I'm calling all Winnipeg business and Winnipeggers to flood our downtown for a massive street party to cheer on the Manitoba Moose when they win the Calder Cup Trophy. I have vivid memories of the craziness that ensued in downtown Winnipeg after the Toronto Blue Jays won the World Series back in 1992. Everyone poured into the streets, fanatic that a Canadian team was able to capture the crown of best in baseball. The Manitoba Moose are Canada's hockey team now, and let's show the country and the continent how much we love our home town teams.
Considering most Winnipeggers would rather eat fish out of the Red River than support anything based in Toronto, it would be a disgrace to our beloved Moose if we didn't honor them by taping off the downtown and filling the TV screens with everything Moose.
So... I encourage all fans of the Moose, all fans of sports in Manitoba and all fans of good times in general to flood the streets of downtown when the Moose raise the Calder Cup. Bringing Manitobans our first title in too many years to mention is worth getting the police out to watch us as we party and celebrate our rightful place at the top.
First drinks on me!
Friday, June 5, 2009
Monday, June 1, 2009
CentrePort Canada - Bridging Commerce to the North
The effects of global warming are heating up opportunities for business in Canada's North. CentrePort Canada realizes this opportunity and is using the Port of Churchill as further fuel in selling the world the benefits of doing business at the future site of Winnipeg's inland port.
The selling point for CentrePort Canada has been location, location, location. The changing seascape in the Artic has opened the opportunity to shorten shipping routes, open new trade avenues for Manitoba and Canada with international partners through Canada's only major international Arctic Seaport at the Port of Churchill. The "Arctic Bridge" as its being called connects with the Port of Murmansk, Russia, allowing for trade opportunities that were unavailable only years ago. Further development will also lead to increased commerce opportunities for those communities located in the both Arctic regions.
Further development of the marine link between Russia and Manitoba is being planned from establishing working groups, doing test flights and shipments, and continuing to improve communications amongst all industry stakeholders.
The selling point for CentrePort Canada has been location, location, location. The changing seascape in the Artic has opened the opportunity to shorten shipping routes, open new trade avenues for Manitoba and Canada with international partners through Canada's only major international Arctic Seaport at the Port of Churchill. The "Arctic Bridge" as its being called connects with the Port of Murmansk, Russia, allowing for trade opportunities that were unavailable only years ago. Further development will also lead to increased commerce opportunities for those communities located in the both Arctic regions.
Further development of the marine link between Russia and Manitoba is being planned from establishing working groups, doing test flights and shipments, and continuing to improve communications amongst all industry stakeholders.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Winnipeg Business in Heartlandia
Talks have resumed around the development of an economic corridor, dubbed "Heartlandia," between Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Northwestern Ontario, South Dakota, North Dakota and Minnesota.
Combined, the region accounts for around $400 billion dollars in regional GDP which equates to 25% of Canada's overall GDP. "There is a need for opportunities to interact on a personal basis," says Klaus Thiessen, CEO of the Grand Forks Regional Economic Development Corps. "There are all sorts of natural commercial and cultural ties in the region. The idea is to do it in a more structured way."
Though the provincial government has yet to confirm any part in Heartlandia, Premiere Gary Doer has made it a major priority during his tenure to build strong relationships with the respective governors and premieres. Says Riva Harrison of Manitoba Trade, "The premier's style is to be very engaged with governors in other states. He has very strong alliances with a number of them. It is a way to get things done and generate business and that is ultimately the goal. Any proposed alliance would always be considered in an open mind."
Business, academic and community leaders in Manitoba and North Dakota got together last fall in Grand Forks to discuss the potential development of Heartlandia, and the plan is to have a second summit, this time in Winnipeg. It is believed that the development of Winnipeg's inland port is a major motivation to talks being renewed between the economic regions.
Combined, the region accounts for around $400 billion dollars in regional GDP which equates to 25% of Canada's overall GDP. "There is a need for opportunities to interact on a personal basis," says Klaus Thiessen, CEO of the Grand Forks Regional Economic Development Corps. "There are all sorts of natural commercial and cultural ties in the region. The idea is to do it in a more structured way."
