Yeah, it was a crappy movie. 

 

I don't have any background in marketing outside, not really, but I suspect that the best nicknames, the ones that really stick, have to happen organically. Cleveland's a Plum, Rock and Roll City, and Best Location in the Nation seem kind of forced to me. I'm sure we can all argree the Plum one is just stupid - lord knows what the marketing teams were thinking then. The Rock and Roll stuff is also silly; despite us having the Hall of Fame, I personally don't identify Cleveland with music other than classical. That's a whole other issue but my point is Drew Carey's theme song and the Hall just don't give me the sense that this is a rock and roll town. Look at all the bands that skip over the city; look at the majority of the induction ceremonies being held in NY; look at how you identify Detroit and Chicago and New York and Seattle and Memphis with various music genres and tell me we're on that level???  It just feels...forced.

 

And with the Best Location in Town, doesn't every city feel that way about itself to some degree. There's nothing unique about that phrase (no offense to those who like it, of course), and I can't imagine someone from whereeversville hearing that phrase and idenifying it with Cleveland. No matter how much marketing and advertising the city pushes.

 

The one nickname that best embodies in the city, the one that came about organically, the one that people might still remember about Cleveland, the one that really should be the focus of marketing...is the Comeback City. During the 80s and especially 90s, when Cleveland was the darling of the country on some level, this name took! I don't know its origins exactly - I am sure that Drew Carey Show, the movie Major League, the Indians, the newly built R&RHOF, and the Flats helped considerably - but this name stuck, much like the Mistake on the Lake, but only good. The Comeback City name got lost in the lousy 2000s, but since there is this momentum downtown and in a few neighborhoods, it should be the focus of these marketing/ad campaigns.

^ All that "The Comeback City" eludes to is "We're better than we were!" or "We aren't a bad anymore!" (point taken from someone else). The challenge is to come up with an actual identity for the city that attracts people, not just informing them we think we're great, or we're better than we used to be. I can't think of any ideas, just putting my two cents out there. I've always loved seeing the Rock Hall's banners that say "This place is made of rock." 

I disagree. I think a resurging city, which the Comeback City name implies, is a great identity to have. People want to support the underdog and a city that is improving, evolving. The name both reflects where we were/are (let's not kid ourselves about our present issues - they're astronomical) and where we can/will be: it fits.

 

Most importantly, the name already exists. We have a history with it. People recognize and identify it with Cleveland. It seems foolish to start over and force another name that won't take. No matter how many ad campaigns or Positively Cleveland youtube videos, we're either the Mistake on the Lake or the Comeback City. Those are our nicknames, for better or worse, so let's focus on the good one.

^ All that "The Comeback City" eludes to is "We're better than we were!" or "We aren't a bad anymore!" (point taken from someone else). The challenge is to come up with an actual identity for the city that attracts people, not just informing them we think we're great, or we're better than we used to be. I can't think of any ideas, just putting my two cents out there. I've always loved seeing the Rock Hall's banners that say "This place is made of rock." 

 

Also, nobody's going to make the mistake and think that we were never down on our luck as a city, with the national media as well as the local reminders.  So yeah to the many people that wouldnt give Cleveland a second look with the expectation that it is just a rundown rustbelt city, it at least gives them reason to consider otherwise or even see for themselves.     

Yeah, it was a crappy movie. 

 

I don't have any background in marketing outside, not really, but I suspect that the best nicknames, the ones that really stick, have to happen organically. Cleveland's a Plum, Rock and Roll City, and Best Location in the Nation seem kind of forced to me. I'm sure we can all argree the Plum one is just stupid - lord knows what the marketing teams were thinking then. The Rock and Roll stuff is also silly; despite us having the Hall of Fame, I personally don't identify Cleveland with music other than classical. That's a whole other issue but my point is Drew Carey's theme song and the Hall just don't give me the sense that this is a rock and roll town. Look at all the bands that skip over the city; look at the majority of the induction ceremonies being held in NY; look at how you identify Detroit and Chicago and New York and Seattle and Memphis with various music genres and tell me we're on that level???  It just feels...forced.

