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Ellen Belcher is the Dayton Daily News opinion pages editor. She writes about state government, education, the environment, higher education and all things Dayton.
Martin Gottlieb is an editorial writer and columnist for the Dayton Daily News opinion pages. He focuses on the political process itself and does such national issues as war, the economy, taxes and Social Security, as well as a hodge-podge of local and state issues.Home > Blogs > A Matter of Opinion > Archives > 2009 > November > 18 > Entry
Editorial: Dayton Region Rally never revved
Good intentions, awful form.
That’s how it felt at the Dayton Region Rally on Tuesday, Nov. 17.
Seventeen speakers on a program that ran two-plus hours. Maybe if the event had been less passive, maybe if even the spontaneity hadn’t been scripted, it might have been energizing.
But, man, this was homework. Thank goodness there weren’t many young people there, the very people the community desperately wants to attract to “work, live and play” in Dayton.
They would have been unimpressed. They would have been out of that arena.
After all, here we have an event — billed as a rally, as in pep, as in get excited, as in feel good about your team — that was built on lectures.
Who gave out those instructions? Who thought this design would whip up anyone?
There are some take-aways that just have to be on the table:
— This is the second marketing misstep by the Dayton Development Coalition.
Its branding effort — Get Midwest — is pedestrian and uninspired. Now this.
The coalition has bright, dedicated people doing important work. But the organization’s marketing instincts aren’t cutting it.
This event had money behind it; it was technically polished. But it did nothing meaningful to advance people’s perceptions of the region.
The crowd, estimated at 1,500 or so, was small. A great many in the audience either know about Dayton’s assets or they are employees of companies or organizations that asked their people to attend.
At 5 o’clock, the exodus was so pronounced that you’d have thought someone had rung a bell and yelled, “Quitting time.”
That must have been painful for the speakers who hadn’t gone yet. Some of this community’s best minds were asked to take on speaking roles that aren’t natural to them, that even they would say they’re not good at it.
— Dayton’s old boys need some new heads at the table.
If 20- and 30-somethings had planned this event, it would have looked so different. Speeches wouldn’t haven’t been allowed. There would have been memorable video mash-ups, there would have been skits and comedy, there would have been real audience participation.
Think about the scores they would have settled — hilariously — at NCR’s expense.
(Bruce Langos’ litany of reasons why his Teradata Corp. chose to remain in Dayton when the company spun off from NCR just touched on what could have been done.)
You got a taste of this difference in approach when the folks from Five Rivers MetroParks poured out of the audience and onto the arena floor with kayaks, bikes and backpacking gear when their boss started to speak.
The frolicking, of course, was staged, but it was possibly one of the lone moments of energy. That it was produced by a young workforce that is actually engaged in the things that the speakers were asked to talk, talk, talk about is telling.
If the event had been truly a community one, the big act wouldn’t have been an out-of-town artist. Michael Israel is gifted and entertaining, but what does producing a painting of the Statue of Liberty have to do with inspiring Dayton? Where were our artists?
There was not a person on the stage who isn’t passionate about Dayton or isn’t doing tremendous, important work in the community; some of the individuals are positively brilliant.
The projects they are involved in — developing insect-sized aerial vehicles that can attack, or spy on, our enemies, for instance — are great, even sexy, Dayton stories.
Their and their colleagues’ presence is transforming this region from being mainly a manufacturing hub to one where entrepreneurs and researchers are doing world-class work that is central to this country’s high-tech edge.
Those innovations are being cooked up in secret labs and in small start-up companies that are Dayton’s future and that already are competing well in the global marketplace.
The problem is not with Dayton’s stories. It has great ones. There’s just no innovation in how we tell — and sell — them.
Permalink | Comments (22) | Post your comment | Categories: Editorials, Ellen Belcher
Comments
By Jack
November 18, 2009 8:06 PM | Link to this
As someone attending this rally I have to agree with the editorial - this was an event catering to older mid and upper level executives who are already familiar with most of the information covered. It was obviously not an inexpensive event to pull off, and they were preaching to the choir. Perhaps it was effective in getting the already captive audience more excited, but why bring in an artist from out of town when we have all sorts of talented people here in Dayton who could have performed? As I left, a woman asked me to stay - “just another 15 minutes, watch him paint and then you can go.” Really?
