Haslam defends need for new TN logo
Yes, Gov. Bill Haslam understands it if you don't like that new Tennessee state logo. And, yes, he understands it if you question taxpayers footing the $46,000 price tag.
"I get it, that's something people can understand and say, 'Why'd you pay $46,000 for something that I could have done at home?' " Haslam told reporters Wednesday.
But that design comes with a greater purpose, Haslam argues: continuity. There are 172 logos used by state departments and agencies right now. Those agencies and departments change those logos from time to time, which also costs the state money.
Now, with the new logo, the state can convey a unified, consistent message, Haslam said.
"I think part of the idea is to have a consistent brand across state government. There are some people who might not like that brand, but that becomes a question of choice," Haslam said.
At the same time, the state still might not enforce the implementation of the logo across the board. Haslam acknowledged at least several departments are seeking exemptions from having to use the new logo, adding there "might be some situations" where an exemption could be provided. He didn't say anything about which departments might want an exemption.
As Haslam also notes, none of the criticism of the new logo has had anything to do with the state striving for consistency. Instead, as news broke of the logo and price, questions instead centered around the simple design.
The white "TN" centered in a red box that's floating over a blue bar looks like something a grade school student could design, Chris Butler of www.Watchdog.org, the conservative news outlet that broke the story, told WSMV.
Nashville-based firm GS&F designed the logo over the course of nine months. Gregg Bolling, managing director for the firm, recently told The Tennessean the design was "simple," but that it needed to be in order to meet the needs of the state.
Those needs have nothing to do with replacing the popular tri-star logo or anything to do with the state flag. Haslam, noting the state couldn't trademark the tri-star, said he thought inaccurate reports about the state's intent with the new logo helped fuel some of the criticism.
"We're never going to change the state flag. We still use the tri-star on a lot of different things. This was about a department identification logo that we wanted to be consistent," Haslam said.
The state will officially unveil the new logo when it rolls out its new website design, still slated to happen in the next several weeks.
Staff writer Adam Tamburin contributed to this story.
Reach Dave Boucher at 615-259-8892 and on Twitter @Dave_Boucher1.