Scaledown Radio debate Conclusions - Mark
Here are my conclusions from Andrew and my debate, I will invite Andrew to post his conclusions
EVENTS: The way i see it and what has not been communicated well:
There is two independant goals of Windsor’s involvement in Grand Prix
1. creating a new themed festival in Windsor that might get more attention by riding on the Detroit coat tails.
- Its success depends on an event report yet to be generated that shows hotels booked, visitors downtown. So far anecdotal evidence from last year shows cautious optimismE
2. Advertising Windsor’s name and Brand to a nationwide audience. Branding the Media Center is the same basic strategy as having WIndsor’s Logo on a car. Except we get the grand stands and media center. Its purpose is brand and name recognition. When you convince the 100’s of Multinational companies that they’re sponsorship has been a waste of money, I’ll believe you more than them since I have to trust their marketing dollars
3. If this does fail, then Windsor entrepreneurs and city leaders must take responsibility for not getting behind the strategy
4. Provincial partnerships and inclusion to events are based on ones that have a wide reaching audience rather than local events. Local event marketing is great, but don’t expect provincial dollars to back them up
5. U.S. event sponsorship should be handled by the tourism board exclusively. Once the tourism board takes over management they can communicate a clear strategy as to what marketing will be done to our own region and what marketing will be spent outside our region. Only then will locals feel listened to and change the conversation. The mayor can still play an important role of spokesperson. THe IDA Downtown Handbook says that major initiatives should not be lead or initiated by one person especially a politician as critics of that person will become critics of the initiative and that is a big problem here
Tunnel Deal
1. Having two separate entities manage the same asset is not proper
2. Downtown Detroit connection to Downtown Windsor has not been capitalized on. This is a growing, important adjacent neighborhood to downtown. In fact its the only adjacent neighborhood that is growing in demographic as well as population. That asset needs to be protected
3. Evidence of the mismanagement and politics overtaking business sense is the penalizing Canadian Exchange on the U.S. Side.
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Funny thing, that particular weekend there is already a Windsor event with a fifty year history and a proven track record of attracting people to participate and patronize local businesses. The bicycle races on Erie Street. For the money spent piggy backing on a Detroit event the Erie Street races could be augmented with racing Friday Evening or Saturday (both have been done). Appearance money could be spent to bring big names to the events (been done).
A dream would be to have a whole weekend dedicated to two wheels and pedal power. A trade show/exibition, mountain bike races at Malden Park or a downtown race past all the cafes or through the festival plaza and down Riverside Drive. (Maybe Joe Comartin can get it so that bets can be placed on riders at the casino.) How about a temporary bmx track at the waterfront, bmx is now an olymipic sport and its pretty exciting to watch. This would all be part of making Windsor a bicycle city. Imagine tool and die and mold shops turning out custom parts and frames and being able to demonstrate and show them off to potential customers and distributors.
Or, we can give money to the grand prix in detroit and have our name on a grand stand.
I always thought the barn should be converted to a velodrome like in london.
How ’bout that?
Can’t the bike race on erie street be folded into the event somehow. I’d rather be an important element in a major event than an event that although brilliant has drawn minimal tourists?
Thats the problem, marketing to locals shouldn’t come at the expense of marketing to tourists. I don’t know how to spin it but I’m sure there are marketing experts that could
LOCALS VS. TOURISTS SHOULD NOT BE AN EITHER/OR PROPOSITION ( capitals in place of bold, Im not yelling)
You may want to belittle having our name attached to grand prix but we’re still the automotive capital of Canada for now. Not only that there’s a lot of company’s who spend gazillions of dollars to put their brand on those grand prix cars and again, until you show that your a better marketer than the experts they hire, I gotta go with the big money.
I understand the desire to market to locals but since statistics prove that the casino and other local attractions haven’t been able to draw American tourists to the area, why not market to Canadians. Often I walk the area of Yonge & Dundas (Toronto Eaton Centre) and sit in amazement at how the entire square will be branded by one company or product. The marketing doesn’t always stop there either; they will often brand entire subway stations. I feel that due to the value of the dollar and non-smoking establishments scaring away American visitors, why not market to the people who are not deterred by this, and are within a short drive from Windsor. With the GTA sitting around 7 million people (plus countless tourists), and millions or riders on the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission), can’t this be branded everything Windsor, with the help of Caesars Windsor, or Detroit/Windsor Grand Prix? I think Windsor is missing an opportunity by not branding in Canada’s largest metropolitan area. I have seen Bell Canada, Rogers, Telus, The Bay, L’oreal, and so on, do more times than I can remember. If all of these major companies continue to do this, it must be worth while. Also, when Windsor was branding itself for business, where did they come… Toronto.
