| Promotional trip to Chicago - An adventure that just started. | | By The Editor - November 2004 - Leer Español |
There is the saying: "success is a jurney not a destination!" and once again this adventure proves that this is the way it is.
While some sectors and personalities expressed their inconformity about the trip to Chicago before the departure, Mr. José Luis Díaz Boreoli, director of the local tourist office, said: "what is important is that in some way or other we are beginning to take action in order to promote Puerto Vallarta and especially the next upcoming events programmed for the months of November and December". As a part of the group who accompanied our mayor Lic. Gustavo González Villaseñor during this tour and talking from my own particular way to see things, I say that I do agree with him and I come to the conclusion that this promotional lightning trip has been productive and in an extraordinary way has created a space which I am certain will be filled with results that soon will be observed and that will be relevant for our city.
Everything that happened during this visit of Chicago and Highland Park deserves to be observed with an act of reflection in order to extract a great number of lessons which each one of us - and it is not even necessary that we all agree - can put in action, contributing to the growth of Puerto Vallarta. During this trip I confirmed that any ordinary person can generate extraordinary achievements, having been a witness of this in more than one occasion.
 My experience has been enriching in all senses and I start with thanking each and everyone in Chicago and Highland Park that manifested their complete availability in every moment to make things easier for us and to contribute in the achievement of our goals. María Elizabeth Pitz is found amongst these persons. Definitely she was an essential part of the success of this trip. Thanks to Carol Wolfe who is the president of the committee of sister cities in Highland Park . Together with her husband, who gives her full support, they are a couple dedicated to excellence and they are extraordinary hosts who really made us feel special. Thanks to Juan Manuel Martinez Crisosto, a friend native to Puerto Vallarta who lives in Chicago who since I met him, has always been very attentive to the needs of his fiends, offering the best of himself to support and help without asking anything in return. Juan showed a number of us what it means to be and to mark "the difference".
Before the trip I heard that Chicago is the number one business destination and the number two as a tourist destination in the United States and after being there for these days I can tell you that I have discovered the secret of their success!!!! It lies in details! Chicago is the pure manifestation of the phrase that says: " the big difference is found in the small details ". Any provider of tourist services in Puerto Vallarta has the opportunity to bear in mind what has been the great lesson for me that we received from the people of Chicago and Highland Park "Before , during and after offering our services, it is the details that make the big difference". I am convinced that the huge majority is aware of this; however given the results that we observe at present as a tourist destination, it seems as if very few of us put it into practice every day and every moment.
The first thing I noticed upon our arrival at Chicago 's airport was a sign which said: "We're Glad You're Here!" signed by the Mayor of the City, Mr. Richard M. Daley. Without even having stepped onto its ground, I already felt welcomed in Chicago ! [ amazing what can be generated by a simple sign located in an adequate place] ..That is to say a huge detail! This was the first lesson in hospitality that Chicago offered me.
We stayed in the Holiday Inn City Centre exceptionally located in the heart of the City center. All the main places of interest to visit as well as the most prestigious restaurants are only a few steps away from the hotel. There I received a new lesson concerning service by Darron Mouse [a bell boy]. We arrived with a great number of suitcases, packages and boxes and above all with the ostentatious package where we carried all of Ada Colorina's painting to be exhibited in Highland Park . In every moment and especially towards me Darron offered a consistent help with a smile, demonstrating that he was fascinated by what he was doing.
Immediately following our arrival our Mayor together with the representatives of the different sectors and chambers started to work and did not rest until the last day. Even though I did not accompany him, I realized through feedback that the trip was turning out to be a success. As he himself manifested during his last speech on Saturday night: " We arrived at Chicago and Highland Park with the goal to promote Puerto Vallarta and we return feeling a brotherly connection with its people' "
 On Wednesday the press conference and the reception dinner at the Crystal Gardens of the Navy Pier took place and resulted to be a pleasant event which stood out due to the assistance of promoters and major tour operators as well as of personalities from Mexico , Chicago and Hihldand Park . The event was used to make known and to promote the calendar of events to be celebrated in our destination during the months of November and December. After our Mayor had taken the stage in order to thank all those present and to transmit them the purpose of our visit, the representatives described in detail what each event consists of and with great enthusiasm invited all those present to visit us and to participate in them.
