Just How Successful Was SISU?

EDITORIAL - by Jim Albert - Sunday, January 10, 2010 - Just how successful was the SISU Ski Fest? I have mixed feelings about the race. I believe the entire concept will ultimately be a great thing for the area. Any event that attracts 300+ participants to the area in its first attempt is definitely worth giving a second look.

Naturally the promoters of the event have to be pleased with the turn-out, but how did the race affect the community at large? Was the race worth the effort? A problem I have always had with events and promotions in the Ironwood area is that nobody is collecting valuable data that truly represents their economic impact. Considering we're an area that heavily relies on tourism, we should be acutely aware of  the impact attractions such as the SISU, Ski Fest, and SnowCross have on local businesses and Ironwood residents.

The idea of attracting participants to Ironwood's struggling downtown is a good one. However, did the race help or hurt the businesses of the downtown district? I know of several businesses that were negatively affected by the race -- closing city streets; making it impossible for customers to easily access the businesses is a sure recipe for business disaster. Several downtown businesses have actually lost hundreds of dollars in sales as a direct result of the race.

The promoters of the race cannot be held accountable... their intentions were good. The City of Ironwood; the Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Development Authority should have studied the plan and should have asked downtown businesses what could have been done to INCREASE rather than DECREASE business.

The blocked streets throughout the downtown and in the Norrie location created serious traffic congestion problems. Many residents have expressed their extreme displeasure with the way the streets were rerouted.

I suggest that the promoters of the SISU race hold a town hall meeting to hear the concerns of people affected by the race. With a few tweaks, next year's race can be bigger and better for the participants, the promoters, the residents and Ironwood's businesses. A new race route can be devised -- one that will encourage business rather than discourage it. I applaud the efforts of all the volunteers that made the race possible. My hat's also off to the residents who were inconvenienced and the businesses that suffered financially as a result of the race. I think, with better planning and few minor changes, the race can truly be a success for the entire community.

Jim Albert