If you’re going to market to those in the GTA an Southwestern Ontario then marketing 101 dictates that you showcase what is distinct and unique about your product. Why Windsor and not London, Why Windsor and not Niagara Falls etc…
One thing that makes us distinct and unique is the fact that Downtown Detroit connects with Downtown Windsor.
You can come to Windsor and take in a major sporting event Friday Night and take a tour of the Wine Region on Saturday
You can come to Windsor and take in a day of Racing on a Saturday and check out our casino and riverfront park right after
I think the way to make the Grand Prix initiatives a success is for Windsorites creating packages combining the businesses and attractions Windsor has with the hotels and the U.S. events to create an amazing distinct, unique product that is unsurpassed in North America.
No one else offers a two nation destination product with as many choices as Windsor/Detroit has
Biggest problem I see is that businesses need more of a helping hand to tap into this package product, its a ton of work to create them and market them and we need the CVB and Province to get them out
I suggested that the CVB create a prize and award to the business that created the most interesting and amazing package and/or partnership to stimulate this. Other suggestions would be for the College Travel and tourism school to hold a contest.
It’s been a while since I looked at the statistics, but aren’t 70% of visitors to our area visiting friends and relatives (VFR)? That’s who to market to so when they do come (because we KNOW they are already coming) they will ask their hosts to take them to XYZ or they will leave their hotel to explore more.
I think you can definitely advertise packages for them to come to the Grand Prix and I think many would prefer to spend their evenings in Canada, but I don’t think that the city needs to spend money in Detroit to do this. The money should be spent to improve the Downtown or support other initiatives on this side of the border.
Mark, I’m glad that your spirits are not dampened by Andrew’s continuous assault of your ideas.
I’m glad that you keep moving forward and on this one item, I think our city needs to invest time and energy here before working across the river.
My point all along is that we spend far too much time marketing our area to S.E. Michigan. Let’s face it, border hassles real or percieved are keeping the americans away. Unless it involves drinking, the majority aren’t interested in coming here.
Let’s work on making our area attractive to visitors. As it stands, our city isn’t interesting, heck there’s nothing in our downtown aside from our riverfront park top even attract locals. Why come visit a city with a dead downtown with nothing to do? We’ve even worked our hardest to destroy the buildings and unique shops that made our downtown interesting. Our downtown died the day the bulldozers started on the Norwich Block.
Until proper policies are in place, and some kind of tax incentives are put in place to make our downtown a viable place for retail to set up shop, I fear we will continue to run on a treadmill going nowhere fast.
I truly feel that until downtown is reviatlized that every marketing dollar spent, is a dollar wasted.
Grand Prix? No matter how you spin it Mark that is a colossal waste of money. The media centre? Give me a break. Sports writers that come to Detroit to cover the even likely didn’t bring ID to cross the border. Most Americans don’t even carry their birth certificate, and it’s a fact that only about 20% of Americans own a passport. Do you think the Sports writer from Omaha Nebrask is planning on taking a quick jump acorss the river to visit Winsdsor?
No amout of money pissed away on sponsorships of events by Windsor that don’t take place here, or can’t be enjoyed by Windsorites IN Windsor is a waste of money.
Why was Red Bull a sucess? Becasue it took place over the river and was visible from right here.
The border has become a nightmare. It’s shitty to cross any day of the week. You have to plan on sitting in your car for at least an hour minimum just to get to US customs. I’m not a car racing fan, but if it took place in Windsor I would likely check it out. To spend hours to go to a racetrack in Detroit less than 5 miles from my house? Probably not..
The tunnel deal is a bad deal for Windsor. Who besides His Highness King Eddie thinks it’s ok to borrow money to buy control of an asset with declining revenue? I’ll tell you who, no one.
Just like the farce of the deveolopment freeze in Sandwich, and the far, far eastside arena this is nothing more than a knee jerk reaction (in this case to block the Ambasador Bridge Company who floated plans to buy a share in the Detroit side a few years ago.
We’re in serious doo-doo in this city right now. Every ounce of the Mayor’s energy has been spent on the border, either trying to force Greenlink on everyone that will listen, or on the Tunnel deal.
While Eddie Filddles, Windsor Burn. The entire city is crumbling while Eddie plays mayor in ignorant bliss creating new boards and comisssions.
The worst part is that November 2010 is still far away…
Mark
Please check which hat you are wearing.
I cannot see how you can justify Windsor’s (government) involvement in the Detroit Grand Prix on this forum. Scaledown’s mission is to “promote the cultural identity, social fabric and economic prosperity of Windsor, Ontario, through open discussion and grass-roots advocacy.
