THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, February 7, 1997 TAG: 9702070583
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: D1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY MYLENE MANGALINDAN, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: 90 lines
Even though he's left the campaign trail, Steve Forbes has no problem drawing a crowd.
Sharing his opinion of the new world order. Telling others the economy can sustain 5 percent growth. Examining where Sen. Bob Dole went wrong in his presidential bid.
``The key is getting a positive, good message through,'' said the energetic editor-in-chief of Forbes magazine and president and CEO of Forbes Inc. ``Voters need to understand what you're proposing and why it's good for them and the country. Unfortunately with the (Dole) campaign, they almost changed issues week by week.''
On Thursday at the Founders Inn, he gave Hampton Roads leaders a pep talk on the finer points of self-promotion while drumming up support for a Forbes magazine advertising supplement that will feature Hampton Roads.
``You've got extraordinary access in this region but people are not going to learn about it through osmosis; you've got to get the word out,'' he said. ``You have the infrastructure, you have the work ethic, you have the obvious physical beauty. There's no reason why in this new era that the Hampton Roads region can't be at the absolute forefront of it.
``Both the Hampton Roads region and the U.S. as a whole are on the cusp of one of the most extraordinary eras in global history. The key is will we take advantage of these extraordinary glittering opportunities or are we going to be known as the era of missed opportunities?''
Confident and perpetually smiling a Cheshire cat-like grin, Forbes is an expert at getting his message across.
His family name and fortune aided his meteoric rise to national prominence when he ran for president last year. But it was his ``flat tax'' mantra and his critical observations of big government that made him a fixture in the national consciousness.
The 49-year-old publisher and CEO looked poised in his dark suit and gold-rimmed glasses. Unfailingly polite, Forbes greeted his employees and others at the event warmly. He kissed one Forbes saleswoman, Jessica, on the cheek and later congratulated her for her achievements as the top saleswoman at the magazine.
Business leaders and city officials who attended the luncheon were more curious about Forbes' prognostications than details about the advertising supplement. They questioned him about whether he foresees a recession (he doesn't) and the country's chances of continuing health (yes, if we enact government reform).
Forbes impressed the audience of about 80 with his breadth of knowledge and his ability to put current events in historical perspective.
``Now we're entering an era almost Jeffersonian in its dynamic, thanks to the microchip. It's back to `we the people,' back to the individual, anti-hierarchical, anti-authoritarian. Having large companies today, you almost have to justify and apologize and explain to people that your size won't get in the way of your being better, flexible, able to take advantage of technologies and opportunities.''
Virginia is ``getting a more and more benign image,'' Forbes said. ``It's a growing area, but you just can't ride the wave and assume that people know what you're offering. Selling is what this is about, getting the message out there.''
A relentless parade of people took photographs with Forbes before the program started. After the luncheon, people hovered around him to swap business cards or stories, like one man who wanted to talk about the Highlander, the 151-foot Forbes yacht.
``Usually there's a line of people asking for autographs,'' said Robert Berns, Forbes' bodyguard of 14 years, who was surprised not to see that this time.
It was Forbes' opinion in demand, not his autograph. He talked about the Internet, the balanced budget amendment, Washington, President Clinton. He compared the Internet boom to the ``goldrush phenomenon'' and predicted a shakeout on the Web. He warned, ``There are people who aren't accustomed to a down market, so there'll be a lot of angst.''
``As long as we make some of these fundamental changes in the next few years, the tax code, Social Security for younger people, Medicare, parental control of the schools, choice in the schools, I think we'll be back on track again,'' he said.
He wouldn't say whether he intends to make another run for the White House, but he did plug an organization that he is starting - Americans for Hope, Growth and Opportunity. The group is dedicated to the ideals that Forbes espoused during his presidential campaign - pro-growth, less government intervention, more choice.
``We're trying to create an environment where we get these real positive reforms instead of these destructive fixes out of the past,'' he said. ``It won't be national names but like-minded people. We're interested in getting things done.'' ILLUSTRATION: Color photo by CHARLIE MEADS/The Virginian-Pilot
Steve Forbes, a former presidential contender who is publisher of
Forbes magazine, applauds the introduction of Hampton Roads mayors.
KEYWORDS: REGIONALISM