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Entries from January 28th, 2006

The Adirondack Brand

January 28th, 2006 · No Comments · Destination Marketing

A Travel Brand is a Powerful Thing (via Cheapest Destinations)

As tourism professionals we are constantly seeking our destination’s unique selling proposition. The proliferation of competition coupled with increasingly efficient information networks has made the marketing of destinations a real battle for survival.

“Travelers don’t like to think of destinations as brands, but you can bet the people marketing them are thinking about them that way all the time. Words like “positioning,” “demographics,” and “lifestyle segments” are as much a part of meetings at tourism offices as they are at Frito-Lay and Sony. “

We are fortunate that the “Adirondack” brand is one that is recognizable and marketable. But is it really? In all the conversations in this regard, meetings, round tables, focus groups, etc. the mysterious “Adirondack” is much debated.

When it comes to recommendations, at least we are in the running:

“If you want to find a great travel deal, look at the places that can barely pay to play.”

Relatively speaking, the Adirondack Region is still a real travel bargain.

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Bambi’s relatives can’t read

January 6th, 2006 · No Comments · Adirondack Life

Bambi Relative: The answer is “ENA” Bambi’s Aunt.

This appeared in today’s Press Republican’s Cheers and Jeers section. This deer crossing gauntlet is crossed by this writer twice each way five days a week. Oddly enough, the greatest variety of local wildlife is often seen via roadkill. This stretch has had Deer, Red Fox, Skunk, Raccoon, Beaver, Turtles, Woodchuck, Dog, Gulls, and the occasional Raptor. Oddly enough, the most daring of birds is the Crow, which is the beneficiary of most remains and the best vehicle dodger with wings.

JEERS: to those responsible for the lack of signs on a section of Interstate 87 to warn motorists that deer like to cross that superhighway in both the north- and south-bound lanes of the highway — day or night — especially during the rut. Motorists and sportsmen alike have noticed of late more deer along the highway and in the median throughout the year, but even more last fall, when the deer kill by motor vehicles increased significantly. There was seemingly new carnage every day. Of course, Bambi’s relatives can’t read, but motorists can. Why not erect “deer crossing” signs along the highway between exits 39 and 40, where a deer run has existed for years? Such signs are erected generally in the same area along State Route 9, which runs parallel to the Northway. It seems to us that, with the mild winter so far, the local deer herds will have less winter kill, creating still larger numbers in this area next autumn. Please, give the motorist unaccustomed to seeing deer in their headlights a warning of the possible danger.

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Downtown Rehab

January 6th, 2006 · No Comments · News

Well, we’re actually talking about “road” rehab, but the metaphor is appropriate. In our “City that Likes to Drive by the Lake”, there are many roads in need of repair. Lucky for us the city speed limit is puportedly 30 Mph so even the most “in need of rehabilitation” roads are tolerable.

“Another major road construction project will be undertaken in the City of Plattsburgh this summer.

Margaret Street from Robinson Terrace to Cornelia Street, City Hall Place from Bridge Street to City Hall and Upper Bridge Street will all be renovated.”

According to Mayor Dan:

“This will further enhance the downtown and help businesses along Margaret Street”
(Courtesy Press Republican, By JOE LoTEMPLIO, Staff Writer)

In the meantime, plan to avoid downtown, North-South traffic should transit the city via Oak and Catherine Streets otherwise known as Route 22.

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