Talk of the County Podcast | Winning Big in Columbus: Sports, Community, and Economic Impact

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:00:14

Good afternoon. We have an exciting episode of Talk of the County for you. I'm Kenneth Wilson, your county administrator. I'm here with two leaders in Central Ohio. One is all things tourism, all things Columbus, all things about bringing big events and big people to Columbus, promoting CBUS everyday. And that's Brian Ross, President of Experience Columbus. And my favorite person, I'm gonna introduce next because if you know anything about me from these episodes, I talk about sports. I use sports analogy.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:00:58

I love sports. I wish I would have had just some kind of athletic ability to be a professional athlete, but all I can do is watch on the couch. And our Greater Columbus Sports Commission Executive Director Linda Logan, we're fortunate to have here, she is a superstar in this space. She has delivered not one, but two women's final fours. And if you know anything about, following sports at this time, women's basketball is hot. I mean, it's sizzling hot, women's basketball. And Linda Logan was was on the front page of amplifying women's athletics, particularly women's basketball. So she basketball.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:01:50

So she is not only local, she is nationally recognized, in the sports field, the field of sports tourism. Sports is money. Sports is big time economic development. So I'm gonna start off our conversation. We know that Columbus is a big sports city with many teams in in the central, downtown area alone. Just just down the way, we have lord.com. In the middle, we have prized Huntington Park, which is near and dear to the hearts of, the administration of Franklin County. And then on the other anchor, we have Nationwide Arena.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:02:35

Can you talk a little bit about what are some of the biggest challenges the sports commission faces in promoting sports within a city that because we don't have the NFL and we don't have the NBA, we kinda get so labeled as being a big time college town when we really are more more dynamic than that?

Linda Logan [: 00:03:08

We are an amazing sports community, so I always, take it as, something exciting to share what our profile is like. Even though you reference the NFL or the NBA, we have a great mix of sports here. So instead of it being a challenge, I think it's an opportunity. We have some of the finest facilities in the country that you just referenced right here on Nationwide Boulevard, nicknamed Sports Street at times just because I don't know of any other city in the country that would have 3 amazing facilities in a 4th of a mile, and then our our convention center that kind of heads it to the east, if you will. So there's always something going on and and I view it as an opportunity because we not only have great amateur sports here, but we do have great professional sports And we do have the great opportunity of having one of the largest athletic directors athletic departments in the country here with Ohio State, followed by Ohio Dominican, and our division 3 colleges with Capital, Otter behind Ohio Wesleyan not too far away. So we are so fortunate to have something for everyone.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:04:13

Mhmm. So

Linda Logan [: 00:04:13

I view it as an opportunity.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:04:15

Yeah. You know, our county commissioners, president Kevin l Boyse and commissioner John O'Grady and commissioner Erica Crowley, all have a connection to sports. So they make your job much easier working with them and and and obtaining their support for events because, you know, one is a, you know, state champion. One's a former division 1 athlete. The other one, that's play sports all the way through, high school. They all have a connection with sports in one way or another. And as a result of that, they love bringing in all of the high school champions to recognize them and give them wisdom and, you know, encouragement. And I'm always so impressed with not only what some of these, young at scholar athletes have done on the field or the court, but athletic I mean, just the athletic ability along with the academics.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:05:28

The GPAs of some of these students we've met over the years, it just blew my mind. What's your favorite aspect of that partnership? It leads to some long sessions and it leads to a lot of names being called, but it's worth it.

Linda Logan [: 00:05:41

We have, for over a dozen years now, been able to take all the state champions that are from Central Ohio and Franklin County and recognize them with our county commissioners. You referenced that they all were athletes themselves and their children have been played sports as well. So not only do they recognize how good it is for them, you know, physically, emotionally, but just the leadership skills that we can see with our commissioners. And then hosting these young people each and every year we get to see the best and the brightest and then follow their career. We've got a few that are probably going to be heading to the Olympics this year, we hope, with some Olympic trials coming up. So just to see not only how talented they are on the court or on the field, but what great human beings they are or that will as they, as they mature, they're gonna become great leaders. Hopefully, they all stay here in Franklin County and become that next generation of board members, great employers. So I think we have a front row seat right now, and it's been very cool to have this partnership and and see the growth that have happened, over time.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:06:46

You know, in we win a lot of championships in, Franklin County. A lot of championships. I believe the Columbus Quest Professional Women's Basketball Team, did they not win every, championship, during that time the league was in place?

Linda Logan [: 00:07:05

Yeah. The league was in place for just 2 years, but we were the championship. We won the championship both times with the amazing Katie Smith. And I think that's one of the things we're proud of here at the sports commission and Experience Columbus that we have these great opportunities to host these national championships and we like to say that champions are crowned here. And that continues to raise our profile. The more we get teams here, athletes here, families here, that might come to our community for the very first time, then they see what a great community we are. And hopefully, some of them think about moving here, getting jobs here, or at least coming back to visit. The the energy

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:07:42

go ahead.