Though the provincial government has yet to confirm any part in Heartlandia, Premiere Gary Doer has made it a major priority during his tenure to build strong relationships with the respective governors and premieres. Says Riva Harrison of Manitoba Trade, "The premier's style is to be very engaged with governors in other states. He has very strong alliances with a number of them. It is a way to get things done and generate business and that is ultimately the goal. Any proposed alliance would always be considered in an open mind."
Business, academic and community leaders in Manitoba and North Dakota got together last fall in Grand Forks to discuss the potential development of Heartlandia, and the plan is to have a second summit, this time in Winnipeg. It is believed that the development of Winnipeg's inland port is a major motivation to talks being renewed between the economic regions.
Winnipeg's Human Rights Museum Losing Public Confidence
Still three years from it's first visitor, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights is already millions short on the budget required for both its capital costs and its annual operating needs. The museum has reported they need a minimum of $5.2 million in operating funds from Ottawa this year alone to keep construction and development going.
The federal government has already responded to say they would not provide additional funding on top of the $100 million towards construction and the approximately $21.7 million required in annual operating costs.
Museum spokeswoman Angela Cassie has provided little direction as to what the real number is in respect to the funds required for both continued construction and operating costs. "There is no total figure yet. It's difficult right now when you don't know how much it will cost to heat a building in 2012." Isn't this a requirement when establishing the initial budget? Inflation is taught in Economics 101.
My guess is that a lot of taxpayers and donors are wondering just when they'll be tapped to foot the bill. The museum is doing themselves a great injustice in gaining momentum for what should be a world class facility into what is appearing to be a major lesson in poor financial planning. This stigma seems like its becoming a stain on the Asper legacy, one I hope they can reconcile before Winnipeggers and Winnipeg business completely give up on this global attraction.
The federal government has already responded to say they would not provide additional funding on top of the $100 million towards construction and the approximately $21.7 million required in annual operating costs.
Museum spokeswoman Angela Cassie has provided little direction as to what the real number is in respect to the funds required for both continued construction and operating costs. "There is no total figure yet. It's difficult right now when you don't know how much it will cost to heat a building in 2012." Isn't this a requirement when establishing the initial budget? Inflation is taught in Economics 101.
My guess is that a lot of taxpayers and donors are wondering just when they'll be tapped to foot the bill. The museum is doing themselves a great injustice in gaining momentum for what should be a world class facility into what is appearing to be a major lesson in poor financial planning. This stigma seems like its becoming a stain on the Asper legacy, one I hope they can reconcile before Winnipeggers and Winnipeg business completely give up on this global attraction.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Winnipeg's Inland Port Holds First Open House
CentrePort Canada, Winnipeg's inland port, held their first open house May 13th, 2009. What the event was, and what I expected it to be were completely different.
I went with the impression that it would be a town hall setting where the public could step up to the mic to ask questions to the board or at least a few members of the board. Instead, the event was put on by MMM Group, the firm hired by the Government of Manitoba to develop the Development Plan for the 20,000 acres dedicated to the project. They had staff present to answer questions, or try to answer questions, that would have been best answered by the board members. Poster boards and a slide show were placed throughout the small conference room outlining a very basic idea of what the project entailed. Also on hand was Harlan Mushumanski, Communications Coordinator with Communication Services Manitoba. Now, I must add that I didn't stay till the end of the event, so board members may have been present. However, considering the magnitude of Manitoba's inland port, should they not be there for the whole event?
I first spoke with an employee of MMM Group to get an understanding of their involvement. The gentleman really knew very little about the project as a whole, and when asked about the new website being promoted at the event, told me it was thrown together for the event, but with no intention of further development once their role was completed. This leads nicely into my conversation with Harlan.
In talking with Harlan I pointed out the fact that the bodies involved, from government to the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, have really done nothing to collaborate all the information on CentrePort Canada to one central website for public review. I added that the government had already spent over $220 million dollars on the project, and with that comes questions from the taxpayers. For a Communications Coordinator he didn't seem to feel that this was a real issue considering what an early stage they are at in the port's development. Is it just me, or are Winnipeggers not seeking information on what the economic and social impacts will be on them as taxpayers? Maybe not... but that may be because most people still really have no idea the inland port is happening.
I've taken the time to ask a number of friends and Winnipeg business associates what they think of the project. To my concern, a number hadn't heard of the project and others thought it was just the airport extension. In fact, one of my colleagues was talking with the Union leader for Air Canada, and they didn't even know about the project at all.
