Maybe we should be flattered. It’s not often the Cleveland business community is placed on the same tier with New York, Chicago and Toronto.
But that’s just what the Michigan Economic Development Corporation has done. A six-week advertising campaign that ended in October targeted our fair city’s business leaders. The message of the media blitz was to get business owners to consider Michigan in their expansion plans.
“Michigan is back and attracting companies in record numbers,” says Doug Rothwell, president and CEO of the MEDC. “That makes it a great time to let the Cleveland business community know what the Michigan of today has to offer.”
The campaign utilized two television commercials, radio spots and a few print ads. It touted the campaign’s tag line: “These days, it’s not enough to be street smart … you’ve got to be state smart.”
Among the reasons campaign organizers say Cleveland businesses should make the move to Michigan:
- 11 virtually tax-free Renaissance Zones;
- 630,000 miles of fiber optic cable;
- Half the population and income in North America is located within 500 miles of Detroit;
- 26 tax cuts in the last eight years and a 20 percent reduction in tax burden.
It’s too soon to tell whether the campaign has had any effect, but don’t be surprised if you see a moving van parked in front of your neighbor’s business.
Daniel G. Jacobs
