and may be used by the Borough of Middlesex on its website, on social media channels, and in other marketing efforts for the Borough.

Please see the web page on our site for all the guidelines — but these details are important enough that I thought I'd include them here:

• SLOGAN -- Despite being an independent borough for over 100 years, Middlesex has never crafted an official slogan.

• SEAL -- The current Borough seal captures neighborhoods, business and industry, and history. It is anticipated that the contest winner will continue in that tradition, while offering a fresh take on today’s Middlesex Borough. It is suggested that entries be simple, use local symbolism, use only 3-4 basic colors, and avoid lettering or numbers.

• The Seal and Slogan Contests are open only to residents of Middlesex Borough.

We wish you the best in creativity and inspiration! Can't wait to see what you come up with.

Stay safe.