Forbes magazine recently ranked Rockford IL as the third most miserable city in America.
Really?
I know Americans like rankings and somebody has to win and somebody lose...but, honestly? I remember the year that Madison was rated #1 and Rockford #300. When the media asked me how two towns so geographically close could be so different, I said, "hey? There IS a 301...and a 454...and a 525. They just stopped at 300. So stop it...Rockford is NOT that bad."
And, to paraphrase a recent post, I like Rockford. I like Rockford a lot. Their events and festivals have been favorites for years. I love their burgeoning culinary and bar scene. The Coronado Theatre is one of my favorite venues in the country to see Broadway-calibre shows and concerts. And, the "Ricks Picks" exhibit at the Burpee is a must see for any fan of Rock and Cheap Trick.
Yeah...I'd have no problem living in Rockford.
I also love their DMO...'cause they are ready for anything. When Wisconsin's Democratic Senators fled to Rockford to avoid voting on a budget bill two years ago, the Bureau nailed one of the truly coolest viral campaigns ever.
And, they've done it again...with their "Misery Loves Company" campaign. The video is absolutely inspired. The online messages on Facebook so cool.
John Groh, Jay Graham and the crew at the RACVB...you so rock your world. And, this industry.
And, oh yeah...Forbes? I got your misery right here, pal.
Yes!
Posted by: Tim Morrissey | March 13, 2013 at 08:00
The misery loves company campaign is an embarrassment. Whose pocket are you in?
Posted by: Lifer | March 13, 2013 at 10:36
Go, Groh, Go! Well Played!
Posted by: Maura Gast | March 13, 2013 at 13:27
Hey, Lifer? That your e-mail address is @ rockford.com, my guess is that you are too close to the trees. This isn't meant for you. You can stay as miserable as you want. This is for those of us outside the region who might actually believe Forbes' assessment of you. And, for us, this reaffirms that Forbes has its head up its butt on this one.
Posted by: Bill Geist | March 13, 2013 at 17:24
Good try Geist .... The powers that be in said city is the entity with its head up ... "It's butt" and its obvious to anyone that has lived here.
Posted by: Lifer | March 14, 2013 at 01:02
Have lived in Madison for the last 10 years, lived in Rockford for the 40 years before that....sorry no comparison...
Posted by: Greg L | March 20, 2013 at 12:55
Didn't say there was a comparison. Just said that Rockford is far from miserable.
Posted by: Bill Geist | March 20, 2013 at 19:53