Brian Ross [: 00:07:43

I was just gonna say, and a lot of the Olympic sports that you bring in too, I mean, fencing's coming up so

Linda Logan [: 00:07:48

Yes.

Brian Ross [: 00:07:49

It's a very diverse sports scene that the sports commission's been able to really penetrate and become a place of, choice for these types of events.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:08:01

I mean, I just love it. I mean, being in lore.comstadium, this past season and to beat the LA Galaxy owned by all of the, you know, a group of celebrities, truly Hollywood people. You know, it's Hollywood meets Midwest, and we walked away with the belt. And it was just a just a great feeling. Just, that place was so loud. And then, you know, who doesn't love a parade? You've always see the parades when, when teams win championships and, just, you know, to just ride down Nationwide Boulevard, you know, just taking it in. It's just the whole community just taking in, winning that MLS Cup, and all of that stuff as to our appeal. People don't realize it.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:08:59

It helps Ohio State the Ohio State University attracts students. It helps us attract young people to our jobs here because people like the, you know, the quality of life is is better when you have places to go, things to do, and winning teams. People relate to winners. That's something that's unique about Franklin County. We have trouble embracing heartache and defeat. We don't do that very well. Other cities have the ability to embrace losing and and and be loyal. But I I mean, I don't see it as a flaw.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:09:43

But Franklin County, we do not like losing listeners. And I don't think anyone's gonna send me any emails and and and and suggest to the following. Because I don't think we like losing. We don't. Just just ask anybody connected with the athletic program at the Ohio State University. We just we're not we're just not losers or not is a DNA characteristic for Franklin County, Ohio.

Brian Ross [: 00:10:09

It's what they say. Right? If you're not first, you're last?

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:10:12

That's that. That's one of my favorite quotes from Talladega Nights.

Brian Ross [: 00:10:16

You got it.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:10:17

It's one of my favorite quotes. One of my favorite quotes of many.

Brian Ross [: 00:10:21

I'm ready. I'm sure.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:10:22

Of many, but that's one of my favorite quotes. And we're gonna have you know, we gotta use this podcast because we want, to promote events coming up. We have the Audi MLS All Star Game. When is that?

Linda Logan [: 00:10:39

That is coming up, in July, the 3rd week of July. We're gonna have it's really the summer of soccer. So not only do we have the MLS All Star Game here, but we're gonna have some international teams playing, at Ohio State just a month later. So within a 3 or 4 week period, we're gonna have some of the best players in the world, playing right here in Franklin County. And, we couldn't be any prouder of that that opportunity to host, host the world.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:11:06

Yeah. And on that note, we don't have the World Cup, but we're gonna be a a a host of World Cup team for at least a month. Correct?

Linda Logan [: 00:11:14

Hope so. We're in the process right now going with the Columbus crew. The the World Cup will be in the North America in 2026 and our we didn't have the facilities. Ohio Stadium didn't have the right dimensions to actually host the competition. But what that could mean for us is that one of those international teams will want to acclimate to coming to North America. So could we get a country like Japan to come here and practice? They call them base camps so they would actually come to your community for about a month just to get used to the climate, get used to the altitude in some cases. And just, you know, to be close to the action. And they won't exactly know when, where they'll be competing in those early rounds.

Linda Logan [: 00:11:56

So possibly, we won't even know till just a few months out which teams are coming here, but they are shopping cities. It's almost like a dating game. They pick you, you pick them, and and hopefully, we have a a great opportunity

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:12:08

here. As mister Ross will know, Japan and Franklin County and the Central Ohio region, we have a we have a a relationship, I would like to say, a close relationship when it comes to cultural exchange and and economic development. Talk a little bit about, what you know about that.

Brian Ross [: 00:12:32

Well, I was very fortunate to go to, Japan last year for the Midwest, US, and Japan conference and was able to learn a lot about what those relationships, the collaboration, how important. And quite honestly, I was pleasantly surprised of the, the true, impact that Japan and Japan manufacturers have on Franklin County. But with that, we're very excited as you know. We will be hosting that event, the Midwest US, and Japan conference this September actually over Labor Day, And we're looking forward to bringing that part of the world to, Columbus and showcasing what Franklin County has to offer. And hopefully, we'll have more manufacturing or more businesses, choosing to come to Franklin County. So that's exciting.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:13:28

And yeah. And more and yeah. More more individuals come in to see all of the unique things we offer. Now we're gonna bounce to, an the latest professional, team to call Columbus home. We have a professional female volleyball team, you know, and I won't give away the name. The Columbus Fury. The Columbus Fury.