Being a Winnipegger, I know how difficult people in this city accept change, and how angry they get about where their tax dollars are being used. Couple that with those concerned about the environment and green initiatives in the city, and Winnipeg's inland port becomes a very touchy subject. The board and other bodies involved need to recognize this, and should be flooding the internet with the positives this project will bring to our city and province. As one friend said when asked about the inland port, "what's in it for me?"
The Open House once again proves my point that Winnipeg needs to start accepting the role the internet plays in how people develop their opinions. They are seriously missing an opportunity to build the public's confidence in CentrePort Canada by not respecting that people, globally, are looking for information on this now. People believe what they read.
The most interesting conversation I had at the event was with a farmer from Rosser who's land is part of the 20,000 acres being developed. He has great concerns on the lost dollars he will experience if the government tries to aggressively acquire his land, and whether he will be paid a fair price. I asked him what the government has done to educate him on the project, and whether they have opened negotiations for his parcel of land. All he's received to date is an invitation to an open house that had no one there that could properly handle his concerns. How many others share these same concerns for their future well-being that aren't being heard? What resources are being put in place to help these people learn more? The internet is where they look, but as of today, only one Winnipeg private business is addressing these concerns, doing what they can to provide the information to those affected. At least someone understands that people need information, I just thought that this would come best from CenterPort Canada Inc. themselves.
I went with the impression that it would be a town hall setting where the public could step up to the mic to ask questions to the board or at least a few members of the board. Instead, the event was put on by MMM Group, the firm hired by the Government of Manitoba to develop the Development Plan for the 20,000 acres dedicated to the project. They had staff present to answer questions, or try to answer questions, that would have been best answered by the board members. Poster boards and a slide show were placed throughout the small conference room outlining a very basic idea of what the project entailed. Also on hand was Harlan Mushumanski, Communications Coordinator with Communication Services Manitoba. Now, I must add that I didn't stay till the end of the event, so board members may have been present. However, considering the magnitude of Manitoba's inland port, should they not be there for the whole event?
I first spoke with an employee of MMM Group to get an understanding of their involvement. The gentleman really knew very little about the project as a whole, and when asked about the new website being promoted at the event, told me it was thrown together for the event, but with no intention of further development once their role was completed. This leads nicely into my conversation with Harlan.
In talking with Harlan I pointed out the fact that the bodies involved, from government to the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, have really done nothing to collaborate all the information on CentrePort Canada to one central website for public review. I added that the government had already spent over $220 million dollars on the project, and with that comes questions from the taxpayers. For a Communications Coordinator he didn't seem to feel that this was a real issue considering what an early stage they are at in the port's development. Is it just me, or are Winnipeggers not seeking information on what the economic and social impacts will be on them as taxpayers? Maybe not... but that may be because most people still really have no idea the inland port is happening.
I've taken the time to ask a number of friends and Winnipeg business associates what they think of the project. To my concern, a number hadn't heard of the project and others thought it was just the airport extension. In fact, one of my colleagues was talking with the Union leader for Air Canada, and they didn't even know about the project at all.
Being a Winnipegger, I know how difficult people in this city accept change, and how angry they get about where their tax dollars are being used. Couple that with those concerned about the environment and green initiatives in the city, and Winnipeg's inland port becomes a very touchy subject. The board and other bodies involved need to recognize this, and should be flooding the internet with the positives this project will bring to our city and province. As one friend said when asked about the inland port, "what's in it for me?"
The Open House once again proves my point that Winnipeg needs to start accepting the role the internet plays in how people develop their opinions. They are seriously missing an opportunity to build the public's confidence in CentrePort Canada by not respecting that people, globally, are looking for information on this now. People believe what they read.
The most interesting conversation I had at the event was with a farmer from Rosser who's land is part of the 20,000 acres being developed. He has great concerns on the lost dollars he will experience if the government tries to aggressively acquire his land, and whether he will be paid a fair price. I asked him what the government has done to educate him on the project, and whether they have opened negotiations for his parcel of land. All he's received to date is an invitation to an open house that had no one there that could properly handle his concerns. How many others share these same concerns for their future well-being that aren't being heard? What resources are being put in place to help these people learn more? The internet is where they look, but as of today, only one Winnipeg private business is addressing these concerns, doing what they can to provide the information to those affected. At least someone understands that people need information, I just thought that this would come best from CenterPort Canada Inc. themselves.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Winnipeg Public Health Inspectors Need To Look Harder
The Sizzling Wok at St.Vital Centre is already back up and operational after being closed for a day after serving a baby rodent to a Winnipeg couple. One day?! I really struggle with this.
