In the 1980s the Whistler Question began posing a question to three to six people and publishing their responses under “Whistler’s Answers” (not to be confused with the Whistler Answer). Each week, we’ll be sharing one question and the answers given back in 1983. Please note, all names/answers/occupations/neighbourhoods represent information given to the Question at the time of publishing and do not necessarily reflect the person today.
Some context for this week’s question: On April 15, 1983, a four hour meeting was held between members of the WRA (Whistler Resort Association, today known as Tourism Whistler) and a panel of marketing experts. Discussions focused on what were termed two “emergency situations” (that year’s summer marketing program was described as “a shambles” and the winter campaign was behind schedule, no doubt due to the uncertainty caused by the economy and the takeover of the Whistler Village Land Co.) and debated the role of the WRA going forward, as well as the responsibilities of its members.
Question: After the WRA marketing meeting held Friday, April 15, what do you think is the Association’s role?
Sjaan DiLalla – Manager, Crystal Lodge – Alpine Meadows
We need more exposure. People in Montreal and the US know nothing about Whistler. It’s the WRA’s job to do advertising in those markets. Our big project now should be promoting the summer as I think the winter will take care of itself. Summer promotion farther afield is where they should be putting their money.
Rich Miller – Owner, Granny’s Food Emporium – Alpine Meadows
First of all, I think the WRA has done a really good job with the budget it was given. They scraped the bottom of the barrel and used all the freebies they could. As a merchant I appreciated being asked for my input as well. Right now what we have to do is pick a course and concentrate on sticking to it.
Inge Nielsen – Owner, Inge’s Gifts and Crafts – Whistler Cay
I don’t feel I got much information from that meeting. Bringing people in from outside won’t help us because they have no idea about Whistler. I think the WRA is there to provide leadership to village merchants. One suggestion I have is that they oversee a major clean-up and landscape project in the village this summer.
WHISTORICAL 