The Peoria Journal Star's Paul Gordon writes: Last week I told you about the survey being conducted by the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce and other organizations that want to know your feelings about the region. Specifically, they'd like to know what is best about the region they can use as selling points to future potential employers or conventions.
Here is a response I got from area business leader Ron Rainson:
"A few years ago we had a company headquartered in Peoria. The company had 31 offices around the country managed by several vice presidents living in California, Florida, New Hampshire, and other great tourist destinations. The spouses of these vice presidents were not thrilled at the prospect of moving to (expletives deleted) Peoria. I invited them all here and we had a dinner at Jumer's.
"During the dinner, one spouse asked my wife, 'You've been here 10 years and you're from a big city, what is the real story on Peoria?' I held my breath because my wife is nothing if not outspoken. She thought a minute and said, 'There is absolutely no reason to ever move here.'
"The room went dead silent; all you could hear was my heart sinking. The spouses were staring down their mates with that 'I told you, you idiot' look. Then my wife continued, 'But there is absolutely no reason to leave.' All heads looked toward her. 'You can get anywhere in 20 minutes, there is no traffic, we have professional hockey and baseball, two ballet companies, a symphony orchestra, and three live theaters. You can park inexpensively and when you walk into a restaurant you are shown immediately to your table. I could never go back to a big city. Peoria is just right.'"
PAUL GORDON is Journal star business editor. Business File appears here each Tuesday. Gordon's e-mail address is pgordon@pjstar.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment