Greetings from your Ohio Tourism Team!
Who would have thought that February would start off with temperatures in the 60s? The groundhogs seemed a little nervous this year, indeed!
You know, I am always reminded this time of year of that funny Bill Murray and Geena Davis film, “Groundhog Day,” where Bill goes through a repetition of the same day until he makes some drastic changes in his life/personality. Which brings me to this thought: In trying to grow our business, destination, or organization, we must make sure to avoid falling into a “Groundhog Day” routine of doing the same old thing over and over, just because that’s how we have always done things. If we don’t pause periodically and ask ourselves why we do the certain things we do in all aspects of our business, we may be missing opportunities for growth.
Well, I am happy to report that our Industry is working hard NOT to fall into a “Groundhog Day” routine. January saw me travel more than 3,000 miles around our state, and I have seen businesses large and small working on “the next big thing.” Whether they are new or expanded convention centers (Cleveland and Kalahari), the new Greater Cleveland Aquarium, new Elephant experience at the Toledo Zoo, new innovative marketing initiatives, new partnerships, or even new organizations forming to benefit our Industry, we are not pressing the ‘pause’ button.
Like our Industry, the Ohio Office of Tourism continues to focus on those programs that yield a high return on investment for our stakeholders. We have recently completed a successful New York City Media Mission with several Industry partners, 2012 Publications are rolling off the presses, and our 2012 Spring/Summer Campaign is in the final touches of development. Our combination of traditional and innovative new marketing co-operatives are on pace for yet another record year of participation because they deliver results. Download our Partnership Opportunities book here. Our new mobile tour is taking shape, and our websites are undergoing additional enhancements as I write this column. In addition, we are about to launch a new promotion with our newest non-traditional partner, LEGO! Plus, scan down for information on our Spring Town Hall Meetings (and watch for a special BuckeyeLine with more details), where we will be highlighting some of the latest industry developments and additional opportunities for partnership.
Bottom Line: Let’s continue this collaboration to innovate and generate new revenue for this Greatest of Industries! Oh yeah…and did you ask your team last month about “How We Make a Difference?” Please send in those stories!
Safe Travels,
Amir