Bryan
There are many reasons, some are even legit, but I agree with all here. Sean Brennan, who lives in Lakewood and grew up in Lakewood, is the current president of the Chamber of Commerce. So I am sure it was seen as a natural.
Council President Robert Seelie, sharing a laugh with Sean Brennan at Mayor Tom George's birthday party at Swingos. Those are not all Bob's glasses!
Last night I asked Shawn seconds after taking this photo about when he is moving Brennan's Party Center back to Lakewood. He said he has no plans. We also pondered Summers Rubber and other Lakewood owned businesses being just outside of Lakewood. He started talking about S-Corp and the way taxes are paid that Lakewood gets...
But this is a very legitimate question and one that bothers me to no end.
Yesterday I got a call from the editor of the print version of the Observer Heidi Hilty. She had come back from a meeting with, I will call them younger folks, that were looking forward to moving to Lakewood. They had been there, and all their friends think it is cool.
Last week Ken and I were talking with people from all over the county and out of state at a conference. The general feeling was, it is easy to do things in Lakewood, everyone is energized and willing to pitch in and help. Lakewood is cool and different.
The fact remains the only people that do not like Lakewood or think it is an inferior product is Lakewoodites. Or those from out of the city that come in to work here and are being paid with our tax dollars!
Lakewood Jaycee Meeting at Panaera Bread! Chamber of Commerce meetings and events in Rocky River and Mentor! I could go on and on. They all have excuses, none of them hold water.
While talking with Mayor George last night we pondered Lakewood Night at the Mentor Captains Game?! Would it not make more sense to sell the same tickets for the same amount in sponsorship. To bring business owners into Lakewood for a party at Swingos, the Pier, Around the Corner? Would this not be healthier for the city? Does it not make more sense to bring businesses into see Lakewood, as opposed to making residents drive through the ten cities we describe as Leakwood.
The city of Lakewood does just that. Again this year the city is hosting relator's day. Inviting area realtors into a restaurant in Lakewood. Where Lakewood people talk about Lakewood over a nice meal. Then we fan out to make sure we have one or two Lakewood people at every table to answer questions and talk about Lakewood. The realtors get credits needed for their certification, lunch and a tour of Lakewood. Last year was a lot of fun for all and has already paid dividends. Would it not make sense for the Chamber of Commerce to do this with businesses?
Another problem is that Lakewood becomes the second thought or third in arraigning meetings. If you live in Bay, and run a civic group in Lakewood. It is only human nature to look for the location between Lakewood and your house.
MAMA, Madison Avenue Merchants Association, which is back with a large following, only meets on Madison Ave. in a different business in a different area each meeting. One of the first things they decided is they would not leave Madison as that is their focus, and if they are not dedicated to Madison Ave. how can they expect to convince anyone else that Madison is the retail center of Lakewood. This is common sense.
I will never forget my discussion with the head of St. Peter and Paul church last summer. Ken was buying some religious icons from his wife, while we spoke about the church. He mentioned that the church was in tough times. That the large mega churches are grabbing everyone and taking them to the suburbs. His congregation was down to 100 members. He had no idea what he could do to stop it. I asked where he lived? Dowd? Plover? Lakewood Ave.? His answer was, "Strongsville." I asked how did he ever expect to build a local Lakewood church living in Strongsville? He answered he had never thought about it! I asked if he ever asked his neighbors or people he runs into at the store to come to Lakewood and his church, he said no!
To quote Heidi from the call yesterday, "Why can't Lakewoodites see the forest for the trees?" My answer, "well when you live in the best suburbs as decided by three publications, in the most livable area in America, I suppose it is hard because the trees are so thick."
I just wish Lakewoodites could hear what I hear as I travel from city to city. I have read many posts about the litter in Lakewood, last week we went to other cities and saw their litter problem in their parks. Later I ran into one of the people fueling the fire and we mentioned the really bad litter elsewhere. Those cities were excused because "it is winter." I fear it was more it is better out of Lakewood.
Amyway soldiers have a saying, "If you confess it you possess it." It is very true. If you think Lakewood is screwed up and every time you talk about Lakewood you find fault and convey it to others, it will become what you are saying.
.