News recently came out that the City of Raleigh was considering selling naming rights of the Downtown amphitheater to Bud Light (although it’s actually is against state laws). This drummed up lots of chatter on local blogs, one of my favorite thoughts include Dana’s desire to have it reflect a truly local vibe.
In this morning’s news was the addition that the City has opened this up for public opinion. (However, I’m cynical when it comes to power in the government, so I firmly believe this could just be to make people feel like they’ve had some say in things.) Why do I care? This encompasses two things I think are important – contributing to the “brand” of my favorite city (and home) and the potential to support LOCAL businesses!
Nonetheless, I cast my vote… as a “yes”, but really, a “yes” with conditions that I would like to see met.
Here are the comments I left:
Sell it, but DON’T restrict the sale of goods with any exclusivity contracts!
I say sell the naming rights – but protect the interests of local vendors first and foremost. The reason it has become so expensive to spend money at events is that normal naming rights and contracts restrict the opportunity for competition and oh yeah… that free trade thing!
Via wikipedia: “Under a free trade policy, prices are a reflection of true supply and demand, and are the sole determinant of resource allocation.”
Another reason it makes more sense to protect the interests of local businesses who would be able to participate? MORE OF THE MONEY MADE STAYS HERE! Isn’t that what the City of Raleigh should want?
Read up on the issue at hand and cast your “vote” here!
Lisa Jeffries
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I agree. Here is my problem, everyone is screaming “IT IS BUD LIGHT.” No it isn’t, it is Harris. Out of Durham. That sells AB in Raleigh. (Obviously Lisa J. I know wayyyy more about this issue than I feel comfortable sharing). Sure BL will probably give Harris some kick back, but their main benefit is tickets for promotions, and there will be no Miller sold there.
Are you sure it’s not Harris Wholesale in Raleigh? Either way, 99% of the public doesn’t understand anything about brand to wholesalers relationships, so there’s no reasoning with them 😉