The Detroit Grand Prix, in Detroit, on Belle Isle (not even in the downtown connected by the tunnel) does nothing to promote or enhance our city’s cultural identity. Auto racing and auto racing culture are about as far removed from walkable communities and alternative transportation initiatives as one can get.
Here’s a question for you. Is it better to use taxpayer dollars to promote an event in another city because there is a chance that some of those people may see our “brand” and might come over to visit or, would our money be better spent promoting an event here in Windsor that has a proven record of drawing participants from all parts of North America and an average crowd of ten thousand plus that do patronize the restaurants and cafes along Erie Street and stay in Windsor hotels and would spend more time and money in our city if the event could once again be expanded to a two or even three day weekend?
The Erie Street bike races were started to bring some of the Italian culture to the Italian community in Windsor. In fifty years it has grown and gained popularity among the athletes because of where it is held. Thousands of people turn out to watch hundreds of athletes. The overwhelming majority of the athletes are from out of town. Most travel with their families. Erie street is usually the last race of the year for most cyclists and they make a big deal out of it bringing family and friends to be a part of a fantastic event.
Screw making the bike races a part of “something bigger” let’s make the bike races bigger. Let’s go back to a two day weekend. Let’s add an exposition for sporting goods dealers and manufacturers.
Scaledown is about enhancing our city and community for us, to improve our quality of life and celebrate our culture.
Tell you what, as a member of the organizing committee. I will work to bring a race to downtown Windsor next year on the Saturday evening and run it by your front door.
The Tunnel asset needs to be protected? From whom?
Mark said:
1. Having two separate entities manage the same asset is not proper
There will continue to be two separate entities managing the “separately” owned tunnel. There is nothing stopping either municipal corporation from hiring a third party (read: private) to “manage” or “operate” the tunnel. Detroit still “owns” the Detroit side with Alinda operating the tunnel.
And if this is an indirect attack against the Ambassador Bridge company shutting down the tunnel - that is a poor rationale - it’s how the contract is negotiated.
2. Downtown Detroit connection to Downtown Windsor has not been capitalized on. This is a growing, important adjacent neighborhood to downtown. In fact its the only adjacent neighborhood that is growing in demographic as well as population. That asset needs to be protected.
Protected from whom and what? Last time I checked, Detroit, USA is its own entity. Capitalized on? Perhaps one should speak with the City of Windsor to find out the exact reasons why the tunnel plaza expansion has not occurred.
3. Evidence of the mismanagement and politics overtaking business sense is the penalizing Canadian Exchange on the U.S. Side.
Okay - fair - what about our wonderful downtown merchants penalizing the American exchange rate? EVen though our dollar is roughly at par, went to store downtown, paid in American and they offered me 93 cents on the dollar.
The major issue I have with the tunnel deal is that WE ARE USING Ontario infrastructure dollars that should be used on improving the EC Row, watermains, sewers, regional transporation, etc. rather than on a questionable deal that doesn’t see Windsor taking ownership; placing Ontario taxpayers at risk given the budget difficulties Detroit side; as well as falling cross border traffic volumes as well as a further anticipated 25% plunge in tunnel traffic once the new DRIC bridge is constructed - as per DRIC’s own traffic analysis.
So tell me again why the proposed tunnel deal is good for Windsor?
Response to Chris Schnurr
“So tell me again why the proposed tunnel deal is good for Windsor?”
“There will continue to be two separate entities managing the “separately” owned tunnel.”
Thats not my understanding of the deal and until everything is revealed I don’t know how youcan say that
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“And if this is an indirect attack against the Ambassador Bridge company shutting down the tunnel - that is a poor rationale - it’s how the contract is negotiated.”
I don’t see how it is nor should it be. I support the new ABC crossing for the sole reason of creating end to end Nexus lanes.
However, Remember the Bridge fired a warning shot across the bow when it proposed moving tunnel customs. even though ABC promised it would drop the issue, they could sell the bridge to a company that reopens the issue
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“Protected from whom and what?”
See above
Capitalized on? Perhaps one should speak with the City of Windsor to find out the exact reasons why the tunnel plaza expansion has not occurred.
My conspiracy theory is the mayor doesn’t want to put 30 million into an asset until we control both sides. Thats probably part of his plan to raise tunell traffic after the deals done.
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3. Evidence of the mismanagement and politics overtaking business sense is the penalizing Canadian Exchange on the U.S. Side.