Linda Logan [: 00:13:54

Just finished their first season, at Nationwide Arena. Professional Volleyball League debuted, right around the first of the year, had 12 home games here at Nationwide Arena. The team was a little bit inconsistent on and off the court, but they came in second in attendance, second in revenues, sponsorships and the future is very bright and we're just at a tremendous volleyball community really a volleyball state. Columbus hosts annually about over a half dozen, Ohio Valley Region tournaments at our convention center. The Ohio Valley Region of USA Volleyball boasts over 27,000 members, probably the most in the country. So volleyball is built here, it's grown here and really champions are crowned here, we've hosted over 20 national championships in our community, including one that just finished up last week, the Ohio the USA Volleyball Open Adult Championships where we had 10 days worth of volleyball, over 450 teams over here, over the holiday weekend which is always a big deal to fill hotel rooms. And people love coming here. You could just see the players all up and down high Street

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:15:06

We got

Linda Logan [: 00:15:06

it. With their big bags, and so we we

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:15:09

just do so well here. We got it. I I mean, we we we're probably the volleyball capital of the world, or we will be unless the volleyball is being played on sand. And then if the volleyball playing on sand, we're gonna have to figure that one out.

Linda Logan [: 00:15:21

They do do that. We do have some places around here that do that. Probably the weather's a

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:15:25

little bit different. Yeah. Yeah. The place is weak. The places I know about that got the sand.

Linda Logan [: 00:15:30

Yeah. But

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:15:30

some of the worst season though. They got some, they got some beverages flowing along with the sand and my whatever

Linda Logan [: 00:15:36

it takes.

Brian Ross [: 00:15:36

Let me

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:15:37

go look

Brian Ross [: 00:15:37

at the sand.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:15:39

Work out

Linda Logan [: 00:15:39

the sand.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:15:39

That anybody might have, the ones I know about, at least the ones I have seen. But we got it. We got it all.

Linda Logan [: 00:15:45

We do.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:15:46

So just

Linda Logan [: 00:15:46

the future's bright.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:15:48

We got it all.

Brian Ross [: 00:15:48

Yep.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:15:49

What what I'm a give you 2 words, mister Ross, and it is it what it led me because I can't take this show because I gotta let you all be the stars of the show. We got 2 new words when it comes to our slogan.

Brian Ross [: 00:16:07

Yes, Columbus.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:16:09

Yes, Columbus. You heard it. We got volleyball. You heard, mister Logan? We can bring sand too. Whatever you need, yes, Columbus. We got it. So I had to Up.

Brian Ross [: 00:16:19

High you know, sports championships. Yep. Columbus.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:16:22

Look it up. Yes, Columbus. We got your answer.

Brian Ross [: 00:16:26

So look columbus.com. You'll be able to see the video.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:16:29

Look it up. Look it up. Look it up. Yes, Columbus. And, there happens to be a quarterback that I support that as a investor in the in the pro volleyball league, which gives it probably some viability.

Linda Logan [: 00:16:42

Yes. Joe Burrow and his family have great ties to Ohio, from the Athens area and also of course we all know Joe, Cool Joe Place right down the street for the Bengals and what a great human, what a great family and they are investors in the Columbus Fury and you'll see them court side. Joe's been here for a few with the matches and certainly I know his parents are here each and every time and it's been fun just to see the excitement of, their family and just the athletes in general. They they appreciate really good talent on the court Yeah. Or on the field.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:17:21

Yeah. Yep. Yep. Who day nation is dependent upon Joe's arm and his legs and his swag for the Cincinnati Bengals. Oh, you can tell I'm a Cincinnati Bengals fan, by the way.

Brian Ross [: 00:17:35

I think you're outnumbered.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:17:37

Oh, I

Brian Ross [: 00:17:38

We're Browns fans. I know.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:17:40

I know.

Linda Logan [: 00:17:41

I know. Hope springs a turtle, Brian.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:17:43

I I'm I'm I'm I had to speak up wherever I'm at. Who they?

Brian Ross [: 00:17:49

Well, here you go.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:17:50

And moving on, by the way, Joe Burrow's a, Athens High School native. Linda as a fellow bobcat and a and a and a former participant in the sports administration program, how have you observed the sports program at the Ohio University evolved since your time there?

Linda Logan [: 00:18:10

So Ohio University, believe it or not, was the very first university in the country to have a sports administration program. So early in the early days, it was the first of its kind and and I was very fortunate to come aboard, not at the very beginning, but certainly in the early days, especially for girls and women in sports, just to have this opportunity to to learn a new new opportunity. I think probably didn't know it even existed until I went to college there. But there's so many graduates all around the world that come, that hail from OU and, have really made a mark in that genre. But there's so many other programs now even here locally where people can learn a little bit about the business of sport and it's so broad. We all can imagine that there's many many jobs in the professional field but even the work that we do at the sports commission, we are always looking for talented individuals that can help not only sell the destination but understand how important sports tourism is to a community and it's that community pride that we all have by living here. And so I really hearken back to my days at Ohio University and I'm very proud to have come from that program and you could pick up the phone and call just about any sports team, facility, sports organization in the country and there's an OU grad. I jokingly call it the mafia at times but it does help you when you're trying to benchmark, when you're trying to learn more about certain things that you don't know.

Linda Logan [: 00:19:38

You always know that you could pick up the phone and that's probably one of the biggest strengths of that program is that we're all connected in one form or fashion. And it's certainly for someone like me who grew up in a really small town and population 3,000, it opens so many doors for someone like me to have the career that I've been blessed to have.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:19:56

Forever Ohio. That's for sure. They Bobcats stick together, look out for each other. You're right that that professional network that professional network is strong.