I realize we all risk our health anytime we place our faith in the food being served to us; but when a mouse is found by a patron, am I the only one that feels a day off the market is a bit short? I admit I have no experience in the supervision of food handling, but to think that they are already serving people again before the community has had a chance to properly digest the news seems absurd. Are we that hungry that we can't wait a few days to ensure that there are no further problems that could emerge?
I respect that they have no past history of food contamination, but this wasn't a hair in my soup... it was a rat people! Fight your urge for Chinese cuisine, and have a burger or something. I just can't understand how there cannot be further interrogation of the restaurant owners and their suppliers before firing up the wok again.
Don't these restaurant owners realize that they are hurting themselves long-term by opening up so quick? Having had only 24 hours to think about whether I would eat there again, I know now I wouldn't. I don't feel bad at all if their business goes bust because to me, it seems like their biggest concern is getting the shop up and running again to make some money, as opposed to staying closed and getting to the heart of the problem, showing that they care more about those they are serving than themselves.
The restaurant owners could learn something from Michael McCain of Maple Leaf Foods. Where are they? Where is their statement? The Manager of Public Health Inspection Programs Mike LeBlanc and the management of St. Vital should be seriously giving their heads a shake if they feel the public are okay with this restaurant opening a day later. Who runs the PR departments and when do they get fired? Do they think that people who roam the mall are hopeless drones, unaware of the news, just looking to consume whatever is in their path? Well... for some maybe, but for most, you can bet they won't be eating at the Sizzling Wok or any other food court restaurant for that matter considering how poorly this situation is being handled.
Before I end, I'd like to say that I do feel sorry for the couple who were served; not because they found a mouse, but because they are probably at home sick thinking back to all the times they ate there and never looked.
How's your stomach feeling? Lunch anyone?
I realize we all risk our health anytime we place our faith in the food being served to us; but when a mouse is found by a patron, am I the only one that feels a day off the market is a bit short? I admit I have no experience in the supervision of food handling, but to think that they are already serving people again before the community has had a chance to properly digest the news seems absurd. Are we that hungry that we can't wait a few days to ensure that there are no further problems that could emerge?
I respect that they have no past history of food contamination, but this wasn't a hair in my soup... it was a rat people! Fight your urge for Chinese cuisine, and have a burger or something. I just can't understand how there cannot be further interrogation of the restaurant owners and their suppliers before firing up the wok again.
Don't these restaurant owners realize that they are hurting themselves long-term by opening up so quick? Having had only 24 hours to think about whether I would eat there again, I know now I wouldn't. I don't feel bad at all if their business goes bust because to me, it seems like their biggest concern is getting the shop up and running again to make some money, as opposed to staying closed and getting to the heart of the problem, showing that they care more about those they are serving than themselves.
The restaurant owners could learn something from Michael McCain of Maple Leaf Foods. Where are they? Where is their statement? The Manager of Public Health Inspection Programs Mike LeBlanc and the management of St. Vital should be seriously giving their heads a shake if they feel the public are okay with this restaurant opening a day later. Who runs the PR departments and when do they get fired? Do they think that people who roam the mall are hopeless drones, unaware of the news, just looking to consume whatever is in their path? Well... for some maybe, but for most, you can bet they won't be eating at the Sizzling Wok or any other food court restaurant for that matter considering how poorly this situation is being handled.
Before I end, I'd like to say that I do feel sorry for the couple who were served; not because they found a mouse, but because they are probably at home sick thinking back to all the times they ate there and never looked.
How's your stomach feeling? Lunch anyone?
Friday, May 8, 2009
Winnipeg's Inland Port Brimming With Potential
Winnipeg's inland port "will have a big impact for generations to come," boasted CentrePort Canada's chairman Kerry Hawkins during his first public address at a breakfast hosted by the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce Thursday morning. The room was filled with Winnipeg business leaders representing all industries that will benefit from Canada's first official inland port. The event was sponsored by Chris Lorenc and the Manitoba Heavy Construction Association.
