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Good image ambassadors
EDITORIALS
Many cities expend a great deal of money and effort trying to craft
their images, hoping that such effort pays off in the number of
conventions, tourists and newcomers it attracts.
A key component in that quest is the help of citizens.
The Greater Omaha Convention and Visitors Bureau has plans to do just
that with its "Know the O!" campaign. The idea is to play off of the
Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce's "O!" slogan and encourage Omahans
to talk up their city while visiting other locations.
Indeed, who better than an Omaha resident to give a sincere and an
enthusiastic description of the many benefits of living in the city?
Not only is this strategy a good public-relations tool, but it's also a
chance for the city's residents to show pride for the Big O. It also
would go a long way to dispel misconceptions.
As ambassadors of the city, Omahans can set misled souls straight.
One might say to the nonsense that passes for knowledge about Omaha:
Actually, we have a relatively new convention center and arena. It has
brought in acts such as Prince, Eric Clapton and Green Day. U2 is
scheduled to play in December.
Omaha has a world-class zoo, gorgeous botanical gardens, the historic
Old Market and Rosenblatt Stad- ium, home of the Omaha Royals. Not to
mention that Omaha hosts the College World Series every year.
We have four Fortune 500 companies. Warren Buffett, the second- richest
man in the world, calls Omaha home.
There are not one, but two, academic medical centers located here.
There is a thriving arts community, a plethora of top-notch restaurants
to dine in and a burgeoning indie rock scene.
The list could go on and on. You should come and see for yourself what
Omaha has to offer.
(The same type of conversation could work to the benefit of all of
Nebraska, which has its own share of attractions and amenities.)
Attracting conventions, tourists and newcomers could be a breeze with a
little help from Omaha residents. Knowing the O! and then telling
someone would be an invaluable tool for the city.
Contact the Omaha World-Herald newsroom
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