Bill Geist's Zeitgeist

The New End Around

It's not exactly "new," but that legislators in two States have employed this tactic in as many days shows how brazen several have become because they don't think we're paying attention...or that we won't remember the next time they're up for re-election.

Earlier this week, we shared the boneheaded attempt of a legislator to redirect Room Tax revenue in Ohio to funding jails. We've just learned from some friends in the Buckeye State that she just slipped an amendment into a fast moving bill that would allow communities to increase Room Tax by 2% specifically to fund jail construction.

And, here's why I call it an end around. For those that are not fans of the game of football, an end around is a play that is typically not expected by the defense. In most offensive plays, the Quarterback hands the ball off to a running back or passes the ball to a receiver (or, if you're Justin Fields, you just keep it). An end around is when the receiver doesn't run down the field to catch a pass but, instead, runs laterally behind the QB and takes the ball around the other end of the field. In essence, it's a trick play because defenses generally don't expect it.

And that's what our Ohio Legislator did. By attaching the amendment to another bill, she eliminated the opportunity for public testimony on the merits of the bill. Those that could explain why this is a sensationally bad idea for Ohio's economy were blocked from offering that side of the argument.

And, it happened this week in Wisconsin, where an amendment to another bill threatened the viability of wedding barns by limiting the number of days alcohol can be served. The measure, supported by the Tavern League and large event venues, never got a hearing...because it was an amendment. Thus, small business owners were never provided the opportunity to plead their case to legislators who are generally supportive of small business. All they heard was big business saying this measure ensures public safety (what a bunch of horseshit).

As a political operative, I can appreciate the elegance of an end around.

But it's a shitty way to run a State's economy.

Always Me

You know the people who always laugh too loud? There were four last night at a corner table at dinner in Downtown Madison. I chalk that up to too much alcohol that afternoon...so, we're good.

But then, across the street at the Overture Center for Craig Ferguson? Right behind me. A guy who spent the fifteen minutes prior to showtime telling his friends what a connoisseur of comedy he was and how many shows he'd seen. He then proceeds to laugh the loudest in the hall, as if to prove he is the connoisseur he claims to be.

But, it's all wrong. He misses the nuance. He doesn't get Craig. He laughs at all the wrong moments...and as loudly as possible, apparently attempting to say, "I'm a connoisseur" when real connoisseurs merely nod and chuckle, appreciating the art behind such a stream of consciousness.

I'm not saying that there weren't bust-a-gut moments during Craig's monologue...but the connoisseur missed most of them. And, why do they always sit near me?

He's in Milwaukee tonight (Craig, not the connoisseur), Evansville on the 9th and Richmond VA on the 12th.

Treat yourself.

 

 

Do the Math

According to a recent article in Fast Company, office space takes up between 70-80% of all real estate in many downtowns. With so many of us continuing to work remote, that space is going unused...and, in many cases, unleased.

In San Francisco, it is estimated that only 40% of the pre-plague workforce has returned to the office. And, as the average worker in that city spent $168 per week near their workplaces...that pencils out to $1.2 billion in lost revenues per year to the surrounding restaurants, bars, coffeeshops, retain outlets and services businesses.

Is it any wonder so many of those businesses (even those who could find workers) are now shuttered? Which then sets about a vicious cycle of why would anyone would want to return to the office if there's nothing to do in the blocks surrounding one's building.

Cities that intend to survive are going to hafta get real creative...sooner than later...before it's too late.

 

No You Don't

Seen on a recent excursion.

"We appreciate your feedback."

No you don't...or you would have included a pencil.

Just sayin'

New on the DMOU Podcast > True Ambassadors

I was honored to moderate a panel at a PRSA event this summer in Madison...and it was a pleasure to reconnect with my friend Kelly Barbery, VP of Marketing and Communications at ExperienceColumbiaSC.

I was just the moderator...and was not responsible for the content. So, I was unprepared and mesmerized by the story Kelly and Director of Communications Charlene Slaughter shared regarding their "Ambassador Program."

Trust me...this is not your garden variety Ambassador Program.

A cool conversation that also touches on their Pimento Cheese Passport and their first steps into NIL.

Check it out...and over 120 other conversations in the DMOU Vault.

More Divey

Given the choice, Terri and I will always opt for a dive bar over a classy one. Thus, we were excited to hear that a Madison institution called The Red Shed will be staying true to its roots when it moves to State Street later this year.

Owner Lynn Dieffenbach says she's "terrified, but excited," and promises, "we're gonna make it as divey as possible."

Hell yeah.

New on the DMOU Podcast: Cannabis Tourism

Almost half of American States have legalized the recreational use of cannabis...but many DMOs in those States struggle with ways to promote the advantage they possess against States that don't. On this episode of DMOU, we talk with Brian Applegarth, the foremost expert in the intersection of cannabis and tourism, about how to escape the stigma...and focus on the health, wellness and inclusionary aspects of this amazing community asset. A fascinating episode.

Maximizing the Night

Unless you're on a serious afternoon shopping spree...when you you spend the most money? Before 6p or after?

For many consumers, it's after 6p...and yet, that part of our economy is so often overlooked by city leaders. And for law enforcement, it's the part of the day were more vigilance is expected.

This recent article from the VOA should open eyes and suggest that second and third tier communities consider appointed a Nighttime Mayor.

And, if you want to go deeper, check out our DMOU Podcast conversation with 24-Hour Dallas Project Coordinator Bryan Tony.

New on the DMOU Podcast: Refreshing a Brand

When Robert Lopez took the helm of the Abilene CVB, he embarked upon a "Meeting and Eating" tour of community leaders. And, it became clear through those conversations that the destination brand had become stale. Listen in to this conversation on how Robert and his team dove into a brand "refresh" within his first year in-destination. It's a great story of how fresh leadership can often move the needle before the opposition can begin to form.

Y'all are Closed?

Taking my granddaughter out to dinner to celebrate her High School  graduation...and we asked where she'd like to go. If memory serves, her elder brother opted for a pretty high end steak house.

She says, "I really want a great burger." So to Yelp I go, searching for the highest rated burgers in the area for a Tuesday get together. And, while most indicate that they will be open Tuesday, 4 of the Top 5 are closed on Monday.

Now, I get it. Staffing is tough all over and both staff and management deserve a day off. But, because the tradition is to take Monday off after a busy weekend, the practice inadvertently turns some destinations into food deserts on Mondays. For locals, not much of a problem. For visitors? The practice leaves them stranded if they aren't into chain restaurants.

What if the truly destination defining restaurants in a town got together and agreed to stagger their days off so there would always be a handful open on Mondays. And hey, it would even give restaurant workers a chance to sample cool eateries on their day off.

Just a thought...