Linda Logan [: 00:20:06

We got that green and white, and I know you have an affection for those companies.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:20:09

Yes. I do. I do. But that I we we don't wanna go there because you the show might go another direction, so we don't want the show to go left. So we're gonna we're gonna keep my allegiance, allegiance aside there to the green and white. Linda, how does the sports commission ensure that sports programs are inclusive and accessible to all, community members? Because that's an important part of Franklin County, the city of Columbus. We put we go through great efforts to ensure that everyone feels as though they truly belong to this community.

Linda Logan [: 00:20:49

And I know that around the country, Franklin County is is a model for diversity, equity, inclusion. And I think that not only do you all walk the talk, but there's some great examples of these partnerships. We recently hosted the US Figure Skating Championships for the very first time and one of the elements we thought was very important was to look at a sport that maybe historically has not had as much diversity as it could and work very closely with their team and promote the event to all parts of Franklin County and Columbus. We were able to do, breaking the ice I believe was what we called it and brought in, a panel of experts from around the country at the Lincoln Theater to talk a little bit about figure skating but a lot about what's happening in the world and we had students from Howard University, the Harlem Figure Skating Club and others just to talk about the sport and what opportunities are out there and what barriers exist because it is a sport that is a little harder on the pocket book than some. So how can kids feel like they have an opportunity to learn something new? We're going to do something something similar coming up next month when we're hosting the USA Fencing Championships. We are going to have we're gonna have some of the best fencers in the country right here in Columbus. You Almost 4,000 fencers I believe will be here of all ages but we also think it's important to tell the story of this sport that is international but then how can you get involved and learn about an epee or a saber or sword and we're fortunate to have Don Anthony who grew up in the United States who is the fencing coach at Ohio State and an African American person of color that does so much for the sport. He's been on the International Olympic Committee for fencing.

Linda Logan [: 00:22:40

He's well thought of and he's such a great role model that he's right here in our own backyard. So we want him to not only tell his story, but to inspire others to pick up these these this sport in the future. So again, thanks to the work that that happens at Franklin County. We're bidding on the gay softball world series again, just talking about another part of diversity in our community and they love coming here. We've hosted that championship here 3 times now and it's one of their favorite stops around the country, but again, because they feel very welcome here, they feel that there's opportunity here and I really commend, the county commissioners and yourself for for having that vision for our community.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:23:23

Yes. Yes. Mister Ross, you've spent more than a decade in your current position. What significant transformations have you witnessed during your tenure here?

Brian Ross [: 00:23:35

There's a long list, but, I will start with one thing that I personally believe was the catalyst in this transformation. And as we talk about, we don't like losing. While there was one event that we went after that we didn't get that I truly believe was the catalyst to a lot of development that we've seen, and that's when mayor Coleman rallied the community to go after the DNC and the RNC. I remember. And I remember being in rooms. I'd just become the president and CEO, and I remember being in rooms and people going, there's no way we can do this.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:24:10

Yeah.

Brian Ross [: 00:24:11

You know? And you wanna talk about swagger that we always heard from mayor Coleman. As people started to dig in to what we can do and our capabilities, then the momentum became, we can do this. There's no reason we shouldn't be able to do this. So through that, we I think we raised the profile of our community quite a bit, and we also were able to showcase the importance of these type of events. So with that, you had 2 Hiltons that were built. You had an expansion of the convention center. You had other hotels that have been built. Mhmm.

Brian Ross [: 00:24:48

You've had the National Veterans Memorial Museum. A lot of different development that has come through that, because of that vision and knowing that if we have the capability and infrastructure, more direct flights have been have been here. You know, a lot of ASAE, the American Society of Association Executives, women's final floor, PCMA, all of these events would not have even been able to entertain us Right.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:25:17

Right.

Brian Ross [: 00:25:18

Without that. And Thankfully, the county commissioners were right alongside with that. And then as mayor Guenther took over and the county commissioners were again very supportive, we've done nothing but keep the ball rolling, and it's really set us apart. So it's exciting. I mean, Franklinton, look how it's, you know, developed over there. I think downtown's making a transformational change in the dynamics between office space and living space and having high energy and and and, more things to do downtown. So I think there's been a lot, but I would say those

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:25:53

are probably Mhmm. Some of the key. When you took the job, you probably couldn't have envisioned, the the land, west of Cosa being what it is today, and it's growing. It's just getting started.

Brian Ross [: 00:26:09

Yes. And by the way, I wasn't the only one that couldn't envision it, but you're right. Thankfully, we had people with that vision. And I know that the county commissioners were right at the at the at the front of that, and it has helped transform that part of the community.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:26:24

You know, we we have a lot of shiny things, to to be proud of here in Franklin County and the city of Columbus, but we're not done yet. Complacency is a horrible thing. You got to stay focused on, continuing to level up, continuing to do more, continuing to set your sights on who's ahead of you. It's a it's a lot like running a race. You gotta always set your sights on who's ahead of you. And like you say, when you it's just like in sports. When you got the right leaders with the right attitude, even in defeat, you'd know it's gonna be a comeback, and you're gonna get it the next time when you got the right leaders Absolutely. That are willing to come back and go forward again.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:27:15

I sort of touched on, where experienced Columbus is evolving to and we talk about and we promote it, Live Forward. Mhmm. And, you know, every you know, the colors are positive. Everything about Live Forward has been positive, and it's changed with every season. Now we've talking about are we building a bridge from Lillefort to Yes Columbus, or are is it are they gonna be yig and yang? Are they gone?

