The city will launch a $250,000 marketing campaign “aimed at ensuring that people and businesses across the region know about the progress being made in our state’s largest city,” according to city Communications Director Brett Broesder. Mayor Bill Finch, poised for reelection in 2015, will not appear in any taxpayer-paid advertisements for this media campaign, according to Broesder.
The city has hired two firms, www.mandatemedia.com/ and www.gumspirits.com/ to split digital and airwaves communications. The contracts are pending approval by the City Council. The state of Connecticut and many municipalities in the state invest funds to promote attractions and destination points aimed at driving dollars to the region. In Finch’s first term, the city sponsored a taxpayer-paid marketing campaign in 2010 called Surprise It’s Bridgeport!
This campaign will focus on Bridgeport rediscovering itself. Why now? Broesder says the timing is right.
“Now more than ever, with the city on the verge of a major comeback, we need to invest in showcasing Bridgeport to folks across the region. It’s clearly the right time for the city to further invest in communicating its own narrative. That’s why we’re launching this marketing campaign: to ensure Bridgeport remains a place where people want to live and work, where businesses want to invest and hire people, and where our strong communities help to create an even stronger economy.”
Broesder, six months into the job as communications director, has become a key spinster of Finch administration initiatives. Previously he worked for Connecticut Coalition for Achievement Now, a strong-leaning charter schools advocacy group, something embraced under a mayor who believes in municipal school choice. Finch, whether you agree with him or not, is a modern-era policy wonk. Broesder is a policy-wonk communicator. Previous mayors John Fabrizi, Joe Ganim, Mary Moran, Tom Bucci, Lenny Paoletta, John Mandanici, etc. embraced interests and passions but none of them could articulate the juxtaposition of the sun to 9000 solar panels in Seaside Park such as Finch. Broesder is a nerdy fit for that.
“Broesderisms” have become a key component in Finch speeches and statements including the mantra of Finch news releases heralding the city as a place “where people want to live, work and play.”
How did the city settle on these marketing firms from out of state?
“After a competitive bidding process that included dozens of very strong proposals, we chose two firms that have a wealth of experience in successfully marketing for a vast array of clients, including municipalities and state agencies. We’re excited about partnering with these two top-notch firms. We believe that this modest investment, aimed at ensuring that people and businesses across the region know about the progress being made in our state’s largest city, will help put Bridgeport back on the map. That’s where we belong.”
What will the media campaign promote?
“It’s clear that Bridgeport is getting better every day. Smart investments have put the state’s largest city on a path toward a more prosperous future. Several companies are relocating here: creating jobs, growing our tax base, and revitalizing rundown properties. We’re finally nearing the launch of Steelpointe Harbor–the largest economic development project since the Industrial Revolution–after decades of broken promises. We’ve re-opened Pleasure Beach after decades of neglect. And, we’re now home to several green businesses that are growing hundreds of jobs, including companies that produce virtually pollutant free energy.”
The campaign is expected to kick off within the next month.
Excellent! Brilliant, two thumbs up. Marketing the City, such a wasted article on Only In Bridgeport, but alas this is my favorite topic. Scream from the rooftops, Bridgeport is making progress. Timed perfect for political grandstanding. Brilliant keeping Finch out of the ad. Cannot wait to see the finished polished product.
Surprise it’s Bridgeport was an earlier attempt by the Mayor to fish for people who might not know or be attracted by that which is in the City. What’s new that is missing? Beaches and Zoo are present and yes we have water taxis rather than a bridge, but the shopping in the Arcade is less than before and the Barnum Museum is still closed because our insurance or self-insurance was inadequate, or why bother? I have attended the music events for years and the Bijou is putting it together for us, and there are good new eating places along with some that have managed to face the test of time, but there have been several downtown I have supported that have not made it, but unlike Steve, who is shouting himself hoarse, I try to be realistic and feel disappointed our tax dollars have to go so far to find the type of expertis City leaders desire. Our leaders who know how to spend the tax dollar .but find precious little ability, even in years of unexpected revenue to add to the City fund balance and take some pride in sharing real financial expertise for the benefit of taxpayers.
But put out a timetable, show the progress, provide some metrics, especially around money issues, that will not cost $250,000 and you know … time will tell.
“with the city on the verge of a major comeback …”
This guy needs to reduce his dosage of Zoloft.
Well, Brett Broesder is the recent former communications director for ConnCAN, therefore he would definitely be an expert at “spin” and “propaganda.”
Is it only me or does he remind anyone of Arnold Horshack from Welcome Back, Kotter? I can just see him at cabinet meetings where Mayor Finch asks a question and he eagerly raises his hand saying Ooh, ooh, ooh; I know, I know, I know.”
Welcome Back, your dream is your ticket out.
Mr. Kotteeer.
So much for Buy Local, It makes Cents!
“A place where, if you donate to the mayor’s re-election campaign, the city will buy you a driveway, or give park land away to build a solar field. A place where economic development means building more public housing, a place where businesses open up and close up in months.”
Check out Mandatemedia’s website.
At first I thought this might be a gay dating service but it is a political consulting business.
In the section that cites their most recent work, five are political websites with links to donate money. Others are issue-oriented sites.
As a matter of fact, there are over 250 clients listed and none appear to be governmental entities; neither city, state nor county websites.
Why oh why would the city of Bridgeport select this company to design a governmental website? Could there be a little backscratching going on here?
And what about http://www.gumspirits.com? What do they have to say for themselves?
“Based in Portland, Maine, our team has expanded from its indie film production roots to produce work for brands, businesses and political organizations across the country. Whether you’re looking to promote your business locally, launch a national ad or announce a candidate online, the Gum Spirits team has the capability and experience to produce the results you need, quickly and consistently. We shoot and deliver in any format, including HD, and we can also provide web and graphic design, original musical scoring, duplication and delivery, and media buying.”
