Dr. Neil Hair

Interesting article in Forbes citing Rochester as 4th most affordable city in the country. Its another accolade (like most recently being voted one of best cities to live in for lack of congestion) that we have won in recent times. What I like about the commentary of the article is its recognition that Rochester is a post industrial city. In other words one that is focusing in on a service dominant logic. Rather than the old fashioned view that marketing should be good focussed (a good dominant logic) – a new breed of marketers are recognizing the value of service dominant logic (focus on the provision of service). You cant go to a marketing conference these days and not be taken aback by the sudden change in conversation towards this new way of thinking. Rochester is a great example of a city that is now fully embracing this logic. It is no longer as much recognized for what it produces as much as the service it provides to its inhabitants. Arts, culture, medical care, education, low cost of housing, relatively low unemployment, the garbage plate – all provide reason for celebration. Well ok, maybe not the last one unless you enjoy heart burn and eating 4000 calories in one meal. The point is, Rochester has GREAT services, it really is a great place to live and as someone that has pretty extensive experience living in other parts of the world and travelling I honestly cant pick a better location to call home. And many students are starting to recognize the move in the right direction – not just on campus with the new facilities but in staying after they graduate to begin careers locally. We have a ways to go, most modern cities do, and a service dominant way of thinking will certainly help.