Back in the DWBIA (Pending council approval)
Well, I would have bet odds against it but I have been approved by the board of the Downtown BIA to become a board Member. Now, any new board members need council approval so with some of my recent posts, thats not a sure thing.
However, this will mean some modifications of my Scaledown Posts. I have to increase my attempts to be less controversial. Chris H. will be happy about that anyhow.
1. No more posts about my opinions of the Mayor and Councillors themselves. Don’t want to hurt downtown, hopefully no councillor wouldn’t be petty enough to punish the Downtown and our city because of an individual’s past outspoken
2. The DWBIA has a confidentiality agreement regarding what goes on in board meetings. (However I learn a lot of great information by being on this board when others make presentations or when council members explain issues, much of which is not confidential)
3. I will not be definitely NOT be seeking a leadership role. The board desperately needs to show the city that its face has changed. I hope only to fulfill the role of Past Chair offering a history of events
4. NO direct contact or emails with City administration. I’ve upset a few of them and I want whats in the best for downtown. As long as the DWBIA have a strong Executive Director like Chris Edwards there should be no need
5. NO direct or overt involvement in the campaigns of any municipal official next year. I can still donate, advise strategy but heck, whose got the time anyhow
There will be many changes in my behaviour as a board member
One thing is clear, I don’t have the time to be what I call an “activist” board member. No more sitting on every committee and task force. No more letting my passion get a hold of me. I will work on some development issues and marketing issues and see if I can help get results from the Hospitality Resource Panel.
Issues I would Advocate for
Board reform - converting Marketing and Devopment committee’s to Task forces on individual topics. Less micro managing. Give Chris Edwards the reigns and exercise control through management and employee reviews
Grass Roots Marketing Campaign. Facebook, Twitter, establishing an image library on the internet for our members and the community to use in their advertising - lets face it, its all the budget we have
Increased ties with the Downtown Residents Association
Responsible Hospitality - I don’t want to curtail the bars, I want them run them responsibility so that we can significantly grow this important part of our economy. I want them to evolve to the professionalism of the establishments in Austin Texas or Los Angeles. Jobs is jobs people and if we can evolve this industry we can turn it into a carreer instead of just a stepping stone or part time money maker for artists. Of course the entry level jobs pay little but the entry job in manufacturing is a floor sweeper. Its creating more of those management, marketing and event production positions that we need.
More and Better Street Closures - Why such a big area each time. Why not make them smaller and more frequent. Let every district in Downtown have a chance to make it instead of their being winners and losers each time. They can grow naturally as we progress
Implementing Branding and Districting of Downtown - We have a great brand, great commercial and districting is still an important tool for business recruitment and branding to our public. The Downtown Mosaic would work if we gave it a chance. Banners, different decoration of each district. Creating a sense of place in Downtown WIndsor and within its disctricts that is distinct and unique from any other downtown product offering.
AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST, THE OPINIONS POSTED ON THIS BLOG ARE MY OWN AND DO NOT REFLECT THE VIEWS OR OPINION OF THE DOWNTOWN WINDSOR BIA.
If two councillors can participate in blogs than why not me. Oh, and the picture is simply represents a play on the saying the elephant in the room
Meaning
An important and obvious topic, which everyone present is aware of, but which isn’t discussed, as such discussion is considered to be uncomfortable.
Post Feedback
You are sorely needed on board at the DWBIA Mark. Good luck in getting back into that role, our downtown needs you.
Though I will miss you from Scaledown, I think this move will help Windsor that much more.
Just a quick note. You stated a floor sweeper is an entry level job at a factory. Well, not if it is union. If it’s union the floor sweeper usually has the highest seniority of the whole place! ; )
I’m sure that the other bloggers and contibutors here can pick up the slack in criticizing our mayor and council, so no problem there.
As to being controversial — maybe not with my above statement and or with other bloggers but controversy seems to be part of your nature. Ya just gotta stir the pot…eh?
I like the idea of smaller street closures, it could allow those in the smaller areas perhaps to make a specific theme for the weekend and work together.
The DRA is well grounded and has a lot of good people working for it and it should work with DWBIA.
So, Congratulations on the new post!
Dave, rumours of my decease on scaledown are exaggerated. Or are you implying that if I stop insulting councillors or being controversial I’d have nothing left to say.
Mark Boscariol
If I could suggest, along with your grassroots efforts, add an RSS feed to your current website. It’s a simple but essential tool to help distribute your news and events.
BBS, what does the RSS feed do that simply going to the website can’t accomplish? I am curious as to why (or even what) the RSS feed is utilized for? Can you explain it for those of us that are a bit computer illterate?
Of course not Mark. Glad to see you won’t be stepping away from Scaledown. Controversy is always a good thing when you have a point to make.
RSS explained: http://tinyurl.com/d9stys
Briefly, It allows you to put a toolbar that automatically updates with the headings of the blog. Good for news sites that update many titles frequently.