 The night was framed by the intense coloring of the paintings of Ada Colorina, which were photographed and filmed by the press with an outstanding enthusiasm, and by the participation of the " estudiantina " and the folklore ballet Xiutla. One may emphasize that all the time Maria Elizabeth Pitz attended to the smallest detail, making sure on one hand that all of Puerto Vallarta's delegation was acknowledged and well taken care of and on the other hand that the press and the invited guests felt welcomed and were informed correctly.
 That night while returning to the hotel with the huge package of the paintings, jokingly I said to Darron who was at the door.." Darron. your nightmare has arrived ". And with a huge smile he replied: " No Jesus..not at all! I am here to serve you at any time and with whatever you need. It is my pleasure to carry and move this box! This is my job and I do it with delight! " Another lesson of a real attitude of service.
Thursday and Friday were the busiest days for our Mayor and his team. They had interviews amongst which the interview with the Mayor of the City of Chicago , Mr. Richard M. Daley, receiving them with warmth, was outstanding. It seems that this caused a huge surprise in every scope. As a matter of fact due to the personal initiative and recommendation of the Mayor of Chicago new interviews were scheduled. One of them was an interview with the Chamber of Commerce of Chicago. Its President Mr. Gerald G. Roper committed himself to visit Puerto Vallarta and to consolidate an exchange agreement between his chamber which relies on approximately three thousand businesses affiliated and the chamber of Puerto Vallarta which relies on approximately one hundred businesses. Through this attitude and action of Mr. Gerald G. Roper, I received a lesson in simplicity, humility, kindness, credibility and confidence. I consider it important to mention that during all the interviews the negotiating capability of our Mayor as well as his charm became apparent.
 While all of this happened on one front, on the other front the committee of sister cities in Puerto Vallarta headed by Ana Maria Flores carried out work meetings with the colleague committee of Highland Park , headed by Carol Wolfe. The sisterhood between both cities was ratified and solidified with exchange agreements in different areas. In this regard it may be mentioned that one of the activities on this occasion was revealing a 20 meter mural situated in the junior high school of Highland Park , which was elaborated some months ago by the Vallarta painter Javier Niño. This piece of art represents a symbol of the Hispanic heritage and young students of this junior high school collaborated with the painter during the realization of the work.
 On Friday after intense schedules, everyone reunited in the Suburban Fine Arts Center in order to admire the exhibition of the artistic work of Ada Colorina. The event was warm and joyful, distinguishing itself due to the spectacular coloring of the works transmitting as usual the joy and intensity of the life and the people in Puerto Vallarta . Once more it was confirmed that Ada Colorina is an ambassador of the Mexican spirit and in this regard we received a moving speech by the Mayor of Highland Park, Mr. Michael Belsky, where he acknowledged the artist for her radiant work and art as a means of exchange and sisterhood between both cities. Our Mayor also acknowledged the work of the painter and thanked her for her contribution to this trip corroborating that in this moment her paintings showed the joy of a town and of its inhabitants who are awaiting everyone with open arms. This event was a truly special moment for Ada Colorina and through her words she expressed her thanks to our mayor for the invitation and to all participants for their visit. Something that stood out in this visit was the exceptional way Ada Colorina was treated in every moment by everyone we came in contact with.
The closing dinner was exceptional and with everything that went on there, the special presentation of the Xiutla ballet stood out, giving us goose bumps. When the ballet finished, it received a standing ovation by those present. Seeing them dance with such passion transported me to moments of my youth when I was dreaming about representing my country during important events and for an instant tears of emotion appeared in my eyes because I realized that there through the dance of these young folks I myself was achieving my dream.
