South Walton Branding

[Jdarg]

I like the commercial, but wish BP did not have their logo at the end- they shouldn't get any promo or benefit from providing funds to our area to make up for the incalculable damage they have done.

 

[Beach Runner]

I like the commercial, but wish BP did not have their logo at the end- they shouldn't get any promo or benefit from providing funds to our area to make up for the incalculable damage they have done.

I hadn't noticed the BP logo on the commercials that are running in the Atlanta area. I'll have to be more attentive.

BP is also frequently running a commercial that is promoting tourism along the Gulf coast in FL, AL, MS, and LA. The BP credit is very clear on that one.

 

[Rita]

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A similar commercial runs here and the BP logo at the end of it is really irritating. :/

 

[mputnal]

BP's agreement with our governor is disturbing to me. I believe that our great governor sold out help for Florida's small businesses in return for local government and State government projects. This advertising campaign does not come without conditions. Every dollar that is spent by the TDC must be represented by a BP endorsement of some sort. I believe I read where Dawn personally thanked BP for all their help. I do not know of anyone who believes that BP has done us any favors. I will take the state of our local economy and the conditions of our paradise before the spill even if TDC advertises every minute of the day every day of the week.

I am trying very hard to give our TDC credit where credit is due. I did not believe that we needed to spend a bunch of money to change our brand but if that is what they have to do to get a share of the BP/governor Scott agreement money then so be it. I also hope the plans for a fishery and a pier are still in the works. If neither becomes a reality then I believe we can chalk up another victory for BP's propanganda machine.

 

[Kurt]

BP's agreement with our governor is disturbing to me. I believe that our great governor sold out help for Florida's small businesses in return for local government and State government projects. This advertising campaign does not come without conditions. Every dollar that is spent by the TDC must be represented by a BP endorsement of some sort. I believe I read where Dawn personally thanked BP for all their help. I do not know of anyone who believes that BP has done us any favors. I will take the state of our local economy and the conditions of our paradise before the spill even if TDC advertises every minute of the day every day of the week.

I am trying very hard to give our TDC credit where credit is due. I did not believe that we needed to spend a bunch of money to change our brand but if that is what they have to do to get a share of the BP/governor Scott agreement money then so be it. I also hope the plans for a fishery and a pier are still in the works. If neither becomes a reality then I believe we can chalk up another victory for BP's propanganda machine.

I don't want people to think I am taking up for BP but you are wrong on almost every count.

The decision to re-brand had nothing to do with BP.

There is plenty of money from BP being spent that doesn't have the BP name directly attached.

The governor is not the only official who deals with BP so it should not be called his deal.

The fishing pier and hatchery are proposed by the county for BP funds which are available and are not "propoganda". There are other uses of that money proposed and those 2 might not prove to be the best, or even feasible. For instance, where are you going to build a pier which has public access and adequate parking? If it could be done at Grayton Beach State Park that might be a good deal but is the state going to allow that? Do we want it there?

You should expect any TDC or government offiical to say thank you when handed a 7 or 8 figure check. That's politics and business crossing paths.

Unfortunately, industry is not always good for our health and environment. It's a fact of modern day life that a trade off must be made to keep your trucks on the road and food on your table.

I wish we had higher standards for oil companies since we're already letting them drill in our precious gulf which we all love. But criticizing folks who are trying to make the best of an awful situation does more harm than good. It's called cutting off your nose to spite your face.

 

[Bob]

I don't want people to think I am taking up for BP but you are wrong on almost every count.

The decision to re-brand had nothing to do with BP.

There is plenty of money from BP being spent that doesn't have the BP name directly attached.

The governor is not the only official who deals with BP so it should not be called his deal.

The fishing pier and hatchery are proposed by the county for BP funds which are available and are not "propoganda". There are other uses of that money proposed and those 2 might not prove to be the best, or even feasible. For instance, where are you going to build a pier which has public access and adequate parking? If it could be done at Grayton Beach State Park that might be a good deal but is the state going to allow that? Do we want it there?

You should expect any TDC or government offiical to say thank you when handed a 7 or 8 figure check. That's politics and business crossing paths.

Unfortunately, industry is not always good for our health and environment. It's a fact of modern day life that a trade off must be made to keep your trucks on the road and food on your table.