"Thousands of jobs, billions of dollars in investment, that is the course we are on," said Hawkins, while comparing the project to the Port of Huntsville in Alabama. This area has generated 24,000 jobs and payrolls of over $1 billion dollars since being transformed from a cotton field to an inland port, and the chairman feels the same potential exists right here in Winnipeg.
The address spoke mainly of the immense opportunity being given to the city since the federal government pledged their dedication to the project, scratching a cheque for $212 million dollars for the construction of CentrePort Canada Way, a four-lane highway connecting the airport to Inkster Blvd. and the Perimeter Highway. Updates were also provided regarding the status of CentrePort Canada Inc., where they expect by July to have a CEO in place, and that they have now secured office space and will be moving in soon.
What really stood out in the address was how quickly things have evolved since the legislation passed for the creation of the CentrePort Canada Inc. back in September 2008. Already Edmonton and Saskatoon had been lobbying government for dollars to create their own inland ports, but the hard work of both the Board and the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce have made Winnipeg the location of choice.
"It's not yet six months old and there is much more to do," stated Hawkins, but it is clear from the early success and the excitement in the room during the address that the potential can be reached.
"Thousands of jobs, billions of dollars in investment, that is the course we are on," said Hawkins, while comparing the project to the Port of Huntsville in Alabama. This area has generated 24,000 jobs and payrolls of over $1 billion dollars since being transformed from a cotton field to an inland port, and the chairman feels the same potential exists right here in Winnipeg.
The address spoke mainly of the immense opportunity being given to the city since the federal government pledged their dedication to the project, scratching a cheque for $212 million dollars for the construction of CentrePort Canada Way, a four-lane highway connecting the airport to Inkster Blvd. and the Perimeter Highway. Updates were also provided regarding the status of CentrePort Canada Inc., where they expect by July to have a CEO in place, and that they have now secured office space and will be moving in soon.
What really stood out in the address was how quickly things have evolved since the legislation passed for the creation of the CentrePort Canada Inc. back in September 2008. Already Edmonton and Saskatoon had been lobbying government for dollars to create their own inland ports, but the hard work of both the Board and the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce have made Winnipeg the location of choice.
"It's not yet six months old and there is much more to do," stated Hawkins, but it is clear from the early success and the excitement in the room during the address that the potential can be reached.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Winnipeg Free Press Dodge Winnipeg's New Media Businesses
Only 3 weeks into the "We Believe in Winnipeg" campaign featured in the Sunday edition of the Winnipeg Free Press, and already its proven to be a farce. Originally the piece was a separate insert, focused on Winnipeg business success stories, with each week featuring a different industry sector. This week it was supposed to feature Winnipeg businesses involved in Internet Communications Technology/New Media and Education. Instead, there was no insert this time, only a 2-page spread, and all that was in there were articles around Red River College. Okay... that covers education but what about the other areas?
Hmm? What a coincidence that the Winnipeg Free Press - who are hurting financially because of losses in ad revenue to Internet Communications Technology & New Media companies - chose against featuring any of these companies in the article.
It seems pretty clear that the private interests of the paper outweigh the purpose of the whole campaign. New Media companies are popping up all over Winnipeg, so you think there'd be plenty to write about. It's so pathetic that I'm surprised the Free Press didn't decide to just promote their cars, homes, and auction e-commerce sites in the new media section to try and further fill their pockets. Lame.
I guess you can file this campaign in the same G-drawer as "Love Me, Love My Winnipeg" in the 1980s; "100 Reasons to Love Winnipeg" in the 1990s and; "Spirited Energy" in 2006.
Can't wait to see what's next. Maybe the Free Press could give all their subscribers a gold star to pin on their chest to remind them of how proud they should feel to be in a city that provides such bias reporting.
I believe in Winnipeg, just not in the Free Press.
Hmm? What a coincidence that the Winnipeg Free Press - who are hurting financially because of losses in ad revenue to Internet Communications Technology & New Media companies - chose against featuring any of these companies in the article.