 

And with the Best Location in Town, doesn't every city feel that way about itself to some degree. There's nothing unique about that phrase (no offense to those who like it, of course), and I can't imagine someone from whereeversville hearing that phrase and idenifying it with Cleveland. No matter how much marketing and advertising the city pushes.

 

The one nickname that best embodies in the city, the one that came about organically, the one that people might still remember about Cleveland, the one that really should be the focus of marketing...is the Comeback City. During the 80s and especially 90s, when Cleveland was the darling of the country on some level, this name took! I don't know its origins exactly - I am sure that Drew Carey Show, the movie Major League, the Indians, the newly built R&RHOF, and the Flats helped considerably - but this name stuck, much like the Mistake on the Lake, but only good. The Comeback City name got lost in the lousy 2000s, but since there is this momentum downtown and in a few neighborhoods, it should be the focus of these marketing/ad campaigns.

 

I not sure I understand a great deal of this post, so can you give some clarity?  Having said that....School is now in session! [/color]Pay attention kids.

 

The Plum was the worst thing to ever happen!  Moving on!

 

The reason "music" is used in association with Cleveland is strictly due to the 1970s Cleveland Rock radio promotion on the buzzard.  Pure and simple.  Dennis the menance,  made us a laughing stock and the "Cleveland Rocks" promotion turned into local marketing campaign that could be embraced across the board.  Even today, people associate that with WMMS/the Buzzard and Cleveland.  Period.

 

When USAToday petitioned where the RRHoF should be built Cleveland won by a landslide and the history of music (DJ and where "Rock-N-Roll" was coined), Concerts (Legends of Rock, etc.), Dance music shows filmed here (Dance party USA which turned into Club MTV) a fabulous party scene, the best financial package and visible location.  That is why we got the RRHoF and why music is linked to many of our Marketing Campaigns.

 

The Best location campaign is the BEST Campaign historically in Cleveland/NE Ohio.  Created by CEI.  This was adopted by Cleveland News Papers, Radio and local print media and ran from the Mid 40s to the 80s.  "the Greatest location in the Nation" scroll even ran across buildings. Campaigns today wish they had this sort of ripple.

 

Speaking professionally, what band skip Cleveland? Do you know the booking process?  Insurance Issues?  Venue availability?  Promotion schedules?  There is really only one major issue, that people have with staying and that is the quality of our lodging venues. (something I've stated many, many times before).

 

The induction ceremonies were mainly held in NYC, because that is where the Foundation is located.  The RRHoF Museum and the RRHof Foundation are two separate entities.  I do know they are doing more to bring them under one umbrella and have more activities in Cleveland although the board has members from MSG.

 

We're every bit an important music destination as any other city.  However, you can't list "why" only assume, like many other, why not.

 

Prime example, when the casino was announced, people came out and siad, "why would people come to Cleveland to gamble?"  I always respond, "Why not?"  Which has also turned into, even if the Casino opens, high rollers wont come nor will shoppers to TC.  See a theme??

one of my favorite Cleveland movies, Oh in Ohio

 

I had high hopes for that movie, but it was painful to watch.

 

Hey...hey........You secretly loved it!

The "Best Location in the Nation" campaign was great. But its old and tired. Cleveland needs a new theme. That isn't good enough.

 

I agree with the comments about rallying back to the "Comeback City" mantra, which isn't as old as the Best Location in the Nation thing. I also agree that, yeah it acknowledges how down we used to be. So what? Its not like everybody doesn't know that in the first place. Let's be real. So lets acknowledge that, yes we were down, but now we're back. We're the city that refuses to die. People like the underdog. That's good. We should embrace that.

 

But even that alone is not enough. We need to have a marketing campaign built on our assets: the Rock Hall, Playhouse Square, our Medical Industry dominance, our growing Film Industry, our quality of life, our downtown, our culinary prominence, all of those things. Our new Casino, the rebirth of the Flats, the West Side Market, our Educational institutions, etc. All of those things should be put together to market Cleveland. Cleveland should be marketed as the Manhattan of the Midwest. We have the amenities of a major city with the affordability and the sense of community of a midwestern city. There's very few places where you can get BOTH big city lifestyle and affordability. Very few. We should capitalize on that.