By Sal Monella
November 18, 2009 8:11 PM | Link to this
Just another example of Dayton circlin’ the drain. Hopeless “leadership” and incompetence. No vision, no hope, no talent, no imagination, no skill. No brains.
By Dayton Believer
November 18, 2009 8:45 PM | Link to this
Count on the DDN to ‘rally’ the crabs in order to keep everyone in the bucket. We’re fortunate to have a few people trying to pull the city out. At one time the paper showed leadership in this area. With that long gone, it’s no wonder the DDN is rapidly becoming a mere wrapper for advertisements and coupons.
By JL
November 18, 2009 10:39 PM | Link to this
At least they are trying. DDN, isn’t there another riveting accident on 75 or shooting in Dayton you need to cover? Maybe your just upset it was sponsored by WHIO and not your dying paper.
By JL
November 18, 2009 10:39 PM | Link to this
At least they are trying. DDN, isn’t there another riveting accident on 75 or shooting in Dayton you need to cover? Maybe your just upset it was sponsored by WHIO and not your dying paper.
By David A.
November 18, 2009 11:16 PM | Link to this
It is time to step it up DDN! Our so called Dayton paper should have a full page, at least a couple of times a week on positive stories highlighting technology advances, new companies locating in the region, opportunities for our residents etc. Instead of continuing to throw stones at anyone who attempts to make a positive difference, do something yourselves! I find at laughable what DDN charges for a paper that is half of what it used to be just a few years ago. Fill your paper with positivity!
By David Esrati
November 19, 2009 7:16 AM | Link to this
Agreed that Ellen Belcher, Martin Gottlieb, Scott Elliot & Kevin Reiley do more harm than good with their rag. I’ve suggested many times to run a weekly recap of patents issued in the area- and it’s fallen on deaf ears. Simple, cheap, easy. Austin TX has been doing it for years. However, on this one, they are right on the money. There hasn’t been a better audience to break out a ground breaking discussion on regional government, a vision of inexpensive, quick projects like B-cycle, or what is going on with the “youth movement” at Garden Station- with practically no money. The Dayton Development Coalition has zero marketing skills- they’ve proven that with the $900K, no-bid charity project to Congressman Turner’s wife- “Get Midwest.” They have no open financial accounting practices so that governments who give them tax money can see where it went- and their focus on the base and high tech is admirable, but right now we need jobs for displaced factory workers fast. However, the most amazing thing about this editorial- is that the editorial board agreed with what I wrote the night of the rally- go look at esrati.com (because if I had a hyperlink to this lame site it breaks their comments- hint to DDC). But in the end- having the DDN say the DDC failed us is a cruel joke- coming from the people who have endorsed business as usual in politics forever. Remember, these are the people that endorsed Rhine McLin- and called putting the regional asset of the airport into regional hands a “strangely bad idea.” And their own marketing skills aren’t working so well either- readership and revenues are down, layoffs at the paper frequent, as they fail to navigate the new economy. You could have read this first, and commented with links- somewhere else.
By null
November 19, 2009 8:29 AM | Link to this
Okay, so let me recap the DDN page for the last few months… Rhine McLin (see status quo) is the best choice for Mayor, but DDC, why aren’t you bringing more innovative thought to Dayton? Pot meet kettle. Do they write these things in a vacuum?
By Lila
November 19, 2009 8:37 AM | Link to this
With all due respect, Mr. Esrati, you sling mud with incorrect facts and this is why the voters do not take you seriously every single time you run. I read your blog and there are times when you do a great service by holding some folks accountable, but when you exaggerate your facts, you lose credibility.
By Tom and Joe
November 19, 2009 8:45 AM | Link to this
Can’t Esrati get pas the fact he is not a voice of vision or reason in the community. David, you have been soundly defeated in your bids for public office at least 3 times. Obviously the citizens of this area do not like what you have to say or how you say it. To the organizers of this event, please remember, no matter how hard you try, you can never polish a t*rd endough to make it a diamond.
