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Don't understand why we are living in the shadow of Buffalo. I think it's all in the perception of the past. Buffalo was twice the size of Rochester 40 years ago, however, we are now only about 70,000 people away. We have the positive energy of the momentum, while they have been losing thousands every year. (yes, we are static right now, but haven't lost many people, if we've lost any at all).
Our economy is larger and the things they have that make them seem biger, they wouldn't have without us, like the Bills and Sabres. We have an arts "economy" of $200m and theirs is $160m, but they tout their arts all the time.
Financially we lose big time as they capitalize on the perception that they are bigger and get 10x the state and federal investments as we do, despite an almost equal contribution into the pot.
You always hear about population loss and general dieing of upstate, but that's all about Buffalo. Rochester needs to put itself in the spotlight more, and also grab more of the "government" money that is rightfully ours.
Great points and the statements about Upstate NY "dying" is more towards certain counties, but there are counties that have been growing for decades, slowly, but surely. People get caught up on a county or some towns and cities, but don't realize that some cities and counties have gained population in Upstate NY. Like I've mentioned before, Monroe County has only had 1 census where it hasn't gained people(1980) and that loss was small(about 1.5% or so). So, some people need to do some research before they say things are a certain way.
So, what's the solution? What should be done to raise the city's profile in the rest of the United States (and, thereby, attract more tourism and business)?
So, what's the solution? What should be done to raise the city's profile in the rest of the United States (and, thereby, attract more tourism and business)?
According to some members here, either a light rail system or a major sports team
In my opinion, taller buildings and bigger businesses to occupy them. And a cleaner lake front wouldn't hurt either, however I think getting Charlotte cleaned up would be nearly as impossible as attracting business and skyscrapers anyways.
Honestly, I'd rather Rochester NOT attract massive amounts of tourists. One of the very few things good about this hole is the relatively low amount of traffic, making it an easy place to get around. Henrietta can get pretty rough as it is right now, imagine if it was some kinda tourist hangout. Yeah, no thanks.
Good or bad, one idea to attract more dollars into the area is to market the city more effectively as the gateway to the fingerlakes wine country - much along the lines of how San Francisco is tied to the wine country in Sonoma and Napa counties (which are about as far from the city in terms of driving times as Lake Canandaigua and Keuka are from Rochester). In essence, by branding itself as the 'capitol' of one of the U.S.'s most scenic recreational regions, and spending a few dollars on a regional basis to tie the two together more closely (package deals with Geva, Little and Canandaigua B&Bs, say) and up the quality of experience for tourists in the fingerlakes the city should be able to raise its profile nationally.
Rochester lacks a master plan or a vision. All the energy seems to be put behind the large projects and there's too few of them. If Rochester had a plan, everyone could get on board and feel positive about our community as opposed to just paying off the big construction companies. In fact they would also thrive once things got under way.
Also, I believe Rochester should start acting like the "big" city in upstate and stop letting Buffalo get all of the attention and large dvelopments with our money. Rochester should start to position itself as being in the middle of a metroplex of 3 million people. It's only an hour to Buffalo or Syracuse. That's about how long it takes to get to the outer ring of major cities. If we did position ourselves this way, we could be just like a major city, with all of the attractions and sports, without the big city hassles. Let's stop thinking so small.
So, what's the solution? What should be done to raise the city's profile in the rest of the United States (and, thereby, attract more tourism and business)?
the answer is simple: not be located in a state that is home to the most iconic city on the planet.
Imagine if a small, modest amusement park opened up a few hours outside of Disney World. Why do you think it wouldnt be much of a tourist destination; better yet, why would non-locals have any clue it even exists?
the answer is simple: not be located in a state that is home to the most iconic city on the planet.
Imagine if a small, modest amusement park opened up a few hours outside of Disney World. Why do you think it wouldnt be much of a tourist destination; better yet, why would non-locals have any clue it even exists?
Umm as someone who currently lives in Tampa....Their small amusement parks outside of Disney World......Lego Land for Example is opening. Their used to be cypress gardens, there is also wonderworks, funspot action......you might wanna use a different example haha.....
Umm as someone who currently lives in Tampa....Their small amusement parks outside of Disney World......Lego Land for Example is opening. Their used to be cypress gardens, there is also wonderworks, funspot action......you might wanna use a different example haha.....
lolllllllll okayyyyy....I actually just moved back to Rochester from Tampa, and I haven't even heard of any of those places. Regardless, you just completely misunderstood my example. I am not saying that these amusement parks don't exist--I'm simply saying that they wouldnt be nationally renowned/acknowledged--let alone a common tourist destination!! And guess what?! THEY AREN'T!!! Just as Rochester exists despite NYC, but isn't a popular tourist destination and doesn't get much national attention.
JW and Doggz, you are both right, in my opinion. It's time to think big and to tie in the things that are already around you. Then, you have to market those things. That is something that seems to be lacking in Upstate NY, but websites like this allows the peopel to put those things out there and you would be surprised by who actually reads things that are on here or similar websites. So, we also can play a part in the marketing of the area by stating what is already here. Many times, the locals have a more shallow perspective on their city/area than outsiders. So, when we research and look at what is available, that's where you can display things that could put the area out there to more people.
We should change the name of the sabres or the bills to the "new york bills" or the "new york sabres"....if NC can have the Carolina Panthers and the Carolina Hurricanes based in two different cities, we should do the same! lol (note, this is not a serious suggestion)
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