Brian Ross [: 00:27:46

Yeah. Great question, and it's an evolution of our brand campaign. The live forward campaign was actually rolled out during COVID, and it was the right thing for that point in time because we were really inward facing. We weren't talking to people outside of Columbus or Ohio because people weren't coming here. So we wanted to make sure that the residents here knew what assets we had, what experiences and cultural givings that we had here. So we focus as to that on the live forward. Now we've come through and through a lot of research, through perception study, through, working with, Lukewire, our new integrated marketing partner, and also working very closely with Franklin County, City of Columbus, 1 Columbus in economic development, and then also the downtown, wait, Columbus Downtown. Columbus Downtown.

Brian Ross [: 00:28:47

Yes. I have to make sure I get that right. Columbus Downtown Inc. Because what we're looking at with the Yes Columbus, it's not just about visitors. We believe everything starts with a visit, but it's about bringing more financing, more investment into the community. It's about residents. It's about workforce. You know? It's about raising the profile and adding more quality of life.

Brian Ross [: 00:29:08

So I think the thing that's most exciting about, yes, Columbus, as you will see, is it takes our culture, our people, and our assets, and it showcases that we are on par, if not better, than a lot of major cities in the US, and people don't know that. So we have to really be a lot more bold in how we're telling that story and the fact that we have, again, as much, if not more, of some of these things than many other cities.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:29:43

I mean, in in population alone, we're the Columbus is the 14th largest city in the country. So if you just rate us on that, you should be 14th. Right. But we have so many additional assets that set us apart from from cities that are above us is why we talk about target 5 and why we talk about wanting to be in the top tier of all cities within our competitive set. And that's why we compete because we know we are open above where we set today in population. Because we have some we have some strong suburban communities as well Yep. That are in envy of other places around the country, when you look at all of the statistics that matter. Yep.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:30:36

You know, level of education, per capita income, broadband accessibility, walkability, recreation. We have all of that. I won't get into that because on this podcast, we don't have enough time for all of that to talk about all of these assets that that that make us better than even a top ten city. In I'm on that note. We need people to promote the city.

Brian Ross [: 00:31:05

Correct.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:31:06

We need everyone's brother, sister, grandparents, everybody that lives here, everywhere they go. So touch a little bit upon the Experience Columbus insider program and how people can get involved.

Brian Ross [: 00:31:22

Absolutely. And and as you mentioned, we're we're always competing in, whether it's sports, whether it's with conventions, leisure visitors, it's a very competitive industry. We're trying to have people come to Columbus for these events as opposed to going to Charlotte, Indy, Cleveland, Nashville, you know, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh. So it's very competitive, and and you're absolutely right that one of the things I will say that that sets us apart is how we collaborate as a community and how our county and city works hand in glove to accomplish many different things that set us apart nationally, both of our organizations. So when you look at the insiders club, if you look at the, visitors that come to Columbus, almost half are here visiting friends and relatives. So when you start talking about how do we get the word out about Columbus and get, yes, Columbus, a lot of it starts with our residents. And so we're going to work hard, and we hope that everybody's working hard to understand what Columbus has to offer and make sure that we're communicating volunteer and show pride in the volunteer and show pride in the community, in the county, in the city.

Brian Ross [: 00:32:51

When we have large sporting events or festivals, I mean, you wanna look and talk about being, diverse. You had, the black expo just happened a couple weeks ago, the Asian festival. We have Latino fest. I mean, there's so many different things that our commute we have pride obviously coming up, with the big pride parade, but these are all things that we do well as a community because it's part of our culture. It's part of our people. And we're so fortunate that our elected officials starting with the county and and the mayor and city council lean into this as well. Mhmm. But when you become a, Columbus insider, you actually are an insider.

Brian Ross [: 00:33:33

You get to volunteer and and be in locations and experience things that most of the public can't because a lot of these events are private events, but you also learn a lot about your community.

Linda Logan [: 00:33:46

And it's so important for the insiders. They're the front line, if you will, to orchestrate the experience that we want all of our groups to have when they come here or even our singular residents to be able to realize how friendly that midwestern hospitality goes such a long way but just to educate whether it's our hoteliers, our restauranteurs, people that work in our shops, our, you know, our our Uber and taxi drivers, all of those things make the Columbus that we know and love for our residents, but just think about how important it is for that very first impression for someone that's coming here for the very first time.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:34:21

So people listening, live to be the Columbus expert in your friends and family's group. It'll make you be the popular person at the barbecue, at the bar, wherever you may at church, all the places you may be. So live to be the Columbus expert in your friends and family group by looking into joining the Columbus Insider Club.