Okay - fair - what about our wonderful downtown merchants penalizing the American exchange rate? EVen though our dollar is roughly at par, went to store downtown, paid in American and they offered me 93 cents on the dollar.
Last I checked Two wrongs don’t make a right. My businesses give exchange at par. Also just went to the bank they take a hefty fee
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“The major issue I have with the tunnel deal is that WE ARE USING Ontario infrastructure dollars that should be used on improving the EC Row, watermains, sewers, regional transporation, etc. rather than on a questionable deal that doesn’t see Windsor taking ownership; placing Ontario taxpayers at risk given the budget difficulties Detroit side; as well as falling cross border traffic volumes as well as a further anticipated 25% plunge in tunnel traffic once the new DRIC bridge is constructed - as per DRIC’s own traffic analysis.”
I think thats actually proves the mayors point. That people are looking at our side and the U.S. side of the tunnel as two separate assets when it is one asset that affects our city just as much as the E.C. Rowe
Response to Andrew and James
“My point all along is that we spend far too much time marketing our area to S.E. Michigan. Let’s face it, border hassles real or percieved are keeping the americans away. Unless it involves drinking, the majority aren’t interested in coming here. ”
“….I truly feel that until downtown is reviatlized that every marketing dollar spent, is a dollar wasted.”
I don’t know how much we should spend but zero is not appropriate. First off the Province is paying for much of the U.S. advertising dollars.
I dont’ think the hotels and area attractions would be happy with Zero. Dont’ they have any say???
Grand Prix? No matter how you spin it Mark that is a colossal waste of money. The media centre? Give me a break. Sports writers that come to Detroit to cover the even likely didn’t bring ID to cross the border. Most Americans don’t even carry their birth certificate, and it’s a fact that only about 20% of Americans own a passport. Do you think the Sports writer from Omaha Nebrask is planning on taking a quick jump acorss the river to visit Winsdsor?
If we invite them there is a small chance of them coming, If we don’t invite them there’s 100% chance of them staying home.
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“No amout of money pissed away on sponsorships of events by Windsor that don’t take place here, or can’t be enjoyed by Windsorites IN Windsor is a waste of money. ”
Thursday there will be an annoucnement of events that are taking place in Windsor that weekend
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The border has become a nightmare. It’s shitty to cross any day of the week. You have to plan on sitting in your car for at least an hour minimum just to get to US customs.
That is wrong and that type of statement perpetuates the problem. I cross 3 times a month and only get delayed one out of 6 times
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“I cannot see how you can justify Windsor’s (government) involvement in the Detroit Grand Prix on this forum. Scaledown’s mission is to “promote the cultural identity, social fabric and economic prosperity of Windsor, Ontario, through open discussion and grass-roots advocacy. ”
Its a debate and I’m taking one side of it. I believe that Downtown Detroit is an adjacent neighborhood and closer to Downtown than South Windsor or our East side. If we scaled down, I believe our scaledown should include Downtown Detroit (Not the metropolitan area)
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“The Detroit Grand Prix, in Detroit, on Belle Isle (not even in the downtown connected by the tunnel) does nothing to promote or enhance our city’s cultural identity. ”
I believe being a border city is part of our cultural identity
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Auto racing and auto racing culture are about as far removed from walkable communities and alternative transportation initiatives as one can get. ”
Ahhh…. But celebrating the automobile is part of WIndsor’s heritage. I’m for walkable communities but I’m not anti car. I believe the household of the future will still have at least one car, just not always two.
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Remember although the races will be on the U.S. side, there will be related events on our side
Don’t get me wrong, I do agree that more funding should go to the Erie street bike races. More now than ever. What do you think of my idea of converting the Barn to a Velodrome like in London
If anything I said sounds like I don’t fully support the bike races than I take it back. It is more than a worthy event
I’m a firm believer that you need to get your own house in order before you invite people in. Get the people from the city interested in the city before worrying about other things. Just as Victoria stated, if most visitors are friends and relatives, get the locals out and enjoying the city because the best advertising is word of mouth, which we all know is free. If the majority of the residents share the feelings that are expressed in the comments in the Windsor Star, now is not the time to invite people to the city. Once people experience that kind of negativity, it could stay with those visitors for a long time, which might cause them not to come back for many years.
I believe that I first floated the idea on here of a velodrome in the barn a la London’s Ice House. The post was on the old blogspot and I can’t find it in the archives but I believe it was called Windsor, bike capital of Canada?
If the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix took place in downtown Detroit like the old F1 races then your argument about adjacent neighbourhoods works. Belle Isle is not adjacent to Downtown Windsor.