By Kristy
November 19, 2009 8:48 AM | Link to this
At least someone stepped up. Regardless of the structure, content or speakers — Ellen Belcher would have found a nugget of negativity and that is what the focus of her editorial would have been. As a young professional who attended the rally, would I have appreciated more humor? Yes, but I knew going in, this wasn’t the cast and crew of SNL. It’s the start of changing mindsets, of getting people to think about the positive regardless of the negative; certainly a hard thing to do with the DDN, particularly the opinion section. I’m confident any momentum gained will not be stalled despite this editorial’s best efforts. I wonder how many young professionals were polled to write this on their behalf? I would never give my voice to Ms. Belcher. To all of the readers of the DDN opinion section, start looking for the positive in things because the DDN has you covered on the negative attitude quota.
By Rob Degenhart
November 19, 2009 9:53 AM | Link to this
@Esrati, David keep it up. People are listening and being enlightened to new thinking thanks to you.
By Greg Hunter
November 19, 2009 9:53 AM | Link to this
I think there are very few people in the Dayton Region that understand the problem and those that do are not in a power or influence position to make a difference. The people that put on this “Rally” are the same ones that made the decisions that have resulted in the “mess” that is Dayton. Dayton will never change direction until it recognizes the true problems that confront it. The young people leave here because it has no vibrancy, no edge, no fun or at least no people that are ambassadors of Dayton that know where the fun is located. I get out and interview young people about who, what and why they are here and in 99% of the cases it has nothing to do with the love of the Dayton Region. I have talked about these issues with the leadership of Dayton but no single entity is powerful enough to make the decisions required to make the Region a respected location to want to live work and play throughout life. If the DDN wants to increase its readership it better forget the current revenue and get on board with a regional drumbeat to consolidate all of the municipalities under a County Government otherwise there will be no subscribers or advertisers left in Dayton.
By null
November 19, 2009 10:06 AM | Link to this
How about we get some younger editorial writers at the DDN? I personally think that it would be fantastic to see a young perspective on some of these issues. The current folks are clearly so down in the cogs both politically and with regards to process, their pieces lack innovation.
By Alex
November 19, 2009 4:13 PM | Link to this
Regardless whether the format of the event was traditional, traditional mixed with elements of spontaneity, or completely off-the wall different, the take-away is that there are positive things going on in this Region. I’m thankful that organizations like the Coalition are trying to establish awareness and take steps toward rebuilding a positive attitude across the community. In a time when things are tough and it’s easy to hold our heads down and point fingers, this rally helped shine a little sunlight through the clouds. Not only does this region hold promise, there are opportunities and resources here for which we can engage and get involved depending on what’s suits us. For me, that is inspiring. Maybe the truth is that our redemption won’t come from some community leader or organization…but rather start from within each of us. I saw many brilliant people step up to that podium to speak about how they were making forward progress. And in many cases, they never knew exactly where they would end up. The point is that they remained positive, held their heads up and continued forward. I don’t really concern myself with how the Coalition went about delivering the message. What I care about is that they delivered the message. They held their heads up, proceeded forward and took action. Why do so many of us expect to be pulled from the ashes by others and then criticize those that are trying to help because we think they’re doing it wrong. Why can’t we equally look at ourselves and ask what are we doing to make things better? If we ask ourselves that question, we might realize that we are not contributing to the solution…and therefore contributing to the problem. When said and done, all the negative speak and criticism is a perfect example of the challenges we face. It’s merely speak. It’s time to quit speaking and start acting. Opportunities are here. We’ve just seen others overcome challenges. Personally, I think it’s time for us to step up or shut up.
By SB
November 20, 2009 10:56 AM | Link to this
I did not attend the rally, assuming I would be too old for the young crowd I thought they wanted to connect with. Several of my colleagues and friends did attend, however, and encouraged me to be passionate about Dayton, because it offers so much. I reminded my well-meaning friends that living in the city, in a changing neighborhood and working with city officials to improve the neighborhood is my passion. Sending our son to Dayton Public Schools and being an engaged parent is my passion. Living, working and raising a family in Dayton is my family’s passion. Volunteering for Dayton nonprofits is a passion. Did I mention these friends live in suburbia, bad-mouth the public schools (“We had to move because of the schools - sigh!”) and casually ask new residents “How did you end up in DAYTON, OHIO!?”. This is not the passion we need. Dayton will not prosper until people of all ages make a commitment to live in the city and strengthen the neighborhoods and public schools by getting involved. And by the way, it is a shame that with all the great local talent, out-of-town entertainment was provided at the rally. Shame on the organizers!