Brian Ross [: 00:34:44

So experience columbus.com, and you can, sign up there.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:34:49

So So, Brian, you've hosted some very notable conventions over the years. How do you think these events will impact future visitors and convention bookings?

Brian Ross [: 00:34:58

Well, we've been fortunate that as a community, we have worked together. I know Linda can talk about the women's final four and many others that she's worked on to bring here, but I'll sort of focus on NACO, you know, National Association of County Officials. I'll focus on the American Society of Association Executives, PCMA, you know, US Conference of Mayors. But particularly when you look at, NACO, ASAE, and PCMA. For ASC and PCMA, we've already actualized. So that means we've booked groups that were here seeing our community that said we want to bring our meeting here. We already have a $140,000,000 in economic impact booked into the future for those groups with many more groups looking at us. So I think it not only raises our profile as a meetings, conventions, and sporting events destination, but it also raises the profile of our community and how we collaborate to get these things done because we are the 14th largest city in America.

Brian Ross [: 00:36:10

But at the same time, when we work together, we come together like we're a small community. And and we sort of put everybody's individual interest aside and say what's best for the county, the city. How do we get there? Mhmm. So that is something that quite honestly both of us can talk about that. Our our, competitors are very jealous that our county commissioners come with us to see customers and talk about our community. Our mayor comes with us, city council members, the private sector, you know, the Columbus partnership comes. So that does not happen in any other community. So that's truly, again, something that sets us apart.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:36:52

Okay. Leading to this, I'm a ask both of you all this question because I think it's fitting. Looking at your respective organizations, what do you see as your superpower when it comes to, setting Columbus apart from other, communities for major convention and tourism destination. So when you get in the war room, what are you telling your respective marketing teams that this is our superpower and we better use it?

Linda Logan [: 00:37:23

I think Brian mentioned the fact that we do have such collaboration and it's very few people that could, talk about their mayor or their county commissioners or their city council coming to the trade show floor or coming on a bid for a big event and that's the things that we get our have in our community. We have such buy in and such passion for the work that we do. People are so proud to want to host these big events. So I would start with that. I think, also, when you think about our footprint, the fact that our convention center, our arenas, and stadiums are so close to the infrastructure of the hotels, the restaurants, In some communities, that's not the case but you could come from the airport, Uber to your hotel or taxi, or drive your car in park and really not use that again until you're ready to go home. So that's 1. We're in the central, of center of the US as well. So we are a great drive destination too so people could get here.

Linda Logan [: 00:38:22

It's very affordable. There's so many things to do. So, again, there's something for everyone. And although I don't know if you'd call it your super our superpower I think we've been known to under promise but over deliver. And when we over deliver we do it in a big way that's very memorable. It's all about that, in our case, the athlete experience, or those fans, or or those convention goers that come here and they just they really do wanna come back because they've had such a tremendous visit. Mhmm.

Brian Ross [: 00:38:50

I would I would agree with all of that, that Linda just shared, Ken, and I would also say that, our teams, we are very fortunate. I would put our Greater Columbus Sports Commission team up against any other, Sports Commission team and the same with Experience Columbus. And I I know we're both very mission driven organizations.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:39:13

Mhmm.

Brian Ross [: 00:39:14

But I think the other thing that we do, and try to do every day is the community is our client. What we do does it's not about experience Columbus and the Greater Columbus Sports Commission. It's about Franklin County. It's about Columbus. Mhmm. What are we doing to highlight everything that's going on here? Mhmm. And when you put that in, you know, in in the big bucket and start stirring around with the things that Linda talked about, that is the secret sauce. Right.

Brian Ross [: 00:39:43

Right. Those are the things that separate us. Us. And when we're looking at our community as what the needs are, it's easier for people to see how authentic we are when we're doing these things, and and then have residents embrace them, have volunteers embrace that.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:39:59

Yeah. Many communities, you know, gotta really be concerned, about the potential of Columbus and the potential of Franklin County. Because one thing that you, can do here is eat, drink, and play well.

Brian Ross [: 00:40:14

Yeah.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:40:14

We got those 3 areas covered. We got a dynamic, culinary scene that when people find out about it, they, like, they rave. And we got, mixologists and all of that. We got drinks that are unique to this area. We got breweries. We got distilleries. We we got all of that. We got coffees.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:40:42

Yep. We got, a lot of independent coffee. So we got pizza. We got you know, everybody love pizza. We got all of that. I mean, where do I stop? But we only got a hour here, so I I we're gonna run overtime, so I was afraid of that.

Linda Logan [: 00:40:54

Well, I

Brian Ross [: 00:40:55

think you just shared one of the pieces of the secret sauce as well. We have something for everyone. No matter what your interests are, there's something in Columbus for you.

Linda Logan [: 00:41:05

And some cool trails. You talked about a few of them.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:41:07

We did it. So, can you share any success stories or notable impacts, your organization had on the community? We've touched on some of them, but let's just add add a few more. This question is for for both for the both of you.

