File under “Who came up with THIS idea?”: A new advertising campaign aims to attract businesses to Bend by telling them what a great place it is to play and drink.
According to a story in The Bulletin’s Business section on Wednesday, a campaign put together by Visit Bend, the city’s tourism promotion agency, hopes to sell business owners on Bend’s great “active outdoor lifestyle.” (Hmm, where have we heard THAT before?)
On the Web, Visit Bend has posted a list of Top 10 reasons business owners should move themselves and their businesses here. They include …
#4: “A good powder day is a perfectly acceptable excuse to miss work.” And …
#5: “Eight breweries within walking distance of town – enough said.”
What message is the reader supposed to take away from this? “Bring your business to Bend, where we play hard and drink hard”?
Are we telling business owners that if they move their operations here their employees will come in hung over on Monday morning – and if there’s fresh snow on the mountain they probably won’t come in at all?
Swell.
The campaign will cost the taxpayers somewhere between $20,000 and $34,500, according to the Bulletin story. To borrow a phrase: “Enough said.”
written by Chris Hardy , October 22, 2010
written by H. Bruce Miller , October 22, 2010
I really don't have any great ideas for attracting businesses to Bend. When you come right down to it, our scenery and outdoor recreation are just about the only things we have to offer. Bend is remote, small, isn't home to a major university or research center, and has few or no natural resources to exploit. I think that although we may attract a few small entrepreneurial businesses, tourists and retirees are going to remain the backbone of our economy for the foreseeable future and we need to concentrate on keeping Bend attractive to them.
Although I no longer ski I would be happy to take you up on your offer of a beer. And since I am retired (well, almost) I can blow off work anytime.
written by H. Bruce Miller , October 22, 2010
written by Oregonian , October 22, 2010
written by K Norton , October 22, 2010
SO the way I read this? They want ALL & ANY tourists to move here.
Gosh, open another restuarant? another Ski shop? another??? SOS???
Tax the tourists I say...NOT the locals.
Fyi? Im sure the local COBA & Real Estate has used some extended credit to PUMP up these stats.
Up in the clouds with reality.
Kudos HBM, not afraid to write about the TRUTH!
"Oregon I hate tourists advocate council" OIHTAC.LOL!
written by K Norton , October 22, 2010
How does one AFFORD Skiing & Micro Brews on $10 hour jobs?
Humm lets see? I'll work at the Mtn. = Ski pass, I'll work at the local Pub = food & grog, I'll buy a short sale/foreclosed home or rent, add util. and life's expenses $$. $0 left to enjoy life.
OK, two jobs = no free time. Enjoy life here? Mabey...but for most? A real huge STRUGGLE! Unless you can transfer you unemployment.
jus sayin.
written by H. Bruce Miller , October 23, 2010
As long as the checks keep coming and they don't bounce, I guess I am.
The opinions presented in this blog are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Source. I thought everybody understood that.
BTW I don't think being conscientious about showing up for work and doing a good job makes somebody a prude or a Puritan.
written by Km , October 23, 2010
written by Jennie , October 23, 2010
written by KevinE , October 23, 2010
written by Thomas Ware , October 23, 2010
Keep up the great writing. And give me a call when you want to blow off work on a powder day and grab a beer.
Sincerely,
Doug La Placa
Visit Bend