Again no mention of governmental clients or products. More campaigns and candidates.
And the council is going to rubber-stamp this?
I can assure you this would not happen without a fight back in my days on the council.
Let’s see what happens now.
I’m looking forward to the latest exciting installment on fly fishing for the elusive Pirelli radial tire in Bunnell’s Pond.
Okay, if no one else is going to answer the straight line, I guess it’s up to me.
Carnauba Knob Wax is highly recommended for polishing the City’s “image.”
Hahahaha! Perfect!
Although I am totally supportive of the City investing in a Marketing campaign, I have to sort of agree with Bob Walsh to a point. Personally, I know $250,000 is chump change to create a marketing impact for Bridgeport. I would have looked toward New York City and 5th Ave. They would have the know-how and aggressiveness to create a campaign that might actually impact our city by attracting New Yorkers and Stamford business as well as tourists. I would have taken the $250,000 from the taxpayers as well as the BRBC and combined it with some of the marketing dollars from U.B. and Forstone as well as most importantly the developers of Steelepointe who have taken all the free dough but cannot even update their website. After I had a million to market Bridgeport I’d shop the New York market. I am extremely excited about the marketing push but $250,000 is nothing and just a waste like the millions invested to make the North End a gateway to Trumbull. Such a waste, such a disappointment to North End residents and all of the North End businesses lining north Main St.
Stevie,
Cristoph hasn’t dropped a dime of his own money in this project. What makes you think he would “donate” to this marketing fund?
But you are right about BRBC. Back in the day Ganim would have muscled some money out of them but now I am thinking Finch and Wood only care about themselves.
Why include others who might want a say in editorial content or worse the selection of a vendor?
No thank you. The taxpayers will foot the bill. They won’t know what happened and the council will rubber-stamp it.
Any reason you would not use the award-winning minority owned production company located in Bridgeport?
Yes, two. First, the Mayor would be accused of hiring supporters and second the lack of experience in promoting a huge city–the largest in the state of Connecticut and the poorest in the the richest county. This is a job for a New York professional Advertising agency with connections everywhere and knowledge with media on all fronts. That is why Manhattan is home to the biggest and most successful advertising giants in the world. Simple enough. Why they chose the two media specialists they did was a foolish move.
Steve,
Where did you come up with the “huge city” description? So what if within CT we are the largest City? The only time that is of critical importance is on Election Day when the potential for a large registered base of Democrats getting out to vote may be critical. In reference to Manhattan, you declare it is “home to the biggest … advertising giants in the world.” Seems you believe size is a gargantuan factor here. Myself, I’d go for local, practical and real work. And, if these companies were not Finch supporters initially, it will come as no surprise if they become so as the deals move forward, will it? So that is not an issue where the Mayor has reservations.
Dig deeper, please. Why the out-of-town moves when jobs and work are needed by residents and businesses who are taxpayers? Time will tell.
Ah, the blind them with bull argument rather than have a local business tell the story of why they are in Bridgeport.
“We’re finally nearing the launch of Steelpointe Harbor–the largest economic development project since the Industrial Revolution–after decades of broken promises.” Why do then need to go back decades when they find the broken promises as close as 45 days ago?
www .ctpost.com/default/article/Construction-to-start-on-Bass-Pro-Shops-5706734.php
www .city-data.com/forum/connecticut/2146366-bass-pro-site-work-begins.html
I hope they include video of the formal groundbreaking that happened around Labor Day!
jobs.monster.com/c-bass-pro-shops-l-bridgeport,-ct.aspx
www .ctpost.com/local/article/Officials-see-Bass-Pro-summer-groundbreaking-5321679.php
www .ctpost.com/local/article/Bass-Pro-delayed-until-spring-2015-4690963.php
I think the window is closed.
www .governor.ct.gov/malloy/cwp/view.asp?A=11&Q=507702
Actually Bass Pro just paid 1/2 million in permit fees to the city. Bass Pro has always said October 2015 for open date. With four new schools, Bass Pro and a new commercial this administration is positioned for a win if people do not see through this. Add the new Starbucks next to Bass Pro and “smell the coffee” has a new meaning.
Jennifer,
Is this the check nobody saw?
No big press conference?
No oversized blow-up copy?
Do you really think this happened without any hoopla?
Bob, Yes, Yes, Yes and Yes. Go to the city and look at the records. Also, add Chipotle to the list of new business at Steel Point.
Jennifer,
Where am I supposed to look, please tell?
Bob, the building department is a good start.
Jennifer, chipotle or the Mexican Grill Chipotle? Starbucks?
Jennifer, are you sure it was Bass Pro and not Cristoph that paid 1/2 Million in permit fees?
Or was it the City of Bridgeport that pulled the permits?
If it were the city of Bridgeport then there would be no fee for the permits, and again the taxpayers are scammed.
Starbucks is going into Steelepointe? Now there is a destination business. Of course this administration is positioned for a win and if no other candidate can come up with a plan than why change captains? After all, in the end it is rhetoric and bull and lets face it, the Mayor is not a lone dictator. He does have a council and people do have freedom of speech. When Finch succeeds we should all acknowledge it, when he fails on an issue we have the opportunity to attack. Everyone sees through unnecessary partisan attacks and it does not help the city move forward and enhance our image.
Let’s not forget about the Polarcoaster going in right next door to Bass Pro!
www .youtube.com/watch?v=8xjFOsQaZ2A
Every four years leading up to elections. Will the city council approve? Silly question.
Cap’n Dave,
So, so sad.
I think Cristoph is actually beginning to believe his own press releases.
So, so sad.
Somebody should have told him there are local people who do this.
He knows.