Downtown flag initiative welcomes 'Berg, TU students

Downtown Tiffin is decked out with orange Heidelberg University flags and green Tiffin University flags as students from both institutions return to their campuses this week and next week.

The flags add an awesome splash of color and make a strong statement to welcome new and returning guests to Tiffin.

According to Bryce Riggs, executive director of the Seneca Regional Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Services, Destination Seneca County – an arm of the Chamber – coordinated the purchase and installation of the flags with both universities. The project was a product of the Downtown Marketing Committee and Destination Seneca County brought it to life.

“With so many guests who come to town for the first time or returning after some time away, we want folks to know they are certainly welcome here,” said Bryce, a graduate of both institutions. “They are as much a part of our community as anyone else, and it’s our job to make them feel welcome.”

Destination Seneca County team partnered with Diversified Graphics / Quick Tab II, and the Advancement and Marketing offices of both universities on the project, and split the cost three ways.

At 4:30 a.m. last Friday morning, Bryce and his colleague, Marissa Stephens, stakeholder relations and marketing manager for Destination Seneca County, set out to hang all the flags – alternating them between HU and TU on Market, Perry and South Washington streets. In all, about 90 flags adorn the downtown streets and will remain up through August.

The Chamber and Destination Seneca County also have big plans to expand the opportunities to fly the flags in coordination with different large-scale events at the universities, such as graduations, homecomings and alumni weekends.

Tiffin Mayor Aaron Montz, an ’08 ‘Berg grad, was extremely supportive of the idea, according to Bryce. “I love it too,” he said.