CLEVELAND -- Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson and Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald are just two of many community VIP's eager to meet new Cleveland Browns owner James Haslam III.
As of Thursday afternoon, neither had.
Many leaders are hoping Haslam wants to be a part of the new wave of progress and development in the city, ala Clevealnd Cavs owner Dan Gilbert.
Mayor Jackson would undoubtedly like to discuss the Browns role in possible lakefront development.
FitzGerald wants to discuss a future extension of the sin tax that's being discussed to bankroll improvements at all the pro sports teams' facilities.
The Browns have a huge economic impact on Greater Cleveland.
But there are no comprehensive recent calculations of what that is.
Last year's talk of a strike brought lots of concerns from workers and businesses, like hotels and restaurants that would have been impacted.
A 2007 Positively Cleveland study found that just fans attending games accounted for a $63 million impact.
The Browns are Berea's biggest source of income tax revenue.
Half the players' income tax goes to Berea, half goes to Cleveland.
The Browns are major contributors to various charities.
Thousands of game-day workers include ushers, concession staffers and security guards.
But the bottom-line impact is both emotional and economical.
Monday mornings always seem brighter for many in Northeast Ohio with a Browns win.
The Browns' disappointing performance of late has had an impact on the team's bottom line.
Fortune Magazine reported attendance is down 10 percent over two years and a $55 average ticket price is the league's lowest.
Some leaders who talked with us were astounded by the huge purchase price tag, but glad to hear Haslam will be an owner with deep pockets.
WKYC-TV