Image Credit: InfoTel Multimedia

(JESSICA WALLACE / iNFOnews.ca)

SHOULD OUR CITY CHANGE THE WAY IT IS MARKETED?

KAMLOOPS - There is a lot of information to sort through as we head to the polls in the municipal election on Saturday, Nov. 15, so Info News decided to ask the candidates to answer a series of five questions as directly as possible, and in as few characters as possible.

The candidates have already voiced their opinions on the proposed Ajax Mine, taxes, a performing arts centre and downtown parking.

Now they address the City's choice to brand Kamloops as the Tournament Capital of Canada.

Canadiates were told to answer in Twitter format, 140 characters or less, and in no more than a series of five tweets.

Every candidate responded except mayoral candidate Ben James and city council candidate Reo Rocheleau.

The responses are in alphabetical order below:

MAYORAL CANDIDATES

Pierre Filisetti: While perhaps a little pompous this idea has definitely helped our city’s image and benefitted the community and its economy; We shall continue improving and promoting the TC brand

Peter Milobar: Other cities or companies would love to have such strong brand recognition. Must protect and enhance 

Dallas Paisley: Tournament capital brand with alternative energy city of Canada created ASAP to be sold at NEW info center/friendship center at old city hall

COUNCILLOR CANDIDATES

Nancy Bepple: Kamloops Tournament Capital brand is who we are but it is not all of what we do.; I support increasing Kamloops’ profile as a service centre for mining in the Interior of BC; It’s important to keep Tournament Capital brand but we can’t forget arts/culture/festivals–think Theatre BC Ozone, Ribfest, KSO, Art Gallery…

Donovan Cavers: Though perhaps narrow "Canada's Tournament Capital" is a very strong community brand. Many municipal brands fail from a lack of focus.

Ken Christian: We need to go after sport tourism and the small convention market to fill in the gaps for our hotels and restaurants.

Nelly Dever: Lets keep building on it! Boogie the Bridge/cultural trnmts/seniors trnmts (out wit/out smart/out play)/Tournament Capital Ranch on its way!

Bob Dieno: honestly don’t know enough to comment

Dieter Dudy: Revisit to see if it's still effective...if so aggressively pursue large events to be hosted by our city, international hockey, soccer, golf…

Annette Glover: Let’s balance our Canada’s Tournament Capital brand with a fine arts branding.; We enjoy an extremely strong fine arts culture throughout Kamloops enhancing our quality of life – let’s brag, expand and support all levels…

Jenny Green: Continue to promote healthy lifestyles and sports branding to attract business, physicians and families to the area

Brad Harrison: Has worked well, need to maintain and enhance the reputation and perception. Use it to promote a healthy and active lifestyle. Participate!

Tanja Hasler: Fantastic branding, supports the image of a healthy, vibrant city that is attractive for tourists and athletes alike.

Glenn Hilke: Tournament Capital brand should read  The Best Blooming Community for Tournaments, Tourism, Arts, Culture & Compassion 

Peter Kerek: Stay clear of projects that threaten our TCC brand and health. Good paying jobs exist in health, education. Quality-of-life is essential.

Tina Lange: Last year 14mil economic spinoff, clean $ they come spend leave & never ask 4 more sidewalks or snow removal 

Dustin McIntyre: Tournament Capital & #kamloops are synonymous & provide the city with a positive brand. We should continue build & expand the program

Andrew Miller: This brand is Amazing! We have facilities that we can boast to the world about and offer major sporting events every year.

Daphane Nelson: Worked hard for it and it needs to remain intact. Continue promotion of healthy and active city

Mike O’Reilly: Strong, huge sense of pride for Kamloopsians.; Brand was built on a Vision and I think we need to look at what our next vision is and i believe it 

Andy Philpot: This Marketing Strategy has been successful, we need continue to support our sporting community and improve our sporting facilities

Cheryl Phippen: Market Kamloops as Tournament Capital, but add value–encourage visitors to stay longer, experience more of what Kamloops has to offer.

Alexandra Proctor: I hear your calls for clean air & clean water. This is essential to our continued reputation as the Tournament Capital and our city's health. #AJAX; We can not continue to build our reputation as The Tournament Capital if athletes can not breathe well in our city. Kamloops #AJAX #CleanAir; Tournament Capital Branding brings millions of dollars into Kamloops each year. #economicgrowth #Kampaign2014 

Peter Sharp: This branding initiative, & investment in numerous facilities (including the new longboard track), has been a great way to promote the city.

Arjun Singh: Tournament capital brand awesome 4 many & strong $$ generator. Does whole community feel represented by brand? Cost $ 2 change. #kamloops 

Bernadette Siracky: Well known and strongly supported.  I am proud to live in Canadas’ Tournament Capital.

Marg Spina: Keep the Tournament Capitol brand and build on it.

Glen Thompson: Tournament Brand is great for tourism and gives Kam a strong identity  that fits well with hub city and TRU

Pat Wallace: I am pretty content with the name it bears today but if we were to receive good offers, I would be happy to have discussions.; This is a norm around world to re-name facilities for a specific time & substantial amount of money & worthy of discussion & consideration.

Denis Walsh: We need to protect, promote, and fully participate in our TCC image; It is the perfect compliment to our quality of life and outdoor recreational opportunities.

Also read parts one through four:
Candidates take on Ajax
Candidates tackle taxes
Candidates weigh in on a performing arts centre
Candidates discuss downtown parking

To contact a reporter for this story, email Jennifer Stahn at jstahn@infonews.ca or call 250-819-3723. To contact an editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.

News from © iNFOnews, 2014