Yeah, Windsor is all about celebrating its automotive heritage. I can’t wait to get in my car and drive out to Essex to Heritage Village to visit its car museum. Although there is that lovely mural on Oullette with pictures of vehicles made here, including a fire truck built in an historic building on Walker Road. Hey let’s build a museum at the old fire truck factory.
I think your “side” in this debate is being clouded by your interest in downtown. Erie Street is closer to downtown than Belle Isle. The bike races have existed in many forms for fifty years. The athletes come and spend money at local businesses. The spectators come and spend money at local businesses. The races celebrate a neighbourhood and a cultural community in Windsor.
I have to take issue with this. I think thats part of WIndsor’s inferiority complex. Do you think that detroit has its house in order? but its still inviting people in.
Every city I’ve gone to where I thought everything was fine, when you talk to the people there they point out many of the same problems that Windsor has.
Do you think Cleveland has its house in order. Even with their dwindling population they Still invites people in.
Do you think London has its house in order, take a closer look at Dundas Street or their youth gang problem that saw open gunfights in the downtown streets last year.
James, I knew I stole that idea somewhere, just couldn’t remember where.
Yeah, Windsor is all about celebrating its automotive heritage. I can’t wait to get in my car and drive out to Essex to Heritage Village to visit its car museum.
Hey, why not move that museum to the downtown or west of downtown
Erie st bike races rule, no argument from me
The Detroit Grand Prix. Nice race for limited viewing. Putting Windsor’s name out there for branding seems like a waste.
Red Bull Air Races. Nice race for unlimited viewing.
Funny thing, Windsor didn’t advertise or put out any branding yet there was 750,000 and a worldwide audience. They just don’t compare. Windsor didn’t even advertise the race beyond the city. London, Toronto, Trenton, Montreal. None of them knew about it.
Windsor seems intent on helping Detroit out with the Grand Prix, Superbowl, Wrestlemania, Boat Races and The Tunnel Deal.
When is Windsor going to work on itself?
Oh yeah, they want to put a bike rack on tunnel buses. Sorry, my mistake.
I felt so strongly against the money being spent in Detroit that I just had to respond. I Don’t have much time but here are some quick responses to what was said on the show:
TWO NATION DESTINATION
A Two-Nation Destination can only be so when both destinations are promoted.
How can you blame the business owners? Most small business owners, which are truly what make a community memorable and thrive, don’t have the deep pockets required to be a part of the promotion on the Detroit side.
When festivals such as Epicure almost folded last year because of a last minute withdrawal of a sponsor, our mayor was quoted as saying he wasn’t overly concerned because some other festival would fill its spot. Instead of helping a festival in Windsor that brings tens of thousands of people to our core, many visiting from across the United States and Canada, he found fit to give $200,000 (???) to Wrestlemania which had no affect whatsoever on Windsor. Do you know how many hotel packages the City sold to people for Wrestlemania? The city didn’t release those numbers that I am aware of. I can tell you right now I am almost positive it was single digits. I sure hope those people had deep pockets to spend the roughly $20,000 per person we spent on them.
Local events attract more than just local. Every event in every city starts as local. With the proper infusion of cash and hard work and support, they blossom into events that attract people from all over. Just look at the Tulip Festival in Ottawa and the Shakespeare Festival in Stratford. Just imagine where they would be without proper support from their respective municipalities.
RED BULL AIR RACES
Much more than 5 weeks notice was given, as was stated by Mark. The mayor’s office had nothing to do with Red Bull Air Races coming to town. The reason it was so successful for Windsor was because the event, even though it was a Detroit race, was actually staged in Windsor. People coming to Windsor, staying in Windsor and spending in Windsor.
GRAND PRIX
All the events Mark mentioned could be staged regardless of whether we give them $80,000 per year to control the Media Centre or not.
The media may have been in a tent all about Windsor, but they stayed, and reported on, Detroit and only Detroit. There was no coverage about Windsor.
As for local businesses being involved in the Media Centre to promote Windsor, it must have been exclusive because I know of businesses that were denied the opportunity to participate.
WHAT MAKES WINDSOR DIFFERENT
For someone who is considered by many as a “mover & shaker” of Windsor, it is sad to hear you think the only thing Windsor has to offer over other municipalities is being next Detroit.
Adriano, excellent points all around.
I’m also very happy to see that I’m not the only one who thinks that spending Windsor money in Detroit instead of Windsor is a bad idea…
Ok, Ok, I give. I can’t play devils advocate anymore.
I agree with you that red bull yielded infinitely more return on investment for Windsor
I didn’t mean to blame WIndsor Businesses only point out that so far the only benefit that Grand Prix has yeilded was a missed opportunity. If we figured out how to involve local businesses more, it could yield more
I take exception to the fact you think I believe being a border city is the “only” thing Windsor has to offer.