It seems pretty clear that the private interests of the paper outweigh the purpose of the whole campaign. New Media companies are popping up all over Winnipeg, so you think there'd be plenty to write about. It's so pathetic that I'm surprised the Free Press didn't decide to just promote their cars, homes, and auction e-commerce sites in the new media section to try and further fill their pockets. Lame.
I guess you can file this campaign in the same G-drawer as "Love Me, Love My Winnipeg" in the 1980s; "100 Reasons to Love Winnipeg" in the 1990s and; "Spirited Energy" in 2006.
Can't wait to see what's next. Maybe the Free Press could give all their subscribers a gold star to pin on their chest to remind them of how proud they should feel to be in a city that provides such bias reporting.
I believe in Winnipeg, just not in the Free Press.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Winnipeg Should Just Sell the Simple Life
I've been to so many meetings recently with all the entities responsible for "Selling Winnipeg to the World," and the only thing I've learned is that no one has any idea what to promote or who we truly are as a city.
What is the unique selling point of Winnipeg? Is it cheap Hydro? The amount of sunshine? The upcoming Canadian Museum for Human Rights? Or maybe its our steady economy or our growth potential being the center of North America? Ask yourself this, would you move your entire family and business to a new city for a museum or for cheap hydro? The answer to all these questions is no.
We are in a very unique time as Winnipeggers in that the opportunity to be a leader as a city on a national level has never been so readily available since the early 1900's. At that time, it was our location and natural resources that gave us the title as one of the fastest growing cities on the continent. We all know what's happened since then, but because those same reasons for our rapid growth exist today, I think there is a fundamental question that we are failing to ask. Do we want to be the next Toronto or Vancouver? I think the answer again is no.
Majority of the campaigns that have ran recently - such as Spirited Energy, or more recently, "We Believe in Winnipeg"- touch on the idea of the ease of life in Winnipeg, but none seem to feel this is enough to make people want to relocate their home or business here. I think it is.
People that crave the pace of life or ego stroke that comes with living in Toronto or New York have no interest in Winnipeg. They would find us way too boring. And if you ask a Winnipegger, they don't want them. It is the simple life that makes Winnipeg appealing.
Yes these campaigns make mention of the friendly people and the fact that you are an hour away from being on a lake at the cabin; but they all seem to then mask this by sending a message that puts us in competition with Vancouver or Calgary. We can't compete with them because, at our core, Winnipeggers don't carry the same values. If we did, we'd live there.
Why not run a global campaign called "Winnipeg - the simple life" and really focus on this as a benefit. That you can relocate your family and start the small business you've always dreamed of and have a fighting chance of success in our market. That we choose rather to work to live than live to work. Sure there are some workaholics in Winnipeg, but ask most people and all they want to do is get through the day to enjoy a drink on a patio on Corydon or a round of golf with their buddies.
By focusing our marketing plan as a city on what we will eventually be once CentrePort Canada is built and once we figure out rapid transit, people outside of the city who receive this probably think "Hmm... maybe I'll move to Winnipeg once all this is done?" Instead we should be looking to attract the people who are thinking "Man I hate waiting in traffic for 2 hours everyday, never seeing my family, burnt out. Winnipeg sounds like a great place to relocate to start enjoying my life again."
What this also does is help the younger generations realize how good they have it. Instead of our media focusing on the negatives of living in Winnipeg, and staring wide eyed at the Vancouver's of Canada like a horny teenager, let's laugh at how these other cities are so lost in their egos that they need to work 20 hours a day just to feel important enough to sit in their new Mercedes for 3 hours in rush hour traffic; all the while I've already gone to the gym, had a long walk with my wife and watched the latest movie I've been dying to see. Youth want entertainment, not work. The only reason larger cities seem appealing is because you make more money which provides more entertainment. Help them realize they can do it all right here, with less work and enough pay to live a happy life.
Ask most Winnipeggers who've travelled or lived in big city centres and you tend to get the same answer, "great place to visit, but I'd never live there." And for those reading this that have never left Winnipeg, my guess is you're all the biggest whiners. Take a trip, so when you come home you can once again realize how good we have it.
Its the KISS syndrome Winnipeg. Let's do what we're good at which is working hard through the winter so we can play in the summer. Enough of trying to be like all the other cities, its time they started envying us.