Linda Logan [: 00:41:22

We talked a little bit about the women's final 4. It was one of those events that it took us 10 years to actually get the event here. We started bidding on it in 2,008. It finally got here in 2018 just as the city was adding new hotel inventory, renovation of the convention center, all the things that you plan for for a decade, and then we had tremendous co cooperation and just the way that the community came out for the special events, the the read to the final 4, the bounce where kids from all over the community got to pick up a basketball and bounce their way to the convention center for attorney town and some of the special events. But some of the things that continue to be the legacy, not only do we have 3 amazing games that some say was the best final forever, Men and women, you know, things you couldn't count on, but now take cont take credit for those great games. But there's been some some legacies from the women's final 4. We planted dozens and or really hundreds of trees through the Columbus Recreation and Parks department. We created some programming for girls and women in leadership, the Committed series that still has some elements that, are still happening here in Columbus.

Linda Logan [: 00:42:33

Just the number of kids that were exposed to basketball for the very first time that picked up that basketball and now play Mhmm. At all levels. We actually had a young woman that

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:42:39

was here with her

Linda Logan [: 00:42:40

mom, during our final 4 in 2018. And last year, she was part of the final 4. She played at Louisville and was part of the championship game as well. So we see that happening each and every time now where kids are inspired, adults are inspired, and those are the things that make me really proud because not only did they we have great games here, but it touched the community in so many ways and has that legacy.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:43:12

What do you, see as, the long term vision for Columbus? What's the long term vision? Where's what's our what should be our North Star?

Brian Ross [: 00:43:25

No. Go ahead.

Linda Logan [: 00:43:26

I I you know, I think when it comes to sports in Columbus, you you touched on the fact that we were or are one of the first cities in the country to really shine the light on girls and women in sports and and it's coming of age now. They're, you know, the viewership is up, tickets are, you know, being purchased at a high level, more girls and women are playing basketball, They're getting the sponsor dollars. So so I see that the future is really bright for girls and women in sports, especially in Columbus, being one of the best cities in America for the for women in sports. So what could that look like as we look into our crystal ball and look ahead to the future? The fact that, the city is growing so much, I just look forward to what's next. I think we're just getting started.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:44:07

Okay. I

Brian Ross [: 00:44:08

would say, again, fastest growing community in the in the US. And I think when you look at the county and the city, some key things that we have to really from a visioning standpoint is how all of our different sectors work together. And when we look at the visitor industry, we want to be a destination of choice, meaning that people are choosing to come here instead of going to other destinations no matter the cost, no matter the weight, that we've really earned the right, that they're gonna go out of their way because they wanna come to Franklin County in Columbus. Other communities have that right now. We're moving in that direction. And I think by doing that, it goes back to, you know, the opportunity city. Columbus is the opportunity city as the as the mayor says. Every residence every day.

Brian Ross [: 00:45:01

As we grow, we have to be thoughtful on how we're growing. I would say transportation, we definitely have to have a transportation, option as we move forward so that when we have all these great assets, this culinary, the cultural offerings, and and we're growing. How do we get around to experience those and not create, barriers? Because that would hinder the quality of life, which is what is that you know, the county's working on every day. Every day. So how are we smart about all these things and and working together, providing jobs? I truly believe that, Columbus could become, and Franklin County could become one of the cities in the US that is a driving force in economic, development and overall prosperity.

Linda Logan [: 00:45:50

Because we we want it to be not just the haves and the have nots.

Brian Ross [: 00:45:54

Correct.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:45:54

How

Linda Logan [: 00:45:54

do we bridge that gap and make sure that we are putting our best foot forward and everyone's feeling like they have the opportunities? Yes. Future.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:46:02

Yes. We talk Equitable growth. We talk equity every single day. Equity is what we we we must strive for, particularly when you consider our growth and our continued growth. And we're gonna need to provide more opportunities as we grow. So as we wrap up, you know, given sports, has played a major role in my life, and I have taken sports experiences, and I I use them to this day. When I think about as many athletes that, I watch growing up from a young age, Muhammad Ali was just, just an influence, just a present upon me individually. And then if I go to, you know, and, you know, law, I think about a third wheeled marshal was like, wow.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:47:04

Wow. Who, you know, who could you know, being that being that person walking in those shoes. Each one of you give me 2 people. Someone in sports and someone outside of sports that you would see as influential figures in in how you thought and molded your way of thinking and what you were striving for. You know, We all we all have those parental influences. We all have a mentor, but I'm talking about someone you saw from a distance, someone you saw that wasn't in your ZIP code. Did you

Linda Logan [: 00:47:45

I had the opportunity to watch Billie Jean King, as she not only was one of the trailblazers for women in sport, but also for civil rights and the things that she believed in. And she still is so active, but she was definitely a pioneer, and had to go through a lot in her life. So I've always admired and and looked at her from afar as someone that just did the right thing. It wasn't always easy

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:48:11

Mhmm.

