There's no point pretending Detroit doesn't have a serious image problem. So local tourism and convention promoters splash the bold, upper-case headline at right atop their latest national ad.
After acknowledging the municipal bankruptcy and "some serious financial challenges," the Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau ticks off points of pride that outsiders may not know. It touts downtown -- perhaps wishfully -- as "safe and secure," as well as a place where Yuppies and empty-nesters "are flocking." (Hey, remember: It's an ad.)
A six-item checklist, posted by Detroit Regional News Hub executive director Marge Sorge at its blog, starts with:
More than $11 billion in new private economic investment and development in the past two years helped transform downtown’s buildings, businesses and riverfront into a lively and appealing urban center.
"The $279-million transformation of Cobo Center" is among points of pride in the new ad. Talking points say group meeting planners should be assured that "Cobo Center and its operation are completely separate from city government."
Other items cite Cobo's makeover, the M1 light rail line that's coming and "one of the largest theater districts in the U.S., with over 13,000 seats in just a two-block radius."
"All these truths about Detroit aren't just brag. They're facts," says copy under the list.
Sorge's post also has a sizable excerpt from "Detroit Perceptions and Realities" talking points given to the Visit Detroit bureau representatives as a way of countering out-of-town beliefs about downtown. Topics include crime, housing, job opportunities and empty buildings.
Dan Gilbert is invoked, naturally, as are these best-face statements:
- Detroit is experiencing one of the country’s largest urban redevelopments.
- Downtown Detroit is safe and secure.
- More than 7,000 jobs and $120 million in investment have come into Detroit since 2010.
- Artists, designers, entrepreneurs and other young professionals are taking advantage of low real estate prices and growing career opportunities.
- Young urban professionals and empty nesters flocking to downtown Detroit are quickly inhabiting new lofts and condominiums.
The convention and tourism bureau's president, Larry Alexander, is on the News Hub's three-person board, by the way.