What is the unique selling point of Winnipeg? Is it cheap Hydro? The amount of sunshine? The upcoming Canadian Museum for Human Rights? Or maybe its our steady economy or our growth potential being the center of North America? Ask yourself this, would you move your entire family and business to a new city for a museum or for cheap hydro? The answer to all these questions is no.
We are in a very unique time as Winnipeggers in that the opportunity to be a leader as a city on a national level has never been so readily available since the early 1900's. At that time, it was our location and natural resources that gave us the title as one of the fastest growing cities on the continent. We all know what's happened since then, but because those same reasons for our rapid growth exist today, I think there is a fundamental question that we are failing to ask. Do we want to be the next Toronto or Vancouver? I think the answer again is no.
Majority of the campaigns that have ran recently - such as Spirited Energy, or more recently, "We Believe in Winnipeg"- touch on the idea of the ease of life in Winnipeg, but none seem to feel this is enough to make people want to relocate their home or business here. I think it is.
People that crave the pace of life or ego stroke that comes with living in Toronto or New York have no interest in Winnipeg. They would find us way too boring. And if you ask a Winnipegger, they don't want them. It is the simple life that makes Winnipeg appealing.
Yes these campaigns make mention of the friendly people and the fact that you are an hour away from being on a lake at the cabin; but they all seem to then mask this by sending a message that puts us in competition with Vancouver or Calgary. We can't compete with them because, at our core, Winnipeggers don't carry the same values. If we did, we'd live there.
Why not run a global campaign called "Winnipeg - the simple life" and really focus on this as a benefit. That you can relocate your family and start the small business you've always dreamed of and have a fighting chance of success in our market. That we choose rather to work to live than live to work. Sure there are some workaholics in Winnipeg, but ask most people and all they want to do is get through the day to enjoy a drink on a patio on Corydon or a round of golf with their buddies.
By focusing our marketing plan as a city on what we will eventually be once CentrePort Canada is built and once we figure out rapid transit, people outside of the city who receive this probably think "Hmm... maybe I'll move to Winnipeg once all this is done?" Instead we should be looking to attract the people who are thinking "Man I hate waiting in traffic for 2 hours everyday, never seeing my family, burnt out. Winnipeg sounds like a great place to relocate to start enjoying my life again."
What this also does is help the younger generations realize how good they have it. Instead of our media focusing on the negatives of living in Winnipeg, and staring wide eyed at the Vancouver's of Canada like a horny teenager, let's laugh at how these other cities are so lost in their egos that they need to work 20 hours a day just to feel important enough to sit in their new Mercedes for 3 hours in rush hour traffic; all the while I've already gone to the gym, had a long walk with my wife and watched the latest movie I've been dying to see. Youth want entertainment, not work. The only reason larger cities seem appealing is because you make more money which provides more entertainment. Help them realize they can do it all right here, with less work and enough pay to live a happy life.
Ask most Winnipeggers who've travelled or lived in big city centres and you tend to get the same answer, "great place to visit, but I'd never live there." And for those reading this that have never left Winnipeg, my guess is you're all the biggest whiners. Take a trip, so when you come home you can once again realize how good we have it.
Its the KISS syndrome Winnipeg. Let's do what we're good at which is working hard through the winter so we can play in the summer. Enough of trying to be like all the other cities, its time they started envying us.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Winnipeg Believes - but not in Advetorial
So its been two weeks now that the Winnipeg Free Press, in conjunction with the Winnipeg Chamber, have put out this "We Believe in Winnipeg" insert into the Sunday edition of the paper. When I first heard the idea, my fear was that the piece would simply be a cash grab for the Free Press to hit up the Winnipeg businesses who fall under the featured industry sector. The verdict - it's even worse.
First off, why wouldn't the Free Press look to engage the opinions of writers outside of the Winnipeg market? How fresh can articles on Winnipeg's agricultural and aerospace industry be when three of the five stories are written by the same person? The first edition featured Winnipeg's art scene. I just happen to have a friend who is part of the administration team for the Manitoba Theatre Centre, and he told me the interview for their article was a laugh. The writer asked questions like "what makes the MTC special?" What kind of amateur question is that? I'll tell you what it is, its a lazy approach by a writer uninspired by an article he obviously has no passion about. My suggestion...