By null
November 20, 2009 1:01 PM | Link to this
Why is the DDN so dedicated to making sure that Dayton continues on the road to a slow death? You morons do not understand that when Dayton dies the DDN dies also? The first rule of business is to service your customers. Every time you delete a comment that disagrees with your absolutely ridiculous point of view that person tells 3 of his friends that the DDN suxs. Those friends start to read this drivel that you masquerade as fact and they realize that the DDN is not to be trusted. The DDN does in fact suk. Since some genius at the DDN eliminated comments on crime stories I know for a fact that sales have fallen even more precipitously than at any time in the past. Crime is the most important issue affecting the citizens. Not a car accident on the highway. Not a restaurant closing. Crime affects everyone. Open up comments on crime stories so we can save Dayton. My reporting of how mat heck and these judges release dangerous criminals to the street does not fit with the DDN cover to cover editorializing. You at the DDN remind me of teenage kids that have been reprimanded for not following the wishes of their parents. Every body else is wrong. All of your customers are wrong. The more you are told by your customers to tell the truth the more you exercise your right to be wrong. The best advice to the DDN is to not wait until you drive your self out of business. The time for you to leave is now. We have a City to save and we do not need you running interference with your poison filled drivel.
By Thom
November 21, 2009 11:43 AM | Link to this
I attended the rally and dont consider myself one of the “older crowd” but I believe Ellen needs to move on to another city. She has never found a positive in anything. Not all of the presentations at the rally were great I believe the host Jim Leftwich and speaker Bruce Langos were on top of their game. The message from Langos did a lot for me. Smart people, smart company, he is obviously passionate about Dayton and his company and employees. I want to be part of something like that. Ellen I dont think you get it and should stop trying to speak for the younger people in Dayton.
By Thom
November 21, 2009 11:44 AM | Link to this
I attended the rally and dont consider myself one of the “older crowd” but I believe Ellen needs to move on to another city. She has never found a positive in anything. Not all of the presentations at the rally were great I believe the host Jim Leftwich and speaker Bruce Langos were on top of their game. The message from Langos did a lot for me. Smart people, smart company, he is obviously passionate about Dayton and his company and employees. I want to be part of something like that. Ellen I dont think you get it and should stop trying to speak for the younger people in Dayton.
By Bill
November 21, 2009 7:26 PM | Link to this
Ellen does not need to move to another city. Her editorial hit the fact because the event was, well, uneventful. Dayton has been struggling with an identity crisis for years. This situation did not happen overnight. The area is floundering because it does not have any passionate leaders the public takes seriously. No Esrati, you are not taken seriously as deomonstrated by your umpteenth defeat. What leader is the public going to take seriously or follow towards reviving this area? It isn’t going to be the County Commissioners, all 3 are clueless and only occupy the seats because of changing demographics. None of them has earned ONE ounce of confidence from the people. Why? Because they haven’t done anything. Who are we going to follow, the old Mayor of Dayton, I think the people made their decision by electing a person with absolutely no experience or vision for the area. He’s going to get his on the job training by attending the remaining City Commission Meetings. Any of the City Commissioners going to lead this area’s economic recovery. We already know the answer to that question. Many of them have sat on the Commission why the City imploded around them. Ellen hit the nail on the head. An event that should have been sponsored and attnded by all the major businesses, at least those left, and the local political “leaders” including our Congressman in abstentia Mike Turner. Then maybe this event would have gained traction, caught some attention and been a success. We need new leadership in the government postions who can reshape and reinvent our area.
By ddn is full of gyas
November 22, 2009 12:14 PM | Link to this
and thats why they act the way they do
By Thom
November 23, 2009 1:44 PM | Link to this
You must be confused. It was not a political event and was never intended to be one. It was for the people of Dayton who have had enough of the “Ellens”