By Erin Wenglekowski
June 27, 2005

Mayors and members of the Mayors' Business Council came together June 11 at the Conference of Mayors 73rd Annual Meeting in Chicago to discuss wireless communication and its positive impact on cities.

The focus of discussion was "The Wireless Philadelphia Story." Philadelphia Mayor John F. Street and Dianah Neff, Philadelphia Chief Information Officer, both spoke about the initiative the city is currently undergoing that will transform its neighborhoods and economy by providing wireless internet access throughout the city.

Chair of the Standing Committee on Energy, Augusta (GA) Mayor Bob Young also announced the launch of the Mayors' Energy Council. The Mayors' Energy Council is an initiative that will further promote the relationship between the nation's mayors and the private sector.

Conference Executive Director Tom Cochran moderated the breakfast and Conference President Akron (OH) Mayor Don Plusquellic discussed the growing relationships between mayors and the business community. Plusquellic commented that currently, "The Business Council is more than 100 companies strong that cut across all industry sectors." He then emphasized the importance of mayors and the private sector working closely together to "tackle issues that impact both cities and business."

Sponsor Michael Gehrisch, President and CEO for the International Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus (IACVB), gave greetings, emphasizing the importance of tourism in cities stating that, "Tourism is a vital component to destinations across our nation." Gehrisch stressed that tourism promotes job growth, tax revenue, and quality of life. He revealed IACVB's "destination branding campaign," that maybe strategically utilized to create a distinctive brand for cities that clearly defines the points that differentiate one city or destination from their competitor. He pointed out to mayors that "re-branding your destination does not mean changing your city, but objectively assessing what is there, and what is on the horizon."

After Gehrisch's greetings, the new 2005 — 2006 Mayors' Business Council Steering Committee was announced by Stephanie Nellons, Vice President Business Development, Sodexho, the returning co-chair of the Mayor's Business Council Steering Committee. The new co-chair, Preston V. Lee, Director of Corporate Relations and Housing Outreach, Freddie Mac was announced by Cochran. Howard Menaker, Manager of Public Affairs, Bechtel was then presented with an Outstanding Service Award for serving as co-chair of the Mayors' Business Council Steering Committee.

The Mayors and Business Council Breakfast was sponsored by the International Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus, Altria Group, Inc. and Nielsen Media Research.