Why not bring in writers from outside the province, have them tour the arts scene for a week, try different restaurants, stay in a few different establishments, and get a real flavour for what our city has to offer? They wouldn't need to ask 'what makes the MTC special' because they could formulate their own opinion and fresh perspective.
This second edition featuring the ag and aerospace industry is about as interesting a read as a Sunday grocery list. Tell me... is knowing that Boeing Winnipeg are a major supplier to the 787 Dreamliner program got anyone falling in love with our city? Where is the fun? Are these truly success stories meant to inspire or just an extension of the "City and Business" section?
I had the privilege of sitting down for an open forum put on by the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce where a number of key Winnipeg business owners and professionals had their moment to talk about why they love Winnipeg and what they think of the "We believe" campaign. To my surprise, despite some of the gray hair in the room, most were saying that doing this in the newspaper is missing where most people would be learning about their city - in the classroom and on the internet.
One elderly gentleman brought up the recent YouTube sensation - Susan Boyle - and the 20 million odd hits on her performance on the "Britain's Got Talent" t.v. show. He was encouraging the Chamber to look at new media to send the message of why this city is great. I had a laugh because no one seemed to know of the "Incredibly Cool" campaign trying to convince the world that Winnipeg exists, and the Chamber - a supporter of the campaign - never mentioned it either.
I love Winnipeg, and I don't need my local paper to tell me that. The fact that I happen to be a young 30-something that actually reads the paper everyday is mainly due to the fact that I'm in advertising, and I look to see where Winnipeg business owners are advertising more than anything. I don't claim to have the answer to how we can help Winnipeggers get over their inferiority complex, but newspaper articles and YouTube videos that accentuate this negative feeling and come off as advetorial do more harm than good. Let's talk to the school boards to provide more positive content on our city's history and look to government to provide more subsidy for young people to enjoy entertainment. Keep 'em informed and entertained and they'll stay.
First off, why wouldn't the Free Press look to engage the opinions of writers outside of the Winnipeg market? How fresh can articles on Winnipeg's agricultural and aerospace industry be when three of the five stories are written by the same person? The first edition featured Winnipeg's art scene. I just happen to have a friend who is part of the administration team for the Manitoba Theatre Centre, and he told me the interview for their article was a laugh. The writer asked questions like "what makes the MTC special?" What kind of amateur question is that? I'll tell you what it is, its a lazy approach by a writer uninspired by an article he obviously has no passion about. My suggestion...
Why not bring in writers from outside the province, have them tour the arts scene for a week, try different restaurants, stay in a few different establishments, and get a real flavour for what our city has to offer? They wouldn't need to ask 'what makes the MTC special' because they could formulate their own opinion and fresh perspective.
This second edition featuring the ag and aerospace industry is about as interesting a read as a Sunday grocery list. Tell me... is knowing that Boeing Winnipeg are a major supplier to the 787 Dreamliner program got anyone falling in love with our city? Where is the fun? Are these truly success stories meant to inspire or just an extension of the "City and Business" section?
I had the privilege of sitting down for an open forum put on by the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce where a number of key Winnipeg business owners and professionals had their moment to talk about why they love Winnipeg and what they think of the "We believe" campaign. To my surprise, despite some of the gray hair in the room, most were saying that doing this in the newspaper is missing where most people would be learning about their city - in the classroom and on the internet.
One elderly gentleman brought up the recent YouTube sensation - Susan Boyle - and the 20 million odd hits on her performance on the "Britain's Got Talent" t.v. show. He was encouraging the Chamber to look at new media to send the message of why this city is great. I had a laugh because no one seemed to know of the "Incredibly Cool" campaign trying to convince the world that Winnipeg exists, and the Chamber - a supporter of the campaign - never mentioned it either.
I love Winnipeg, and I don't need my local paper to tell me that. The fact that I happen to be a young 30-something that actually reads the paper everyday is mainly due to the fact that I'm in advertising, and I look to see where Winnipeg business owners are advertising more than anything. I don't claim to have the answer to how we can help Winnipeggers get over their inferiority complex, but newspaper articles and YouTube videos that accentuate this negative feeling and come off as advetorial do more harm than good. Let's talk to the school boards to provide more positive content on our city's history and look to government to provide more subsidy for young people to enjoy entertainment. Keep 'em informed and entertained and they'll stay.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)