Date:               EMBARGOED UNTIL MAY 15, 2008

Contact:           Susan Kempf, CTED, 360.725.4056

OLYMPIA—The Ellensburg Downtown Association was recognized for “Outstanding Achievement in Promotion” and a “Best Economic Restructuring Story” at the 22nd Annual Downtown Revitalization Training Institute awards banquet last night in Wenatchee. The group’s achievements were among eight projects honored.

“We’re delighted to recognize the exceptional achievements of these diverse groups in addressing the challenges and opportunities facing many of Washington’s traditional downtown and neighborhood business districts,” said Juli Wilkerson, CTED Director.

The Ellensburg Downtown Association earned the“Outstanding Achievement in Promotion” accolade for its Myspace page.

Central Washington University is located just four blocks from downtown Ellensburg. The Downtown Association always recognized the economic benefits in promoting downtown to its 8,000-plus student population, but past efforts to market to this age group met with marginal success. That all changed when a CWU student offered to create a “Myspace” page for the organization. The site began to attract a number of curious visitors (or “friends” as they’re referred to on the Myspace site). To help promote the site, free key chains with the Downtown Association’s Myspace address were distributed to incoming freshmen at orientation.

This economical marketing tool is a phenomenal success. Over 1,000 “friends” visit the Ellensburg Downtown Association site regularly, including a growing number of CWU students, alumni, downtown residents, and local businesses. The Association uses the site to promote upcoming events, new businesses, and gallery openings. It even has student employment opportunities posted on behalf of downtown businesses. Merchants have noticed a substantial increase in college-age patrons attending events promoted on the site and have launched their own Myspace pages.

“The Myspace site has proved to be a very valuable asset in engaging the Central Washington University student population in our efforts,” said Timothy Bishop, Ellensburg Downtown Association Executive Director.  (For a firsthand look at the site, visit www.myspace/ellensburgdowntown.com)

The Association was also awarded “Best Economic Restructuring Story” for their “Brown Bag Business Basics” series.

As a young organization on a limited budget, the Ellensburg Downtown Association was looking for a cost-effective business retention training opportunity. In partnership with the Ellensburg Public Library and a budget of $300, the Downtown Association successfully launched its “Brown Bag Business Basics” series, a monthly tutorial and book review for their economic restructuring committee and downtown business owners. The workshops provide a forum for business owners and committee members to read and discuss pre-assigned books on topics ranging from developing effective business plans to achieving retail success. A book of the month is discussed at each session. The Downtown Association also arranged local radio interviews with nine of the first 12 authors.

Two new businesses opened in downtown Ellensburg as a result of the Brown Bag series. It has also resulted in a growing business resource center in the heart of downtown and participants being well-versed in the latest business trends and topics.

According to Timothy Bishop, Executive Director of the EDA, “The Brown Bag Business Basics series is an innovative, low cost solution to bring new resources to downtown business owners.”

The Downtown Revitalization Training Institute is sponsored by the Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED). CTED is the lead agency charged with enhancing and promoting sustainable community and economic vitality throughout the state.

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Local Media Contact:

Timothy Bishop, Ellensburg Downtown Association, 509.963.6246