It took a while for local officials to realize that “New England’s Rising Star” wasn’t working as a promotional slogan for Hartford and the search for a new catch phrase is underway.  To other cities in New England, most notably Providence and Manchester, New Hampshire, which have actually made major strides into the 21st century, the “rising star” slogan was treated more like a punchline in reference to Hartford. 

With a short sighted approach to promoting itself the city did little to earn the moniker.  Arts and educational venues are admirable pursuits for any city, but in Providence and Manchester at least equal value was put on their sports teams, the crowds they draw to a city and an understanding of the return for promoting teams and sports events.

In Hartford the business community was less than enthusiastic in involving itself in co promotions with the women’s Big East basketball tournament, which should be one of the most sizzling annual attractions in New England.