PEKIN, Ill. – The City of Pekin has introduced a new brand identity aimed at positioning the Central Illinois community as a destination for residents, visitors, and businesses.
The city, which celebrated its bicentennial in 2024 and has a population of 31,731, unveiled the rebrand as part of a three-year marketing campaign to promote its history, outdoor recreation, and opportunities for affordable living and business investment.
“Our brand identity is a crucial component to telling the world the true story about Pekin,” said Mayor Mary Burress. “Our community is a fantastic place to live, to raise a family, to work, and to just enjoy the very best of what Central Illinois has to offer.”
The marketing initiative seeks to attract new residents, retail businesses, corporate and industrial developers, and workers while highlighting Pekin’s quality of life and affordable cost of living compared to larger metropolitan areas.
“Pekin has a lot to offer; we’re far more than just a small river town,” said City Manager John Dossey. “With a world-class parks system, high-quality education, and an affordable cost of living, it’s clear this is an ideal place to put down roots.”
Working with the Pekin Economic Development Advisory Committee, the city contracted locally based McDaniels Marketing to develop the brand. The firm gathered input from residents and non-residents to identify the city’s strengths and opportunities.
The new logo features a badge design with a marigold at its center, reflecting Pekin’s nickname as “the Marigold City.” The logo uses colors inspired by marigolds, including golden yellow, warm red, and deep maroon.
The tagline “Your Place to Grow” positions Pekin as a community where families can flourish and prosper.
“Pekin needs to get on a growth pattern again,” said Randy McDaniels, President and CEO of McDaniels Marketing. “I feel confident this new brand and marketing campaign will make a huge impact.”
The new branding will appear in all city marketing materials, with variations created for city departments including Public Works, Police, Fire, the Municipal Airport, Community Development, Economic Development, and the Riverway Business Park.
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