Team Torino Briefs Media
By 250 News
Tuesday, February 28, 2006 11:58 AM
They're back from their trip to Torino, and say they have lots on which to build.
Did they get any deals done? No, says Initiatives Prince George Boss, Gerry Offet says they didn't come home with any committments, nor did they expect to, "The message we got is that they would be going home to evaluate their programs, and will make decisions later" but he is confident there will be results when Team Torino completes its followups.
According to Offet, they have interest from a dozen different countries but he isn't going to say which ones, "We have a policy not to identify groups we are negotiating with, and we are not going to negotiate in the media". Mayor Colin Kinsley has already indicated Kenya has expressd interest and that will be pursued.
When it comes to business, Offet says there is work that needs to be done to convince Europeans that pine makes a wonderful finishing product On spending $38 grand to make the trip, Offet said "If you ask was it a good investment of time and money? ultimately yes, it was the right thing to do."
There are some 61 arenas in the Vancouver region, what are the chances Prince George will land team training? "Very good" says Rob Van Adrichem "I think teams will want to come to Prince George because we are NOT in Vancouver where the hype will be. Teams can come here and focus on training, away from the scrutiny of the major broadcasting media."
Van Adrichem says he learned two things that could prove to be invaluable to developing post 2010 tourism for the region
"we have to have a presence for the unaccredited media, and I learned how important it is to have a place where people can do interviews." He suggests buidling something along the lines of B.C. Canada Place. That is an idea Mayor Kinsley supports, "We maybe could build a log house, with support from communities in the region".
Kinsley says one thing is certain "We have to ensure VANOC stays on our side."
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Posted by: Norm on February 28 2006 1:50 PM
If this is true, then what is the real cost. As I said before the City of Richmond had an 8 man delegation and it cost them $117,000.00. Does the actual cost of this trip come closer to $110,000.00. Who knows???