I still maintain that it would be equally absurd to ignore our being a border city.
Detroit is tied to Windsor’s Economic Prosperity, Cultural Identity and Social Fabric. To deny that is to deny reality. If this is not the way to increase those ties I have yet to hear another way other than Andrew’s Ferry idea, Fireworks and Redbull races which are tentative at best.
hey Mark,
my goal wasn’t to offend you. you know I agree with you on a large list of things, however, this is not one. listening to the show, it came across (and you even stated, several times I think), that the only thing different Windsor has to offer is being close to Detroit.
Alright here goes…
How can anyone state this tunnel deal is a good deal for Windsor?
Over $1 million has already been spent on legal fee’s for a foreign owned entity that may or may not increase traffic flow to Windsor’s downtown. Add into the $75 million loan from Ontario (with interest) and it just doesn’t add up to economical sense.
Let’s put it in perspective.
That $1 million (so far) legal fee could have been used for the continued streetscape of downtown or been used to offer tax incentives to building owners to spruce up their dilipated buildings.
Spending $75 million + interest on a DECLINING asset. As traffic volumes have been assessed with the third border crossing, whether a twinned bridge or DRIC will have catastrophic effects for the tunnel; Up to 25% DECREASE in traffic volumes! So where would the money come to pay down this debt?
If the city wants to use Ontario Infrastructure money then I would presume that using this money would be better spent on new watermains for the existing neighbourhoods, better road surfaces, parks maintenance and/or expansion, installation of smaller light rail…all of which would benefit Windsor much more than the “ownership” of the other side of the tunnel. Which begs that we will NOT own the other side outright according to the information provided by both cities.
As for the discrepency of tolls, it has always been that way due to the CDN $ being worth less until now. Which brings us to the “Two Nation Destination” mantra.
If Detroit was really on board with the “Two Nation Destination” do you not think they would try and push the feds and their border guards to be a little quicker on their process? Also if Detroit was on board they why wouldn’t they lower the rate so that Americans and Canadians would travel more freely between the two cities? The reason is that Detroit doesn’t want to have their citizens spending their dollars over here.
So I have to ask what are we getting for $75 million? I would rathe rthey borrow that money and put it all downtown, as the impact would be far greater than “owning” the Detroit side of the tunnel which is going to have smaller traffic volumes in the future.
Grand Prix:
Mark are you really taking the stance that business leaders will see Windsor’s tent at this race and wnat to tour Windsor who really are not a part of the Grand Prix other than giving money to the event? Do you not think they would want to see more of what DETROIT has to offer considering that market is infinitely larger than Windsor’s and since the majority of people who are going are Americans I would assume rightly that they would want to do business in the USA. That is not so say that not all would want to do business there but a vast majority.
Besides, isn’t schmoozing with business supposed to be the job of the WEDC and not that of our mayor who should be running the city instead? We already know that Eddie can only focus on two items both of which are border issues so why athe half-assed attempts and why using WINDSOR TAXPAYER DOLLARS for this?
Do you not agree those dollars should be spent HERE to promote what happens HERE in Windsor? We have our own festivals which are having truble staying afloat so why are we pissing our money away in a foreign country? I believe the festivals in Windsor attract mroe people to our downtown than do festivals and events in the USA.
As for Red Bull, they were none too impressed with the way city hall waited to the last minute to promote the event. They were very pleased with the turnout on our side but not pleased at all with the way city hall handled it from the get-go.
The kudo’s I will give is for the Superbowl which I believe Windsor did benefit for but as for Wrestlemania and the Grand Prix (other than the go-kart races in downtown) it has been well wasted money on a city that is suffering dearly.
Mark,
The way to tie Detroit and Windsor has to start with Detroit working WITH Windsor to promote BOTH cities. If they choose not to then it can’t be a one way deal and that is dead. What we have to do is sell, sell, sell, Windsor to the metro Detroit area where the W.E Can and W.E Believe marketing should be targeted, not to our selves!
A ferry crossing is a good start as should be involving Matty Maroun to let pedestrians cross the bridge once again. The other is aggressively lobby both feds for easier border access and procedures as such when Gladys Knight was playing, many busloads were held up because of a Christian conference taking place in Detroit (where a lot came over to Windsor) and we couldn’t handle the influx of people.
The other is our tourism centre. We, especially our hospitality sector downtown should know what is open in Windsor/Essex and what is happening so that visitors know where to go and when. Too many times the co-ordinated effort is to small with too many visitors falling through the cracks. In a nutshell we need better communication between tourism, hospitality and our downtown merchants. The day of “what is in it for me” are over.
