Not Get Involved?

OK...I'll admit that I don't know what the hell is going on in Boise. I, like so many of you, am picking up bits and pieces from the media's coverage of the Boise CVB's inexorable fade to black. And, relying on the media's take is always a dangerous proposition.

So, with that disclaimer out of the way, allow me to say...WTF?

The Mayor comes in at the eleventh hour and suggests mediation...but he needs a Council vote. They have that discussion on Tuesday night and one of the Council members actually says: "I'm just not sure we ought to put a dog in this fight."

Really? REALLY? The people that your City rely upon to bring MILLIONS OF DOLLARS into your town have been put on waivers...and you don't think the City should get involved?

Is the hubris of the City of Boise so great that you think visitors, conventions and events will choose your community because you're just all that. Without a nudge? Without incentives? Without a cheerleader?

No offense...but you're not.

Most destinations aren't.

We all need, whether you know it or not, an organization stocked with seasoned professionals to compete with all the other destinations that are (like Bonzai, Shenzi and Ed) just salivating at the prospect of eating your lunch.

Will somebody in Boise please get a clue...before residents lose jobs and entrepreneurs close up shop?

UPDATE: We received a communique from the City's Communication Director, chiding us for not noting that mediation was approved by the Council and that even the quoted Councilperson voted "yes." While that wasn't the point of this post, we applaud the City for doing the right thing. Finally.

Comments

[Reyn Bowman]

As a County Commissioner told me once during a heated discussion..."politics is personal not logical."

[Scot]

Couldn't agree with you more, Bill. Just not sure what our next move is, or can be for that matter. Would love to chat.

[Laurie McConnell, 'Volunteer' Communications Manager, Boise CVB]

Thanks for the support, Bill. Your comments are right on. And for us, 'Keeping the Lights On' is the right thing to do. There is too much at stake.

[Bill Geist]

You know the industry is completely behind you! Hang in there...