Mayor Gets Credit for Red Bull Flyer

Make no bones about it. This was a Hail Mary throw and Windsor took the win because Mayor Eddie Francis called the play; ultimately tossing a flyer to completion. Sure. There’s a lot of speculation about how the play really went down. Some credit Dwight Duncan and Sandra Pupatello for tarring the ball with $3.2 million, making sure it stuck square in the numbers. Many question the timing. Did our Provincial Ministers cough up because they were getting a lot of public flak or did Duncan pay the piper to free up the political log jam between the Ministers and the Mayor? Heck…We’re not even sure if the money is a gift or a loan. None of that matters now.

Eddie Francis made the play. He went to London to woo the Red Bull executives, he put the word out for sponsorship and when none came forward he turned to Duncan and simply asked for help. Dwight Duncan bought in and cut the check. In the business world asking for the sale is fundamental.

Many are pondering the terms and conditions for the Provinces timely gift. Everything will eventually come out in the wash but that doesn’t matter now either. The ball is in motion. In a little less than 5 Months Windsor, Ontario is going to be Canada’s host city for the world renowned Red Bull Air Race.

Windsor is playing with the Titans. San Diego, Budapest, Porto, Barcelona and Abu Dhabi. This event will broadcast to 500 million people in 115 countries. From here on in we have to fall into formation. This has to be our 3.2 million dollar, once in a millennium opportunity to showcase Windsor to every reach of the planet. Every blitz, every sweep, every tackle, every nickleback and every rush has to count. Our Mayor and Ministers have given us the air yards; now it’s up to full team effort. Every business, every organization and every citizen have to dig in their cleats to guarantee that Windsor will be recognized. Every window has to be washed, every street swept and scrubbed, every picture straightened, every blade of grass coiffed and every local jewel highlighted. Shine up our buses and taxis too.

If ever there was a need to network and spend some advertising dollars it is now. Not necessarily a lot but well orchestrated. Grass root if you will. This is a prime opportunity for local Chambers of Commerce, the Windsor-Essex Development Commission and the local Tourism office to strut their stuff. Arm members and affiliates to talk up the event while at home and on the road. Don’t forget press releases. Lots of them. Local Companies can put the word out to their out of town customers; perhaps bringing them in for the race, some local golf and sailing. Whatever. There is a position here for everyone. Museums, corporate tours, all BIAs, eateries and clubs and every campus. The city might host an all expenses paid event for Canadian journalists to come and enjoy the event. It is also a great opportunity for residents to invite their out of town relatives. Bring them in and treat them like kings and queens. Even the bloggers have a role here. Let the world know that Windsor is here for them.
Yes, the game is on. Windsorites have to embrace that and ring: “Bring it on!” Just remember that in all of this it is imperative that we protect our quarterback. His toss is bringing the world to Windsor. Its time to get in the huddle and slap some cheek.

http://www.redbullairrace.com/races.php?id=3&subpage=3&lang=en