DETROIT (AP) - Convincing executives that Detroit is a comeback city where they should hold meetings and conventions can only be characterized as the most monumental of pitches or the slickest of con jobs.
Convention and visitors bureau marketing chief Bill Bohde says they are plowing forward with a $1.6 million campaign touting it as a great comeback city even after Detroit became the largest U.S. city to seek bankruptcy protection.
Bohde says he had to convince business leaders at an Atlanta trade show this summer that the bankruptcy "filing has nothing to do with the city and the development going on right now."
The glitter mostly surrounds casinos, sports stadiums and a strong restaurant district downtown. A major hotel and convention center also are spending millions of dollars on renovations.
