With the myriad of issues plaguing our country, calling out in vain for our politicians to show some leadership...they're targeting airline loyalty programs?
Doesn't the government routinely change the value of Social Security and Medicare as it fits their arcane needs? So why waste everyone's time on something so inconsequential?
Just saying...
Thanks in part to a horrible piece of legislation that ultimately puts the distribution of local room tax revenues into the hands of Wisconsin mayors, a number of small communities are electing to pull out of regional destination marketing organizations. Many of them say they are being overshadowed by the magnet city in their region… but there's a reason for that. Typically the largest city has the most assets, better transportation infrastructure and larger name recognition. Suburbs and rural communities that are in orbit around the largest city benefit from that halo. Every Single Day.
And, the magnet city benefits from the surrounding communities. Every Single Day.
But of course, small town ego won't allow for rationality.
Over the past few months, the city of Weston has been threatening to pull out of their contract with the Wausau/Central Wisconsin CVB. They said they didn’t believe they were getting enough ROI and could probably do a better job on their own with their $108,000 investment (snort). But, about a week ago, they decided to extend their contract one more year.
Could it have anything to do with the fact that the Wausau/Central Wisconsin CVB just landed the 2026 and 2029 World Horseshoe Pitching Championships? The ones that will be held in Weston?
Yeah, how you like me now?
The eyes of the nation will be on Chicago next week as it hosts the Democratic National Convention; a convention just as historic as the one the Windy City hosted in 1968.
In a sensational piece in the Chicago Sun-Times today, Neil Steinberg asks the question: how will the City of Big Shoulders be viewed at the end of next week? Some believe it will be an opportunity for Chicago to shrug off all the shade being thrown its way for being a dangerous place. Others believe it to be a lose-lose proposition because people who are predisposed to believe Chicago is dangerous won't care if it looks spectacular...they'll hold on to those beliefs.
My favorite quote in the piece, though, comes from political publicist Thom Serafin, who says people in Chicago tend to look at the cost but not the benefit of big events.
“Like NASCAR,” he said. “The revenue numbers did not substantiate all the effort. The profit is in people watching all over the world. Watching that skyline, thinking, ‘I’m going to go there next year. I want to be there. It’s a beautiful city. The setting is so beautiful.’”
And, that is why we host big events. Detroit absolutely changed its narrative it with the NFL Draft.
Here's hoping Chicago can do the same next week.
When it comes to Short Term Rentals, trying to put the genie back into the bottle has proven elusive for most governments. Initially defended as a property rights play, elected leaders are now grappling with its unintended impact on affordable housing. On this edition of DMOU, we welcome 1000 Island International Tourism Council CEO Corey Fram with a fascinating story of how, after several twists and turns, the New York State Legislature actually passed a bill this session that brings STRs outside of New York City into the Tourism and Community Development eco-system. And, it all came down to framing the issue as not a Tourism or Fairness issue…but as one that cities, towns and villages actually cared about. Plus a Bonus Round question that has me remembering the best moments of “Slap Shot.” Join us.
Not that those politicians that seek to limit choice, equity and recognition of history give a shit...but new research from Longwoods International indicates that just over a quarter of Americans make their travel decisions based, at least in part, on the political reputation of a destination. Thus, politics puts a quarter of the inbound visitor revenue required to power an economy at risk.
In a world where most voters are most concerned with the economy and their ability to survive, it is indeed fascinating that so many politicians are more interested in playing party philosophy than what voters actually want. And yet, people still vote for them.
If the electorate voted their true interests, none of these clowns would remain in office. But, they are smug in their realization that we don't vote our true interests. We vote with our tribe. And we are typically worse off for it.
It should be TALK.
There was a time in my life here in Madison that I filled in for a few weeks for a news radio icon in the Mad City as he recovered from a health scare. I guess that gave me cred a few years later to be considered to do fill in on talk radio. After a few shows under my belt, I was called into the program director's office. He said that I was doing it all wrong.
Take a position and drive it home, he admonished me. Don't say that an opposing position is an interesting concept. Shut them down hard, he said.
But, I offered, it was an interesting alternative. He just shook his head and I never worked on air there again.
That day came back to me when I heard that Chicago radio icon Steve Cochran got axed at the once legendary WLS. Because that is what he was trying to do with his morning show there.
Interesting story from BNM. And he's so right. That is what talk radio should be.
Not the shit we are forced to listen to from the corporate shills that only care about drama and contention.
One of the e-mails I look forward to each weekday is from my friend (and past DMOU guest) George Tzougros, Director of the Wisconsin Arts Board. His daily missives are packed with (naturally) news about the Arts here and around the country. But they also contain video links to cool performances and quotes to ponder. Last week, he shared this one:
“Man's most valuable trait is a judicious sense of what not to believe.” – Euripides
If Euripides was correct, we're doomed.
Earlier this week, the City Council in Ranson WV voted to eliminate funding for its Destination Marketing Organization of 24 years and forward the revenues to the County DMO. Not a single person testified in favor of the move. Several testified eloquently in opposition.
So much for the will of the people.
One doesn't necessarily need millions of dollars to develop significant relevance and impact in a small market destination. On this episode of DMOU, Explore Altoona's Mark Ickes shares how his team connects with his community at every level, building support and appreciation for the work they do. And, while far from being ready to hang up his skates, Mark shares his dream job for his retirement years in the Bonus Round. Join us.
When Terri and I went from being working partners to loving partners, she set down a few ground rules regarding lines I really shouldn't cross if I wanted her to stick around. One was that I could never run for public office, or she'd be gone.
A recent article in the Washington Examiner strongly suggests that the American Two-Party system is beyond broken (something I've said for decades). It suggests a new Party (I'd hafta give that some thought). And then suggests, "Politics aside, it is fun to wonder what it would be like to have Bill Geist for a President."
Babe...I'm sure they're talking about the "other one."
Really.
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