No offence taken Adriano, only a chance for me to elaborate and clarify.
Marketing 101 tells us that we need to market what is distinct and unique about our city. Revitalization experts tell us that we need to build on our assets. Being next to Detroit meets both of those criteria.
Its not the only thing but a big thing. Tell me what other assets make Windsor Distinct and Unique?
I agree with ME that Detroit is not fully on board just as we see on this blog that many Windsorites are not “on board”. I say lets try to get them on board.
I also think that the WEDC and CVB should be leading these initiatives as many of those who are critical of the mayor end up being against this out of the gate.
My take on the Tunnel Deal is that people who think its a bad idea are only stating that it costs too much without offering a counter proposal. I can’t and won’t argue with someone who says its bad at any price.
Would you buy it for $1. Ok $75M too much fine, since we’re not qualified to assess value then what should I believe. I trust no one on this, not the mayor but certainly not any of those arguing on this or other blogs. I’d rather see some independant financial firm appraise and value the asset. Then I’ll decide whether it was a good deal or not. What we have here is simply a bunch of uneducated guesses as to the value of the U.S. side of the Tunnel
The Mayor is privy to more figures and information than we are. I get it, many simply don’t trust him. I don’t care enough about the man individually to trust him or not trust him, like him or not like him. We elected him, twice, he gets to do what he’s doing. Don’t like it, next time elect someone else.
I do think that being a border city is a plus, but here are just some of the things we should be pushing:
- 185 parks & 3000 acres of gardens (that we need to maintain better)
- sports complexes able to handle large tournaments (MicMac, Sandcastle, Ford Test Track)
- extremely culturally diverse including how many ethnic restaurants located in the downtown core alone
- access to indoor & outdoor shopping experiences from malls to streets (Walkerville, Ottawa St., Erie St.)
- close to many food sources (being a locavore is VERY possible) and _13_ Essex County wineries as Lake Erie North Shore is one of only 3 recognized viticultural areas of Ontario
- gaming (Casino AND Raceway)
- landscaped waterfront with how many km of trails, parks, and attractions like Art Gallery, waterfront dining
- year-round indoor outdoor activities for many tastes
- long season for watersports and fishing
Mark, I know YOU know this as you are very involved in the community but many of Windsor’s residents think that there’s nothing to do here and I roll my eyes when I hear this. We need to educate our residents first. We need city employees to be ambassadors of the city because right now they live in Tecumseh and Lasalle and leave Windsor with the punch clock. We need our citizens to be ambassadors so friends and relatives come more often and do more while they are here. People won’t move downtown with their families or visit downtown if the mayor and his posse don’t. We need to live our brand before we expand our circles.
perfectly said, Victoria!
as for the sports complexes, the University of Windsor (and City of Windsor for that matter) dropped the ball when building the stadium complex. Yes it has hosted great sporting events and hosted them very well, however, it is jsut a fraction of the size it was intended to be. Intially it was supposed to seat well over 10,000….i think expandable to 21,000 seats, i can’t remember. Anyways, it only seats about 3000-5000 now. I had sent them a proposal and information on being a host city for when Canada hosted the FIFA U-20 World Cup (soccer). That would have been a HUGE boost for the city, University and anyone involved. The university was so interested I had Ross Paul himself contact me for more information. Unfortunately, the U of W downsized the stadium and no longer met the minimum seating requirements. what i am getting at is you cannot host the best of the best if your facilities don’t accommodate it. That was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Like I said, I understand they successfully held major track & field events there, but there is no way to hold ones of higher quality and exposure without the proper venues.
Came from a DWBIA and Mayor’s press conference/meeting
About 75 attendees representing at least 50 businesses and property owners? All support the initiative with the exception of Jack Shanfield who reserved judgement until he sees the street closure plan
It was clarified that the sponsorship of the media booth in the U.S. achieved two things.
1. Ability of WIndsor to create its own event under the Grand Prix theme and concept
2. Ability to market Windsor’s name and “brand” to 250 media delegates attending worldwide.
WIndsor’s event will include
1. Possible Film Festival outdoor waterfront screening (have to find a car themed movie that is of WIFF standards)
2. Knowledge of the Grand prix fireworks display that we didn’t know about last year
3. a Sun Parlor Kart Club Race which will now be included in the Brian Stewart IRL series on the Streets of Windsor
4. Chuck Fram will host a car show with over 200 cars on Ouellette and cross streets Sunday
5. Optimists sponsoring a concert at the Boom Boom Room of the “Blushing Brides” the only authorized Rolling Stones Tribute Band
6. Talk about a potential “Soap Box Derby”
7. Street closures and party downtown
Everyone was reminded that for even those visitors who only come for the Grand PRix that Belle Isle will close the island at 8pm so We have just as much chance to get those customers each evening.