 To end the event we listened to the last speeches of both Mayors as well as to the Mexican Consul of the area. All three were exciting and stimulating and from each one of them we received congratulations, the commitment to solidify the sisterhood and the agreement to take a chance together as brothers on new opportunities for the social, educational, cultural and business development between our communities.
Time seemed to pass faster as usual and without noticing it, suddenly it was already Sunday and we had to go back. Even though we were tired, everybody returned excited and satisfied.
 It is important to mention that our Mayor and his team returned from this trip, not only having received the keys of the city of Highland Park, but also with concrete achievements through agreements with companies like United Airlines, Mexicana Airlines, Apple Vacations, amongst others, which we will see reflected in the increase of tourists and investments in our destination.
The enthusiasm of our hosts was quite evident and in response the Mayor Michael Belsky accompanied by his team, will return the visit in the month of November. Beforehand they are already welcomed in Puerto Vallarta ! ... "Mi Casa Es Tu Casa"
What has been written here only mentions and represents a small percentage of everything that happened and everything that was achieved during this promotional trip. There is much more to share and I shall do so in our next editions. For the moment let this be a recognition for all of those from both countries who [whether mentioned or not] made this trip and its results possible through their initiative, courage, dedication and commitment.
Special recognitions
Ann Rosen
Thank you for opening the doors of your cultural home making us feel as if we always had been a part of your family. Thank you very much.
María Elizabeth Pitz
María Elizabeth, I acknowledge you as a dedicated woman with a high degree of commitment, thus being the generator of extraordinary achievements. Your special work has started to bear fruits. Thank you very much.
Carol Wolfe:
Carol, I acknowledge you as a woman committed to excellence. Your dedication inspires us to carry out great feats and your hospitality opened us doors to new worlds and opportunities. Thank you for always offering us your charming smile. Thank you very much.
Santa Edwards
Thank you very much for your hospitality and your support. Your help was essential for the display of Ada Colorina's exhibition. I acknowledge you as an unflagging and loving warrior. Lots of thanks to you and to your wonderful childrens.
Elena Beresalucy
Thank you for your time, your unconditional support and your finest attentions.
Ada Colorina
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to collaborate at your side and for your trust. I acknowledge you as a tireless woman, fighter and creator of exceptional and incredible works of art which talk about the joy for living that exists in the heart of every inhabitant of Vallarta. Thank you so much.
Mayor Michael Belsky
Thank you for receiving us so warmly in your home. I acknowledge you as a simple, sincere, joyful, dedicated man, committed to the brotherhood of people. Your words and actions are inspiring to create and promote peace. Thank you very much.
Mayor Gustavo González Villaseñor
Mayor Gustavo, I acknowledge you as a passionate representative of our city and its people. Your work in Chicago has left footprints which others we will follow in order to consolidate what you dared to begin with you unflagging work. I acknowledge you as well as the cornerstone of the reappearance of Puerto Vallarta as a preferred destination amongst the market of international travelers.
Ing. José Luis Díaz Boreoli
José Luis, I acknowledge you as a courageous man and public servant, committed to the best possible promotion of our destination and dedicated to obtaining results from your work, in addition to being in love with our Puerto Vallarta . Thank you very much.
Juan Manuel Martínez Crisosto
Juan it has been an honor being together with you in Chicago . Having taken notice of your tireless fight for and dedication to having and creating a better world makes me feel proud of being a Mexican and of course also of being a local inhabitant of Vallarta. Thank you for being who you are and how you are. I acknowledge you as a simple man, full of life and full of an intense joy that you pass on to those you come in contact with. Thank you very much.
Roberto Castellón
Thank you very much for your unconditional support. Your contribution was the hallmark that led to the signature of a cultural exchange between Highland Park and Puerto Vallarta . I acknowledge you as a genuine, unflagging warrior and giver. Thank you very much.
Ballet Xiutla
Thank you for representing our country with a high level of professionalism and joy. I acknowledge you as a group of committed, passionate and cheerful young people being in love with their homeland. Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
Jesús de Avila - The Editor
PVMirror - Connecting Travelers with Our Paradise !
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