Worcester Rocks

In an effort to attract college-aged students to the City of Worcester, the Colleges of Worcester Consortium has unveiled the video that's suppose peak the interest of students and entice them to attend a college/ university in the City of Worcester.

I have to tip my hat to the Consortium, as it's an effort that is long overdue and for a city that grows by well over 30,000 students each fall, the city is in dire need of an attractive marketing piece that reaches students.

As some people may be aware of, this generation of young women and men going to college, referred to as "Millennial Students" (born between 1982 & 2003), have grown up with computer technology, specifically the personal computer and the world wide web, CD and DVD players, cellular telephones and travel by plane. To say that this is the hardest generation to market to and attract to a city such as Worcester, would be an understatement.

Worcester is working hard to change its image from being perceived as a "dirty and down-trodden" where "there is not alot to do" for the 18 to 30 age demographic.

The work that the Consortium, the Worcester Chamber of Commerce and others are doing to make Worcester a destination for students, businesses and families is good, but as we know, the programs need the proper funding and, more importantly, a person that people can identify with and be a cheerleader for the City.

One of the largest issues facing the City these days, besides the $5.6 million budget deficit, is the issue of PRIDE, or lack there of. The feeling by many people in the City is that the politicians, "keep doing the same old same old" as reported to me by a local patron in the waiting area of a barber shop who requested to remain anonymous. "The people who really run Worcester don't care about me or my kids.....all they care about is their own property and how much money they can make", he continued.

While some who have called Worcester home for many years may argue that the City has changed dramatically, there is still the acknowledgment that, "there is still alot that can be done a whole lot better", said Cody Smith, a Worcester resident of 21 years, regarding improving the City and its image.

So, what is the City of Worcester to do? Should the City hold town hall meetings to discuss the issues facing the City? These meetings are typically unproductive and don't serve a well-suited purpose other than giving people a platform to air complaints. Residents need to communicate with their District Councilor and the Mayor to make them aware of the issues and begin to address them. Residents must take more ownership and responsibility for the City that they call home. It's one thing to complain, but complaining without a resolution is pointless. Think, ask questions and then do something. The City needs YOU to get involved!