Significantly fewer Essex County Residents will be going away this Labour Weekend due to rising costs so we can tap into our own market
As far as I’m concerned this is our own event
That is what we get for $80,000/yr? The ability to have our own event for Windsorites (because we know the Yankees aren’t coming over). to “market” Windsor’s brand…which is what? What is our brand? What is it we are tryig to sell about Windsor? What makes us different than all of the rest of the cities in N. America? Those delegates are there for one thing and one thing only…Detroit’s race.
Now that being said I think the go-kart race is great for Windsor as it did bring a lot of people downtown to watch.
“Knowledge” of a fireworks dsiplay is just adding more fluff to an even that doesn’t hold up a lot for Windsor.
The WIFF is a great cause that I support wholeheartedly. It does not have to coincide with the Grand Prix to be a success.
Car shows can be done at any time (unless they are the Indy cars themselves).
“Talk” of a soap box derby…why is their only talk? Enough talking and planning and let’s get to doing!
Street closings and a party are good ideas if warranted. But because the streets will be closed doesn’t mean a party will be successful. What is the part about? What are we offering to bring people downtown other than street closures? Will their be music bands on the streets? Raffles? Comics? Contests?
I am not trying to be nayasyer here as I want this to succeed. But unless we offer shuttle services to the GP for both American and Canadians I just don’t see the Americans coming over. The perceived and not perceived hassles of the border on the U.S. side are real. Unless we can change that mindset with aggressive marketing they just won’t come over. I know, because I talk with plenty of urban americans that would like to come over but won’t.
Again, I would rather have “made in Windsor” events and idea’s than consistently funding events in the USA.
As always the dialogue here is second to none!
Basically they’re trying to throw whatever they can into this.
Last year the car show was actually really but it was sunday morning and no one knew about it. This year we asked them to move it to 1pm and tell people
Look whether the $80,000 is worth it is yet to be seen, I don’t particularly like the idea of the Mayor’s office driving our CVB. This needs to be part of an overarching strategy that has yet to be developed. In the mean time, if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em
Basically this is the story of Stone Soup. will we participate or not
According to the story, some travelers come to a village, carrying nothing more than an empty pot. Upon their arrival, the villagers are unwilling to share any of their food stores with the hungry travelers. The travelers fill the pot with water, drop a large stone in it, and place it over a fire in the village square. One of the villagers becomes curious and asks what they are doing. The travelers answer that they are making “stone soup”, which tastes wonderful, although it still needs a little bit of garnish to improve the flavor, which they are missing. The villager doesn’t mind parting with just a little bit to help them out, so it gets added to the soup. Another villager walks by, inquiring about the pot, and the travelers again mention their stone soup which hasn’t reached its full potential yet. The villager hands them a little bit of seasoning to help them out. More and more villagers walk by, each adding another ingredient. Finally, a delicious and nourishing pot of soup is enjoyed by all
I know that story very well and it rings true. But with Eddie at the helm I just don’t get that warm fuzzy feeling because his track record isn’t all that great. Besides as you have stated why is he driving the CVB doesn’t he have a city to run? But like everything else he just has to control and micro-manage everything until the wheels fall off.
Mark, we just have to continue to pound away until OUR vision is realized and not just the city’s vision. Afterall, elected officials come and go but you and I and everyone else will still be here.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m with you. I just found it interesting to debate this argument and try to explain the city’s point of view. I’m never 100% adamant on these things. I learned a lot from everyones arguments which I wouldn’t have learned if I didn’t voice the mayor’s position to the best of my ability.
I think sometimes people think I’m stuck on the view but I’m just throwing stuff out there cause I like the debate. I guess its just how I argue. Thanks to Chris Schnurr for the points he made to
Tunnel Deal is shelved so and if it is we’re out a million with no Return on investment.
Tunnel deal isn’t dead…yet.
http://windsorcityon.blogspot.com/
Makes one go hmmmm. What is even more astonishing is that not only are Windsorites all knowing about how the border consumes Eddie but so does the Official Opposition leader John Tory! Talk about a snub!
Earth to Eddie, there are other priorities and concerns in Windsor other than the border. If you can’t juggle 4 oranges in the air I suggest you find a new line of work. Even being a lawyer requires you to juggle so if you can’t do that may I suggest going back to school?