The "Best Location in the Nation" campaign was great. But its old and tired.

 

they're not still using that, are they?? I remember it from the 60's.

The "Best Location in the Nation" campaign was great. But its old and tired. Cleveland needs a new theme. That isn't good enough.

 

I agree with the comments about rallying back to the "Comeback City" mantra, which isn't as old as the Best Location in the Nation thing. I also agree that, yeah it acknowledges how down we used to be. So what? Its not like everybody doesn't know that in the first place. Let's be real. So lets acknowledge that, yes we were down, but now we're back. We're the city that refuses to die. People like the underdog. That's good. We should embrace that.

 

But even that alone is not enough. We need to have a marketing campaign built on our assets: the Rock Hall, Playhouse Square, our Medical Industry dominance, our growing Film Industry, our quality of life, our downtown, our culinary prominence, all of those things. Our new Casino, the rebirth of the Flats, the West Side Market, our Educational institutions, etc. All of those things should be put together to market Cleveland. Cleveland should be marketed as the Manhattan of the Midwest. We have the amenities of a major city with the affordability and the sense of community of a midwestern city. There's very few places where you can get BOTH big city lifestyle and affordability. Very few. We should capitalize on that.

 

I disagree. TBLIN can be retooled, to bridge the past - mainly our blue collar city population and seat as a Corporate HQ hub - with the present - White collar health care and niche neighborhood city that is reinventing itself - to the future celebrating the items you list above.  that equals a desirable city that has broad range appeal across the board.

 

Sometimes you have to use what's in the box to think outside the box.

 

..

Do I know if some of these bands had insurance issues? What the $%$# is wrong with you.

 

I ask my self the same question about you!  You made an assumption/statement as something is wrong with the city, and claim there is an some imaginary reason bands skip Cleveland. Yet you do not answer when asked for clarity/more information.  I'll ask again, Why do bands skip Cleveland?

 

You're entitled to your opinion, but why make generalizing comments about a subject, that you appear, not know about?  Based solely on this topic and that post, this negative (somethings wrong; Why Cleveland) attitude is problematic with many NE Ohioians!  They post (give) incorrect information and when questioned, cannot provide an answer.

 

.......and before a certain moderator edits this, NOTE I am not attacking anyone, but responding in depth to something that was posted.  As indicated in my earlier post, I asked for clarity.

New video from LiveCLEVELAND:

 

^^YAWNNNNN. Same old drivel, different day.

Cleveland should be marketed as the Manhattan of the Midwest. We have the amenities of a major city with the affordability and the sense of community of a midwestern city. There's very few places where you can get BOTH big city lifestyle and affordability. Very few. We should capitalize on that.

 

I reread this and disagree.  I understand what your trying to get across, but Cleveland should be marketed as Cleveland.  PERIOD.  Not"like", "similar", or "reminds" you of any other city. 

 

Atlanta and Miami tried to be the Manhattan of the Southeast.  Atlanta's buckhead even went on to say it was the Beverly Hills of the SE.  Major FAIL!  To a degree NNJ and Philly have all tried to "Manhattanized" campaigns that backfired.  Taking someone elses persona and trying to market them to fit your specific need is sure to backfire with the intended audience.  Key example....The Plum.

 

We don't know to be known as the Manhattan, Chicago, Detroit of anything.  We need to return to being a proud CLEVELAND, OHIO.  PERIOD.

Then define Cleveland. That's the problem. That's why things like the "Best Location in the Nation" are worthless. They're just words. They don't mean anything. What is the lifestyle of Cleveland? The lifestyle of Cleveland is big city style with midwestern charm. That's Cleveland. If you don't want to call it Manhattan or whatever, then fine. But call it something. Saying we should be marketed as "Cleveland" when that isn't defined as anything doesn't make sense. You can't market Cleveland as "Cleveland" when no one outside of Cleveland knows what "Cleveland" is in that sense. What do we represent? What do we bring to the table? Why is Cleveland a great city? Those are the things that need to be defined. We need to define those around those assets that I said earlier. But you can't say we should be marketed as "Cleveland" when there's been no definition given to that yet. That's the problem!

