Northeast Tennessee – Southwest Virginia Region Naming Survey

The Northeast Tennessee -- Southwest Virginia Region is a mouthful of a name. We have been asked by the leaders of this region to develop a brand name for the area. Once that basic nomenclature is agreed upon a regional brand will be developed to allow the public and private stakeholders in the area to better promote the region below:

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Area Map

The significance of this region's outdoor lifestyle can’t be overstated. However, this beautiful part of the country not only includes majestic mountains, dramatic ridgelines and sweeping valleys but also two MSAs – Kingsport–Bristol (TN/VA) & Johnson City (TN). The population of 812,000 enjoys an amazing outdoor experience as well as urban amenities. World-class fly-fishing and mountain biking combine with world-class businesses such as Eastman, Ballad Health and East Tennessee State University. The result is an exceptional quality of life.

Complicating the naming job further is the existing regional name Tri-Cities (Kingsport, Bristol and Johnson City). Though in the vernacular for some time, the name for the combined metropolitan areas doesn’t capture the outlying areas and smaller towns or the character of the region. It leaves many stakeholders feeling left out. And, of course, there are several Tri-Cities across the U.S.

Research led to the following strategic platform for the eventual development of the regional brand.

Strategic Platform

For those seeking a lower cost of living and a higher quality of life, the unspoiled beauty where Tennessee meets Virginia is where the strength, resourcefulness and integrity of America's backbone inspires reverence, awe, and imagination.

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* 1. In light of the previous background information, please rate each of the following names on a scale of 1-5 with 1 signifying least fitting and a 5 meaning most fitting for the region.

	Least fitting		Somewhat fitting		Most fitting
The Southern Uplands	The Southern Uplands Least fitting	The Southern Uplands	The Southern Uplands Somewhat fitting	The Southern Uplands	The Southern Uplands Most fitting
Appalachian Highlands	Appalachian Highlands Least fitting	Appalachian Highlands	Appalachian Highlands Somewhat fitting	Appalachian Highlands	Appalachian Highlands Most fitting
The Southern mTNVAlley	The Southern mTNVAlley Least fitting	The Southern mTNVAlley	The Southern mTNVAlley Somewhat fitting	The Southern mTNVAlley	The Southern mTNVAlley Most fitting
The Great Southern Valley	The Great Southern Valley Least fitting	The Great Southern Valley	The Great Southern Valley Somewhat fitting	The Great Southern Valley	The Great Southern Valley Most fitting

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* 2. Please select the name you feel is MOST fitting for the region.

The Southern mTNVAlley

Appalachian Highlands

The Great Southern Valley

The Southern Uplands

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* 3. Please tell us why you selected the name you feel is most fitting for the region.

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* 4. Do you have any additional comments about the names presented above or other suggestions?

Demographics

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* 5. What is your age?

18-24

25-34

35-44

45-54

55-64

65+

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* 6. What is your gender?

Female

Male

Other (specify)

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* 7. What is your total household income?

Less than $20,000

$20,000 to $34,999

$35,000 to $49,999

$50,000 to $74,999

$75,000 to $99,999

$100,000 to $149,999

$150,000 or More

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* 8. In what state or Province do you reside?

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* 9. If you live outside the Northeast Tennessee -- Southwest Virginia Region, have you ever traveled there for business or pleasure?

Yes

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* 10. As a thank you for your participation, you can elect to be included in a random drawing for a $20 Amazon gift card. If you wish to participate, please provide the information below.

Name

Agency Name

Email Address