Recently the town of Indian Trail hired a community-branding firm to develop a branding initiative in order to create a “town identity” for Indian Trail.  I have to say, I was utterly impressed with Aaron Arnett and Ben Muldrow, as they were unduly committed to gaining an understanding of who we were as a community, from our roots to our vision for the future, and translating those qualities into a visual depiction that would allow us to creatively infuse a familiar and consistent message into all of our town marketing.  I cannot say enough about the final product and love seeing it used in a variety of ways in town.

One particular variation of the branding includes this logo which says “the IT factor” (is this awesome, or what?!)  I saw this and wondered to myself, “Just what is ‘the IT factor‘?”  Do we really have it?  Could we really have it?  Will we really have it?  After some contemplation, I thought…the IT factor is a process, a journey, and an end point.  We have the potential, we have a vision, but now it’s time to put that vision into action and make it a reality! Let’s bump this town up a few notches and start to show others what this town can and should be!  It’s time for Indian Trail to have its own makeover!

Vote for Darlene Luther…COMMITTED to seeing to IT that no one need be told we have the IT factor…they will just see it and know it just by looking at it!

Indian Trail, NC/July 22, 2009

Indian Trail, NC – Darlene Luther, an Indian Trail resident for nearly 7 years and mother of three (18, 16 and 11), is running for one of the two open council seats being vacated by current councilmembers Dan Schallenkamp and Shirley Howe.  Darlene is the Broker-Owner of Charlotte Market Real Estate LLC based in Indian Trail.

Darlene is very passionate about the spruce-up and beautification of the town of Indian Trail and says she will highlight this as one part of her overall vision for the town. “This is certainly a wonderful place to live, no doubt.  That’s why we and so many others have chosen to live here.  However, I truly see Indian Trail as a place with so much untapped potential, and so much opportunity.  As examples, I drive along Indian Trail Road and Highway 74, oftentimes with new clients who are considering a move to the area, and eyes are drawn toward much of the unkempt, even unsightly areas along some of the main thoroughfares in our town.  I am disappointed that so many parts of Indian Trail continue to look the way they do after all this time—left undone and in desperate need of a makeover.  But I continue to share my vision of the incredible potential we have in front of us and my expectation that one day it will shine.”

Darlene is certain to highlight that there are many businesses that have transformed their exteriors and those that caringly maintain their neat curb appeal, specifically noting several of those along Indian Trail Road—a very welcomed and appreciated sight that by no means goes unnoticed by drivers-by.  “Indian Trail Road is one example of an area in need of some dressing up, as it serves for many as an entryway into Indian Trail and to our Town Hall.  Its presence should be setting the tone for what lies ahead.”

Darlene says it doesn’t have to take a lot to make some immediate changes.  “We all understand what it means when a place exhibits ‘pride in ownership.’   Beginning with Indian Trail Road, but certainly not stopping there, I have a vision of recruiting and establishing a core of volunteers for a recurring community clean-up day, to clean up the streets and sidewalks of gravel, dust, and unsightly weeds; power-washing the clay residue built up on many exteriors of buildings; planting flowering trees along Indian Trail Road (and other main thoroughfares) to add visual interest, natural texture and beauty; creating areas of landscaped garden beds; placing flower boxes, planters or hanging baskets alongside businesses; applying fresh paint; seeking a grant (pending the owner’s interest) that would provide the finances to restore the charm and character of the old train depot, as has been done successfully in Waxhaw putting it on the National Register of Historic Buildings, etc.  These are some bare minimum yet dramatic changes we could begin to make to institute what I call ‘The Pride of Indian Trail.’  A vision in action is contagious.  And this is just the beginning, a starting point.”

Darlene suggests soliciting corporate, small business, and personal donations to provide for the finances, products, and services to make this a reality without incurring significant expense for the tax payers.   “I am talking about some simple things that we can do now—through volunteerism, activism, donations, and lots of vision and hard work—to make Indian Trail a more beautiful place to live and a place we can all be very proud to call home.”

Want to be part of the CIA (Citizens in Action!) and join others who are ready to step up to the plate and help?  Call Darlene Luther at 704-661-5922 to help to assemble a list of ready, willing and able community volunteers!

If you look forward to a beautified Indian Trail, NC, then please VOTE for me, Darlene Luther, on election day!