 

I've been noticing something that the national media has been doing when writing articles about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees. They've been just using "Cleveland". Like in the New York Times, they said something to the effect of "when legendary rock artists want a boost in music sales, they need a nod from Cleveland". Other newspapers have been doing the same thing. That's beautiful because it means the Rock Hall is becoming synonymous with Cleveland. That's valuable. We need more of that. What is "Cleveland" synonymous with? What industry or field can be defined by just saying Cleveland? THAT's what we need. The "Best Location in the Nation" is jargon. It doesn't mean anything. Define "Cleveland" first.

Then define Cleveland. That's the problem. That's why things like the "Best Location in the Nation" are worthless. They're just words. They don't mean anything. What is the lifestyle of Cleveland? The lifestyle of Cleveland is big city style with midwestern charm. That's Cleveland. If you don't want to call it Manhattan or whatever, then fine. But call it something. Saying we should be marketed as "Cleveland" when that isn't defined as anything won't work. You can't market Cleveland as "Cleveland" when no one outside of Cleveland knows what "Cleveland" is in that sense. What do we represent? What do we bring to the table? Why is Cleveland a great city? Those are the things that need to be defined. We need to define those around those assets that I said earlier. But you can't say we should be marketed as "Cleveland" when there's been no definition given to that yet. That's the problem!

 

I've been noticing something that the national media has been doing when writing articles about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremonies. They've been just using "Cleveland". Like in the New York Times, they said something to the effect of "when legendary rock artists want a boost in music sales, they need a nod from Cleveland". That's beautiful because it means the Rock Hall is becoming synonymous with Cleveland. That's valuable. We need more of that. What is "Cleveland" synonymous with? What industry or field can be defined by just saying Cleveland? THAT's what we need. The "Best Location in the Nation" is jargon. It doesn't mean anything. Define "Cleveland" first.

 

How old are you? Not intended to be mean, just asking as  I'm not sure if you old enough to remember "the greatest location in the Nation" and how fabulous it is. 

 

If you dont believe in Jargon then we should no longer use:

• The crossroads of the world
  
• The Big Apple
  
• The Big Easy
  
• City of Angels
  
• La-La Land
  
• City by the Bay
  
• The Bay Area (this defines an entire region)
  
• Mile High City
  
• Magic City
  
• The ATL (well this one is super obvious)
  
• The Second City
  
• Charm City
  
• Beantown
  
• The Motor City
  
• Glitter Gulch
  
• Brick City
  
• The Boogie Down
  
• Gotham
  
• City of Roses
  
• City of Brotherly Love
  

I get anyone reading this can identify which nickname belongs to each city.  You can still use a tag and identify with a city.  ;)

 

If you want Cleveland to be Marketed as Cleveland you need to start with in and have cooperation from within.  I think we have that, what we don't have is a tiered marketing campaign - Locally, in state, Regional (states bordering Ohio), National and Select target (where most and least of our business travellers are located and the 2nd most popular place our most popular visitors would visit if not Cleveland.)

 

If this was up to me, I would have tags on every bus and train and station at the airport, Greyhound station.  and my second task would work with the PDs owner to changing the PD back to the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

^You left "Mistake by the Lake" off the list ;)

Most of what you said MEANS SOMETHING. It's associated with something. In the majority of the cases that you mentioned, they had something to do with a dominant industry, culture or something geographically related to the city. What does "Best Location in the Nation" represent? Nothing. Its an old 1940s era "Mad Men" type slogan that few people, even in this city, AND even some older people in this city, EVER knew what it meant.

 

Just a little bit of that list you gave, for an example:

 

"The Big Apple" - He explained his use in a February 18, 1924, column under the headline "Around the Big Apple":

The Big Apple. The dream of every lad that ever threw a leg over a thoroughbred and the goal of all horsemen. There's only one Big Apple. That's New York. Two dusky stable hands were leading a pair of thoroughbred around the "cooling rings" of adjoining stables at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans and engaging in desultory conversation. "Where y'all goin' from here?" queried one. "From here we're headin' for The Big Apple," proudly replied the other. "Well, you'd better fatten up them skinners or all you'll get from the apple will be the core," was the quick rejoinder (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Big_Apple)

 

"Mile High City" - Denver is nicknamed the Mile-High City because its official elevation is exactly one mile (1.6 km) or 5,280 feet (1,609.344 m) above sea level (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mile-High_City)

 

"The Motor City" - I mean, really? No explanation needed for this one.