I wish we had higher standards for oil companies since we're already letting them drill in our precious gulf which we all love. But criticizing folks who are trying to make the best of an awful situation does more harm than good. It's called cutting off your nose to spite your face.

Kurt for governor!

 

[mputnal]

Kurt, I am surprised at your eagerness to defend BP. There needs to be a change in the oil company culture as it relates to safety in drilling into our fragile Gulf. You can not initiate that change if you allow advertising money from BP to continue this propaganda of good will. BP made a choice to risk our environment and our economy for the purpose of increasing profits. I do not operate my business that way.

I know your intensions are to defend the TDC and not necessarily BP but it comes across a little heavy handed. I know that the TDC has every intension of doing what is best for South Walton. I have seen the salaries of the TDC officials and would expect them to do their job which is to promote South Walton. I do not understand why there needs to be special recognition for BP. BP was negligent and should suffer the consequences just as much as any small business would in the same situation. BP has not suffered. Their gas prices are higher at the pump. They continue to deny us information on the spill. Their culture of abusing regulation needs to change. Allowing them to place their name on any advertising for South Walton is offensive to me. I am really surprised that you and have almost opposite views on this subject.

Governor Scott and Pam Bondi are not following the same format as other states in demanding BP to compensate individuals and small businesses fairly and according to the intent of OPA. Unfortunately I was not at the meeting between Scott, Bondi and Feinberg so you are right that I do not know exactly what was said but I have a good idea. Money tends to obscure the truth which is why our leaders have not joined lawsuits to defend our small businesses.

Kurt, did you think we needed a re-brand before the spill? Also who do you think has the authority to make deals with BP or Feinberg? Why in the world do you think that this is just business and politics crossing paths? But for the spill we do not need their stinking money. BP is not handing out money for the heck of it. No, we do not have to thank BP for anything.

Kurt, how much more of a trade off do we need in drilling one mile below the surface in the Gulf, drilling rigs exploding killing people, marine and plant life, abandoned oil wells leaking and unregulated, experimental use of dispersants and the list goes on and on. Yes, I need gas and diesel to operate my business because there are no other choices. Why do you think there are no other choices for alternative energy? Do you think that BP will spend money on research when they can make billions of dollars in profit from extracting fossel fuel? BP makes two million dollars a day in "profit" (after expenses)!

I do not mean to criticize anyone at the TDC. If I have done so I apologize but I am very frustrated with the whole "we will make it right" and "thanks BP" propaganda.

One more thing. Kurt I need to know how you stand on job creation before voting for you in the next governors race. I understand Bob is going to be your campaign manager so where do I send in my campaign donation?

 

[Kurt]

Please do not put me on the opposite side. We are all vicitms here but I am busy trying to make chicken salad. Sorry I can't write more right now but I'm off to a meeting at the TDC.

 

[mputnal]

We are all in the same boat which is why I do not understand your response to my threads related to BP. The gap between Oil companies drilling into the Gulf and the State of our Coastal Paradise does not need a bridge. It has become a reality that the two can not exist together forevever without changing the entire culture of the drilling industry. If we let BP build that bridge with tons of their money then we will all be beholding to them. IMO you can not cross paths with the drilling industry without suffering unacceptable levels of contamination. They are not going to change their behavior because they do not have to. Please do not be contaminated by their rhetoric or propaganda of good will toward the Gulf Coast. They are here for one reason and one reason only-lots of money. My Grandmother use to say that money is the "root of all evil". I thought she was crazy! I have seen the statement "follow the money" in this forum more than once. What do you think that means? My Grandmother was not crazy but anyone who believes the rhetoric (propaganda) coming from a corporate monster might need to re-evaluate their ability to see the whole picture.

By the way I know we are not on opposite sides so that is why this has become a frustrating subject for me. And I probably would vote for you for governor!

 

[Beach Runner]

If my memory serves me correctly from reading this message board, the TDC started the rebranding before the BP spill. I personally think the area needed rebranding. "The Beaches of South Walton" was too lengthy and awkward IMO. "South Walton" is short and sweet, yet gives geographical information.

That being said, I don't thing BP should feel like it's giving a gift to the Gulf coast for the commercials it's running. It owes the area that at minimum. I am also against deep-water drilling and express my feelings about this to state and national politicians on a regular basis.