Linda Logan [: 00:48:11

But she, was not afraid to take it on either at the personal cost of herself and her privacy probably. So she's someone that I I still look up to and as we just commemorated the 50th anniversary of Title 9 just, just last year, she, I think, is getting the credit now that

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:48:30

she definitely deserves.

Linda Logan [: 00:48:31

So that's who comes to mind with that question.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:48:33

That is just right on point because being in the United States and thinking about have when you when you mentioned Billie Jean King, on the other side, I think about a Arthur Ashe

Brian Ross [: 00:48:45

Yes.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:48:46

And what all he had to go through in the game of tennis, and and and, you know, that his impact. And it's just that we we are truly, you know even you don't know them, you can't touch them, but they're there and those that presence. You know? That's what makes giving back in legacy so important. You know? Arthur Ashe, and I I wanna learn more about him because he's a I'm a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated, and he was too. And I wanna learn more about him, but come on. Not no. What's the next Alright.

Linda Logan [: 00:49:21

Go to Brian,

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:49:21

and I'll

Linda Logan [: 00:49:22

have to come back. Yeah.

Brian Ross [: 00:49:23

Well, I again, I'm a sports guy, and played my sport growing up. I've played them all, but definitely favored football more than anything. So growing up a Browns fan, there were 2 Browns. I was an offensive guy. 2 Browns that I just loved what they did and how they represented themselves was, Jim Brown and Paul Warfield. And, I mean, just the 2 of the greatest at their positions. And when you talk about particularly, like, Jim Brown, I mean, he was just way ahead of his time in all kinds of things. You can talk from a society standpoint, but also from a, athletic standpoint.

Brian Ross [: 00:50:07

I don't think there was a sport that he wasn't the best in except maybe boxing. So from sports, that's really what I I would say. Outside of sports, I I I I'm I'm ashamed to say I don't know as though I have just one person. I've sort of looked the leaders that were visionaries, people that were looking at how you can make things better, how you can look at the, the future and be able to showcase what that vision looks like and get people to, you know, be a part of what that is, and I think we're doing a lot of that here in Columbus. But, you know, whether it was Jack Welch, who was a very good CEO, but there, you know, there are a lot of other individuals that I could name, but I don't have truly just

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:51:02

one. Maybe

Brian Ross [: 00:51:02

outside of I

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:51:03

don't think any of us I don't think any of us have just one. I I just wanted you to Yeah. For the podcast, listen to just share, some nuggets around 1.

Linda Logan [: 00:51:13

Alright. I came back with my other. It's, I I read a book called Sisters in Law and it was about Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sandra Day O'Connor were the first women to join the supreme court. And just they both had very different routes there, but just to read about what they did to get there was a very great book for people to read. So I would say that that that moved me and then I love to cook and so Julia Child who is a parody at times, but also such a strong woman that really was ahead of her time when it came to, you know, National Public Radio and Television and the fact that she was the first to now cooking shows are so common for all of us, but she was someone that worked for the federal government, was a diplomat and loved to cook and when she was and her husband were stationed in France, she picked up the spatula and started to learn everything about if you've ever, heard about her book, My Life in France. It's a tremendous book as well. Just talking about how she became the Julia Child that we know and have heard about. So, I just think about both, I guess, the the judges and this great chef that became iconic, I suppose, for for many reasons that have influenced me along the way.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:52:32

Yes. Yes. Yes. Thank you guys for sharing that. There are 3 websites that if you live in Franklin County or you live anywhere in Central Ohio, you should have them bookmarked and check them from time to time. And it's the Greater Columbus Sports Commission website, it's the Experience Columbus website, and it's the CBUS Soul website. Those 3 websites are websites that you should definitely bookmark, and you can find out what's going on, experience Columbus website, all of the cultural festivals across the board. You can find out what's going on at any time, all of our hotels, restaurants, everything.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:53:13

And you can sign up. You can get quarterly information, and you can find out what's all things sports, what we're seeking, what's coming, what's on the way, the Greater Columbus Sports Commission is for that. And CBAS Soul is a relatively new initiative, and it is amplifying, what's going on, in in black Columbus, and it's called CBUS Soul. So check that out.

Brian Ross [: 00:53:41

Sea Bus Soul Fest this August.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:53:43

Sea Bus Soul the 3rd annual? Will be the 3rd annual Sea Bus Soul Festival. And if you wanna buy some Columbus swag or Columbus based, merch as I'm I'm I'm I'm told it's called merch. Yep. Where do you go? I mean, I'm we're right here live on location on Nationwide Boulevard.

Brian Ross [: 00:54:08

Yes. You can come to this visitor center, which is on Nationwide Boulevard directly, adjacent to Huntington Park or out at Easton. We also have a visitor center out at Easton in the main part of the mall, all swag Columbus. So please show up and, show off.

Linda Logan [: 00:54:28

Thanks, Ken.

Brian Ross [: 00:54:29

It's been an honor.

Kenneth Wilson [: 00:54:30

Yes. It's been an honor. Thank you. This has been a great conversation talking with you all. We are wrapping up this episode of Talk of the County, and I will leave with these words that I usually do. Do you. No one else has time to. Thank you.