 

"The Second City" - Chicago, Illinois, which had been the second largest city in the United States for most of the twentieth century until being overtaken by Los Angeles (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Second_City_(disambiguation))

 

ATL - Even you acknowledge that this is obvious.

 

Gotham - This is obvious. Gotham was designed after NYC. So maybe we should call ourselves Metropolis because it was designed after downtown.

 

And the list goes on and on. Those names defined something. "Best Location in the Nation" is garbage. It means nothing. EVERY city thinks they're the "Best Location in the Nation". That's a fossilized relic that doesn't mean anything. And since you made a comment as if I'm just a young whippersnapper who doesn't appreciate the awesomeness of the slogan, I pose a counter question: maybe you're a tad out of touch. With all due respect, of course  :-)

Obviously this is a thread with a lot of wiggle room, but let's make a nominal attempt to keep on topic. My personal take? All this handwringing about "how do we define/market ourselves?!?" and "what's a catchy phrase to promote ourselves and make Cleveland a household name!?!" reminds me of people that show up a great party and just try too hard to make their presence known and end up turning people off because it isn't genuine.

^ well, ya know, as they say, cleveland ya gotta be tough!  :-D

• The Boogie Down

 

 

What's that city??

 

I always liked Cleveland's 19th century name of "The Forest City" unless a certain company headquartered at Tower City Center won't let the Cleveland+ folks use it!

 

• The Boogie Down
  

 

What's that city??

 

I always liked Cleveland's 19th century name of "The Forest City" unless a certain company headquartered at Tower City Center won't let the Cleveland+ folks use it!

 

The "Boogie Down" Bronx.

 

Yeah, FC is wrong for that.  They should be using it for their own regional marketing plans.  Oh...thats right, they dont give a damn about Ctown.

• The Boogie Down

 

 

What's that city??

 

I always liked Cleveland's 19th century name of "The Forest City" unless a certain company headquartered at Tower City Center won't let the Cleveland+ folks use it!

I wouldn't mind using the Forest City again. I think that's something that's genuine to the city. What would the marketing look like if we were to attempt to build off of that? Just curious

I'm pretty sure it was "the Forest City" before there was a FC. Though do we really have many forests left?

I'm pretty sure it was "the Forest City" before there was a FC. Though do we really have many forests left?

 

I think that compared to a lot of other cities, especially on the East Coast, Cleveland has a ton of trees.  Maybe no forests per se, but pretty much every residential street has a treelawn (with mature trees, fittingly enough.)

Guys, let's not kid ourselves. No one is going to call us the Forest City; the name is obselete and completely disconnected from what Cleveland is in the present.

 

It does have a nice ring to it, granted, and I get that it used to be our nickname. 150 years ago. I mean, that's like calling the Indians the Cleveland Naps. People would just be scratching their heads.

 

 

lets just call it C-town and get on with our lives

^ I hear a fair number of people who call it the 216. I think its vague enough it will make people wonder what the heck is being talked about. Build on the success of the 'made in 216' people.

 

And as for on the previous page where the Chrysler ads were being referenced as giving Detroit some positive esteem, they weren't made by a tourism bureau; they were made by a company trying to sell cars. A company trying beat the perception that American cars are inferior to Asian and European cars.

