Bill Geist's Zeitgeist

America's Top Cities

The latest edition of America's Top Cities is out today and DMOU had the opportunity to talk with Resonance's Chris Fair on how the rankings are determined and why they matter. It's no surprise that big cities dominate the top 50 because they have more assets than smaller cities. But, there are some surprising cities in the bottom 50 that point the way to how DMOs can elevate community brand and magnetism to increase awareness and interest. Chris breaks it all down in this exclusive interview on how the rankings have evolved post-COVID. Cool stuff.

New on the DMOU Podcast: Kara Franker

For DMOs that produce destination events, it often consumes months of staff time. Yet, Visit Estes Park turned a festival that a neighboring community was preparing to sunset into an event that garnered national media attention in just 100 days. CEO Kara Franker guests to tell the unique story of the revitalized "Frozen Dead Guy Days," an event that not only bolstered a need time on the calendar but also raised money for workforce housing and daycare initiatives. It's a stirring story of community collaboration you're not going to want to miss. You can find the conversation HERE.

And, while you're at it...check out the sensational video behind the story Kara tells on the podcast about backing a Room Tax increase to support local workforce housing and childcare.

Simply brilliant.

Smiles All Around

Walking back to my hotel after an early morning presentation to the Rockford Area CVB Board, I came upon a corner that made me smile (click image to enlarge). 

It was the stone in front of the Rockford Park District that read "Webbs Norman Center." Along with former CVB CEO Wendy Perks Fisher, Webbs was one of the early national visionaries that saw the potential in Sports Tourism almost 40 years ago. It was their early partnership that set into motion the transformation of Rockford Tourism. This video offers a glimpse of that relationship.

My smile grew larger when I noticed that the street in front of the Webbs Norman Center has been renamed Tim Dimke Drive...as Tim and his crew took Webbs' and Wendy's vision and expanded it even further with current RACVB CEO John Groh.

As I ducked into the sensational riverfront Embassy Suites Hotel for a quick bite before heading out, I had to smile again because I heard joy and laughter coming out of the kitchen...and that's a sound we've all missed over the past few years. But, there it was...and, as I surveyed my fellow diners, I could see how infectious it was for all of us.

And, that's just damn good management...the kind that empowers employees to have fun, please the guest and take incredible pride in their work.

Thanks Rockford...let's see if my next stop continues the streak.

Next on DMOU: Peggy Williams-Smith

How does a very Blue City land a very Red Convention? Visit Milwaukee’s Peggy Williams-Smith joins DMOU to share the story of how her Team and City landed the 2024 Republican National Convention. We’ll also discuss how Milwaukee was named one of National Geographic’s Top Destinations and how Visit Milwaukee has expanded the organization’s community awareness, visibility and support. Plus a Bonus Round question on her deep Beer City roots.

Join us.

New on DMOU: Flagstaff's Trace Ward

The vast majority of Destination Marketing Organizations in the United States are independent non-profit agencies...but that doesn't mean other structures can't work. In the latest edition of the DMOU podcast, we talk with Discover Flagstaff Director Trace Ward on how his office is rockin' it as both a division of Economic Vitality and the City. And (not to be a spoiler), he says it's all about intentional design and intra-agency respect. 

Cool stuff.

Jim Dandy to the Rescue

Not sure why I can't get the Black Oak Arkansas classic out of my head...but isn't that what Destination Leadership Organizations have become in the past three years? Coming to the rescue of local businesses that need a helping hand in times of crisis?

That's exactly what the Pinehurst, Southern Pines & Aberdeen CVB did when their power grid was attacked by vandals as their communities entered the all too crucial holiday shopping season. Within hours, Phil Werz and his staff hatched a plan to support their area merchants in a time of acute need.

You can hear about "Moore Miracles" and much more about how that DLO is rockin' their destination on the latest episode of the DMOU podcast.

Cool stuff.

New on DMOU: Embracing the Night Time Economy

A lot of attention is paid to the 6a to 6p economy...but that has been a disservice to its 6p to 6a sister of the night. 24 Hour Dallas intends to change that...and we talk with the organization's Coordinator, Bryan Tony, on the most recently released episode of the DMOU Podcast.

Chick here to listen...or find us on your favorite podcast platform.

Do the Math

The arguments surrounding Short Term Rentals are as varied and nuanced as a Pantone Color Wheel. Even more so for me, as I often choose these accommodations based on my need and circumstance. So, I am definitely not anti-Short Term Rental.

But, I come down squarely on the need for licensing, inspection and tax policy that mirrors the requirements government places on traditional lodging. It's only fair. And that extends to enforcement...which apparently isn't happening in Los Angeles.

A recent study suggests that nearly half of the city's Short Term Rentals were in violation of L.A.'s home sharing laws...opening up the opportunity for the City to collect over $300 million in fees and fines. They collected less than $40,000 last year.

C'mon guys...I know that local governments often fail to think like entrepreneurs. But, do the freaking math. Isn't the promise of $300 million worth hiring 10 or 15 compliance officers? Even the most arithmetically challenged among us can see that.

Just saying...

Municipalities Should Have the Authority

Let's be clear, some of our best and most memorable overnight stays have been in short term rentals. But, STRs are strangling workforce development in several communities around the nation by taking full-time housing off the market. That's a dilemma.

Outside of the gobs of money that STR companies are funneling into political candidates, how does a State say to its municipalities that they do not have the authority to regulate the voracious consumption of housing stock that is creating existential harm to residents and workforce?

It's like an issue we've struggled with for decades here in Madison. Because there are so many State and University owned buildings downtown (that are exempt from local property taxes), city residents are forced to pay significantly more in property tax than those in other cities. To make up for this, the City has asked for the ability to enact a half penny sales tax (which most thinking Madisonians would approve) in order to reduce property taxes. But the State blocks this because legislators want to be able to say they are holding the line on taxes so their re-election chances improve.

Municipalities should have the option to do what they believe is right for their residents without State intervention. If taxes get too onerous, residents will turn out those responsible. We really don't need the State to tell us how to run our communities. But they can't hep themselves, apparently.

Kudos to Akron for jumping ahead of a State bill that would prohibit requiring STRs to play by the same rules as other lodging businesses. And, by a 13-0 vote.

I mean really, cosmetologists and hairdressers must be licensed. Someone renting out their home as a business shouldn't be?

Sigh....

 

 

Time to Get Back to Work

Now that the mid-terms are (mostly) over, it's time to get back to work.

Hopefully, as a DMO pro, you've already built at least a cursory relationship with your Federal and State delegations (something that should have been in play for all candidates over the past few months so that you're ready to roll regardless of the victor). 

And, top of the docket for the Tourism and Hospitality industry right now is the bi-partisan House Resolution 9231...the Service Worker Economic Stabilization Act, designed to remove disincentives in the present tax code that discourage companies from spending on in-person meetings and business travel.

According to Tourism Economics, the bill would increase revenue at travel businesses that offer food or entertainment services by about $70.4 BILLION over the next two years, many of which are small businesses.

You know what to do...call or write your Senators and Representatives now.