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CF shake up


windshawne
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From over at Coasterbuzz (where no source was cited, but it's still something):

They did indeed let go of Valleyfair's GM.

They let go of the CP VP of Marketing, and put the corporate VP of marketing there.

There's a new corporate VP of Marketing.

Kinzel apparently still has a job.

I don't know how Robin Innes might fall into play, but it's worth noting. (Is a PR director and a VP of Marketing the same thing?)

I've always thought Cedar Point's PR system was a little odd. Sure, it's a bigger park, but I find it odd that, while Don handles KI's online PR and Paula (and Nathan) handle Holiday World's online PR, I never really saw much of anything from CP personally attributed to Robin, as far as guest interactions go. As long as I've known CP, Tony and Tyler handled that sort of thing until they moved on, and now Becca's handling at least the CP blog. Then again, maybe it's just different strokes for different folks. I don't know.

Regardless, I'd say Ouimet's somehow in on this. Wonder what the reasoning was.

EDIT: Do note that the "Kinzel" being referenced in the quote is Bart Kinzel, GM of Carowinds, not Dick Kinzel, his dad and the former CEO/President.

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PR and marketing are not the same thing, although they are very hand-in-hand. "Public Relations" typically accounts for things such as charitable events, although many companies use that term to refer to media relations - which involves talking to the media, pitching story ideas, etc.

Without trying to put a definition on Marketing Director, the influence you see from that position is more along the lines of "Buy Now, Pay Later," Gold Pass Benefits, pricing strategies, etc. It's more in tune with adding value and giving a reason to come to the park, while PR (or media relations) is more about spreading the word through outside avenues.

Is Outmet behind this? Probably. It's not uncommon for a new CEO to shake things up a bit when they come into power. I do not know if Robin is still with the company or not, at the time of this writing, but regardless I wish him the best.

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CEO's are like most presidents we have or had. Most say one thing and do another. Unless this rumor was said by Cedar Fair it's self, then it's not true. I have seen alot of CEO's come into a company and start letting people go who have been in that company for 25+ years and not offer any retirement packages. They only then offer the retirement package when the threat of being sued happens. Not sure why that is. I would love to meet Ouimet and ask him what his plans are as far as getting a new coaster or doing something with the Soak City at Cedar Point. That Soak City needs a major overhaul.

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Unless this rumor was said by Cedar Fair it's self, then it's not true.

That's kind of like saying "Unless KI says it's getting a dino exhibit, it's not getting a dino exhibit." Is that true? Sometimes. And sometimes it isn't. If I recall correctly, Falfas' departure from CF was a rumor like this before Cedar Fair confirmed it.

PR and marketing are not the same thing, although they are very hand-in-hand. "Public Relations" typically accounts for things such as charitable events, although many companies use that term to refer to media relations - which involves talking to the media, pitching story ideas, etc.

Without trying to put a definition on Marketing Director, the influence you see from that position is more along the lines of "Buy Now, Pay Later," Gold Pass Benefits, pricing strategies, etc. It's more in tune with adding value and giving a reason to come to the park, while PR (or media relations) is more about spreading the word through outside avenues.

Thanks for clarifying that, Boddah. Just one thing:

Is Outmet behind this? Probably. It's not uncommon for a new CEO to shake things up a bit when they come into power.

Isn't the point of this thread the fact that he's Inmet, and several employees are now Outmet? ;)

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PR and marketing are not the same thing, although they are very hand-in-hand. "Public Relations" typically accounts for things such as charitable events, although many companies use that term to refer to media relations - which involves talking to the media, pitching story ideas, etc.

Without trying to put a definition on Marketing Director, the influence you see from that position is more along the lines of "Buy Now, Pay Later," Gold Pass Benefits, pricing strategies, etc. It's more in tune with adding value and giving a reason to come to the park, while PR (or media relations) is more about spreading the word through outside avenues.

Is Outmet behind this? Probably. It's not uncommon for a new CEO to shake things up a bit when they come into power. I do not know if Robin is still with the company or not, at the time of this writing, but regardless I wish him the best.

Boddah you are correct. Although in the economy nowadays companies are combining their marketing and pr departments.

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^ Very interesting! I wonder if Semmelroth and Ouimet ever worked together at Disney. Regardless, based on this quote:

Her experience, combined with our strong, park-based marketing teams, gives us the talent we need to continue to grow our business and deliver the 'best-day-of-the-year experience' to our guests.

it seems like there's a strong emphasis on Cedar Fair's horizon on making the day a guest visits a CF park feel unique and memorable. I like where this is going... I'm very curious to see how friendly employees are within the next year. Something tells me employee morale and work ethic is about to make a big jump upward.

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CEO's are like most presidents we have or had. Most say one thing and do another. Unless this rumor was said by Cedar Fair it's self, then it's not true. I have seen alot of CEO's come into a company and start letting people go who have been in that company for 25+ years and not offer any retirement packages. They only then offer the retirement package when the threat of being sued happens. Not sure why that is. I would love to meet Ouimet and ask him what his plans are as far as getting a new coaster or doing something with the Soak City at Cedar Point. That Soak City needs a major overhaul.

I was really worried about the future of CF until I read your post about the CEO's. Thanks for your insight, I'm at ease now.

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An earlier tweet by John Hildebrandt:

"Driving into CP this morning saw 2 beautiful bald eagles flying toward Millennium Force. I hope they enjoy the view."

Hmmm.. both tweets mention views of Millenium Force, one mentions eagles...

GASP!!! Flying Eagles in view of Millenium Force!!

A joke, of course.

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Something I found interesting today: John Hildebrandt, Cedar Point GM, joined Twitter recently. I don't know if that's just something personal he decided to try, but it's something that didn't happen under Kinzel regardless. (With Ouimet's emphasis on Internet presence, I wonder if it was encouraged.)

Greg Scheid just joined Twitter as well

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https://twitter.com/#!/KIGMGREG

And with the same Twitter handle format. Methinks this more than a coincidence.

@KIGMGreg

@DPGMMcClure

@CPGMJohn

But will there be a @CWGMKinzel?

What was that Ouimet said about being more engaging with visitors? More accessible online presence? And this season, Cedar Point will feature never-frozen burgers, an open line of sight down the Millennium midway, and a nighttime light show that (in true Disney styling) is called "Luminosity" that is expected to trickle to other parks as success is proven. And no one could overlook the other "Disney-esque" benefit for people staying onsite, who get into the park a half hour early...

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  • 11 months later...

An earlier tweet by John Hildebrandt:

"Driving into CP this morning saw 2 beautiful bald eagles flying toward Millennium Force. I hope they enjoy the view."

Hmmm.. both tweets mention views of Millenium Force, one mentions eagles...

GASP!!! Flying Eagles in view of Millenium Force!!

A joke, of course.

Before the announcement of Gatekeeper.

Park official just happens to mention (wild) eagles. With a view of Millennium Force.

Hints. Dropped in plain site.

Yet some birdies want to complain about signs, signs, everywhere a sign. Towering above us.

Another diversion?

Or just a joke?

The best in fun, now playing.

Terp, whe does what he does because he does.

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I really don't believe the bald eagle tweet was a hint at all.

There is a bald eagle nest near the CP marina (next to MF) & pics have been posted to their page back in December 2012:

From CP Marina FB page:

baldeaglesCP_zps259785e5.jpg

http://www.facebook.com/jackeym/posts/4392985945615?comment_id=57606273&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/photo.php?fbid=10152375587110298&set=a.10150180793960298.429494.10150155427005298&type=3&theater

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