Cleveland received a blurb as a must visit Christmas city:

 

http://www.sheknows.com/living/articles/848525/christmas-vacation

 

IMO, this really isn't marketed enough:

 

- Christmas Story House and Museum

- Snow Days @ Progressive Field

- University Circle (Rink at Wade Oval, Botanical Garden's Winterfest, etc)

- Christmas Ale and Great Lakes Brewery

- Playhouse Square dozens and dozens of Holiday shows

- Cleveland Orchestra Holiday concerts

One thing I will say in defense of "Best Location In The Nation" is... Think of how many TV shows and movies set in NYC (too many, in my opinion) where someone says at some point, "This is the greatest city in the world!" Granted, I don't believe the city itself uses it as a marketing campaign, but having the balls to consistently call your town the best in the world has clearly rubbed off positively for NYC. I know plenty of people who have never been there and simply assume it's a great city, despite their relatively recent drug problems.

 

Not saying I want Betty White to best out "Best Location In The Nation," (although she does call Cleveland the greatest city in the world in one episode), but don't underestimate the power of taking obnoxious pride in your city and daring to call it the best.

 

All that said... I've always liked "The Forest City" given our tremendous parks system.

^ me too, too bad it seems to have been co-opted by fcr.

 

and speaking of using the parks, what about: cleveland, america's emerald necklace? kinda has a wizard of oz type appeal maybe?

 

c-town and 216 are fine now, but are too in use elsewhere and also would date marketing narrowly the oughts or tweens eras, it should be something more timeless.

 

hmm, reviving best location... isnt a bad idea either. its certainly clever and has a memorable, ring to it.

 

I think more personalized marketing would work. :lol:

 

In places like Phoenix, Los Vegas, etc. it would be...

In Cleveland, we have water! And grass! And trees!

 

For cities like Houston...

Cleveland, our city has character!

 

Los Angeles...

In Cleveland, we dont spend most of our lives stuck in traffic!

 

New York City...

You could be living in a 3 bedroom apartment in Cleveland for the price your paying for that closet in New York!

 

Columbus...

We have a lake! ;)

"Best location in the nation" has more than a touch of self-aware irony in it, which is pretty awesome.  It's sooo emptily boosterish that it's kind of endearing.

 

"The Forest City" still has some value because it has plausible authenticity and anchors the city in an almost-erased 19th century history that conveys a nice sense of continuity and gravity missing in newer cities.  I'd love to see more entrepreneurs use it, or for the city to reference it in official symbols (the seal, the flag, manhole covers, etc.), but I would hate to see it ruined by some ham-handed vanilla publicity campaign by CLE+ or whoever.  I generally agree with MayDay that most of this promotional stuff is super lame and really just a turn-off.

^^i would avoid referencing water since it's a reminder of that one nickname we just can't get rid of.

^^i would avoid referencing water since it's a reminder of that one nickname we just can't get rid of.

 

I get the concern, but water is one of our greatest assets. It'd almost be like Denver neglecting to mention those Rocky Mountains nearby.

^^i would avoid referencing water since it's a reminder of that one nickname we just can't get rid of.

Outside of Pittsburgh and Cincinatti (where the nickname applies more to the football team than the city as a whole) how many people really think of that nickname when they think Cleveland?

^^i would avoid referencing water since it's a reminder of that one nickname we just can't get rid of.

Outside of Pittsburgh and Cincinatti (where the nickname applies more to the football team than the city as a whole) how many people really think of that nickname when they think Cleveland?

 

Chicagoans definitely do. I heard it left and right throughout my regrettable two years living there.

just slap cleveland in front of it to take out the anonymity??

 

'cleveland, the best location in the nation' or 'cleveland is the best location in the nation'?

 

although that move just reminds me of when the they slapped the 'theee' in front of 'ohio state university' in the 80's.  :laugh:

just slap cleveland in front of it to take out the anonymity??

 

'cleveland, the best location in the nation' or 'cleveland is the best location in the nation'?

Sounds cheesy, presumptious, pompous, and silly.

although that move just reminds me of when the they slapped the 'theee' in front of 'ohio state university' in the 80's.  :laugh:

I always wondered why they insisted on saying "The" before "Ohio State University" but still called themselves OSU, shouldn't it be tOSU?

One thing I will say in defense of "Best Location In The Nation" is... Think of how many TV shows and movies set in NYC (too many, in my opinion) where someone says at some point, "This is the greatest city in the world!" Granted, I don't believe the city itself uses it as a marketing campaign, but having the balls to consistently call your town the best in the world has clearly rubbed off positively for NYC. I know plenty of people who have never been there and simply assume it's a great city, despite their relatively recent drug problems.

 

Not saying I want Betty White to best out "Best Location In The Nation," (although she does call Cleveland the greatest city in the world in one episode), but don't underestimate the power of taking obnoxious pride in your city and daring to call it the best.

 

All that said... I've always liked "The Forest City" given our tremendous parks system.

From someone who isn't a big fan of reusing it, I think that was probably the best and most substantive argument I've heard so far in favor of using it. I must concede, you make a very good point  :clap: I like the Forest City too, by the way

IMHO It has to be Forest City. I think it goes well with the environmental movement that was really spawned in Cleveland and that aspect is not taken advantage of enough. It could be a major boost to the reputation of the city on a national level.

^^^

Thanks, I try :).

IMHO It has to be Forest City. I think it goes well with the environmental movement that was really spawned in Cleveland and that aspect is not taken advantage of enough. It could be a major boost to the reputation of the city on a national level.

 

Agreed.  "The Forest City" is so much classier than any alternative I've heard.  The image we should be building is one of elegance, and I don't think people realize how much elegance is here.  That gap creates an opportunity.  Beyond the environmental movement, I'd like to see us highlight progressiveness in general, especially toward places down South and out West.  That might net us a few of their young people.  Targeted messages is a great idea.

Cleveland received a blurb as a must visit Christmas city:

 

http://www.sheknows.com/living/articles/848525/christmas-vacation

 

IMO, this really isn't marketed enough:

 

- Christmas Story House and Museum

- Snow Days @ Progressive Field

- University Circle (Rink at Wade Oval, Botanical Garden's Winterfest, etc)

- Christmas Ale and Great Lakes Brewery

- Playhouse Square dozens and dozens of Holiday shows

- Cleveland Orchestra Holiday concerts

 

Cleveland in the Washington Post as well...very University Circle centered (I approve):

 

http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/winter-sports-in-cleveland-where-to-go-what-to-do-where-to-stay-where-to-eat/2011/12/12/gIQAPGUgyO_story.html

Guys, let's not kid ourselves. No one is going to call us the Forest City; the name is obselete and completely disconnected from what Cleveland is in the present.

 

It does have a nice ring to it, granted, and I get that it used to be our nickname. 150 years ago. I mean, that's like calling the Indians the Cleveland Naps. People would just be scratching their heads.

 

Here's what I hear. When I travel with a friend from Chicago (who grew up in Ravenna) around the city, he says he always amazed at how lush and thick the vegetation is here.

 

Similar story for a friend from Columbus. When he comes here, the size of the trees catch his attention. I think that's especially true along the lake, from Edgewater west through Lakewood and into Bay Village. I haven't traveled east with him much, but he did live in Ashtabula for a long time. But, like the other friend who grew up in Ravenna, sometimes you don't notice or appreciate something when you're around it all the time.

 

And I think that's true of how green and lush Greater Cleveland is. I think Forest City still works, and is a positive image to convey. And it is a good image to maintain by ensuring the region maintains its parks, and keeps lots of shade trees, wind breaks and lush landscaping.

Downtown Cleveland: The Honey Locust Forest!

"The Forest City" gets this Cincinnatian's two thumbs-up!  No more a place of aged machines, ore boats or rust and cold--but a region of greenery, growth, renewal, water, and warmth...  THIS ONE just might work!  Kudos.

The first question that needs to be asked is what's the objective here?  Is this a straight up rebranding? Then we would want to take an approach similar to the Vegas "what happens here, stays here" campaign. Or are we more interested in driving more people to move here? Or is it something else, more economically-driven?  increasing tourism? Convincing businesses to relocate?

 

Depending on how we answer this, our approach would be radically different.

You mean you want to make this into something serious? I'm in it for the fun of discussion!

You mean you want to make this into something serious? I'm in it for the fun of discussion!

 

You mean this wasn't serious?  Then (if not), why not:  "WE'LL BE ANYTHING YOU WANT US TO BE--JUST COME!" (isn't that what it's all about?)  :yap: