DCA Launches New Marketing Campaign

The 21st century has been an exciting time for downtown Des Moines. The long-held dream of downtown being the destination for more workers, more visitors and more residents started to become reality over the past several years.

As you know, hundreds of millions of dollars in both public support and private investment have gone into projects to make this a more exciting and attractive destination. Exciting new major attractions, such as the Science Center, the new library and Wells Fargo Arena. We have major corporations that continue to expand their presence in downtown. And we have businesses of every type and size from unique boutiques to one-of-a-kind restaurants to distinctive new residential developments that make downtown unlike anyplace you will find anywhere in Iowa.

The return on this investment has been the people who make downtown what it is today. More than 75,000 people come here each day to work. Events such as the Art Festival and Farmers' Market draw record crowds year after year. And new events to look forward to like the Iowa Outdoor Wellness Adventure. Every week, more people are calling downtown their home.

As downtown Des Moines has a new look and a renewed energy, so too must our marketing efforts. They must reflect and communicate why downtown is unique and genuine, and provide people with the information they are looking for about downtown. A line from our new manifesto perhaps puts it best:

Downtown is a belief. It is a feeling. It is an attitude.

We have taken these words to heart in how we approach the marketing of downtown Des Moines. And the best place to start is taking a look at our new logo. In many ways, this logo reflects a lot about downtown Des Moines, combining our modern skyline with look and feel that reflects this is a place that is genuine. We are also using a new tagline in this campaign: find you city side. Our new manifesto, sets it up best:

You may live here. You may work here. You may visit here. There's a side of you that never really leaves here. Find that side. Find your city side.

This new logo and tagline serve as a foundation for our marketing effort. From advertising to banners to even our stationery, we are showing people the elements that make downtown a special destination: the new and old, the big and small, the fun and unique, the real and authentic. Our most important marketing tool, in many ways, is our web site. This new and improved site is much more intuitive for visitors in two important ways. First is simply the address: it is no longer knowdowntown.com, but now is DowntownDesMoines.com … simple, to the point, and no confusion about which downtown we're talking about.

Second, the new web site is all about answering people's questions. Are they hungry? Are they looking for something to do? Do they want a new place to call home? It is about getting people information quickly and accurately on what they're looking for downtown.

As important as our marketing tools are, we are also going to rely on some good old-fashioned grass-roots efforts to market downtown Des Moines. A few things to look for in the days and weeks ahead:

• Urban Intervention: With more and more people calling downtown home, we have more and more "recruiters" for downtown; people who are excited about the city and proud of their choice to live hear and happy to share their experience. And so our Urban Intervention program will provide people who call downtown home with tools to promote downtown events and attractions with their friends and families and colleagues. And, we will be working with major downtown employers to develop a similar plan to help attract people who work here to come back, after work and on the weekends, to enjoy everything we have to offer.
• Farmers' Market: And this Saturday, we are going to have an Urban Intervention tent at the Farmers' Market, giving away t-shirts with our new logo to people who sign up for our new and improved e-newsletter, and promoting our Saturday morning tour of the new downtown residences.
• Downtown Passport: This fun program offers a way to experience Downtown with a reward - participants who visit just 12 of the participating business will have an opportunity to win a trip for two to Des Moines' Sister City in Italy and other great prizes will also be rewarded.

Downtown Des Moines does have a new look and a renewed energy, and it's something we want to share with everyone - no matter where they live. Watch for more great things to come in the future.

Brand Manifesto
Downtown.
Downtown is coffee in a mug, not a paper cup.
It's eggs fresh from the griddle, not out of a box.
It's climbing stairs instead of the Stairmaster.
It's commuting on two wheels versus four.

Downtown is a belief.
It is a feeling.
It is an attitude.

One that says music is better in person than on headphones. 
That it's not baseball unless you can smell the grass.
That you should feel chilled watching hockey. 
That a play is better than a re-run.

It is a water view.
And a walk by the river. 

It's living three blocks from the library
...and your favorite restaurant
...and your favorite theater.

Downtown is new friends meeting old friends.
A new place becoming the usual place.

It's Birkenstocks and wingtips, hoodies and suits.
It's spiked hair and no hair, mascara and tattoos.

It's hip hop and opera, symphony and jazz.
It's reggae and polka.
It's gospel and rock.

Downtown is a sampling of the world's menu.
            It is sauerbraten.
                        It is quesadillas.
                                    It is crab cakes.
                                                It is osso buco.
                                    It is the juiciest burger you've ever eaten.

You may live here. You may work here. You may visit here.
       There's a side of you that never really leaves here.

Find that side. Find your city side.

Downtown.

Walk Your "Butt" to the Can

On June 12, the Downtown Community Alliance, Operation Downtown, Metro Waste Authority, and the City of Des Moines will launch a cigarette litter prevention campaign. Cigarette litter is an emerging problem in the Downtown community. Lack of awareness, lack of receptacles, and the increase of outdoor smoking add to the visible impact of cigarette litter. With the help of Downtown corporations, residents and visitors, the campaign intends to raise awareness that cigarette butts are litter too, and will provide receptacles to dispose of the litter properly. Cigarette butts are litter too, so walk your "butt" to the can!

Dam to Dam, Urban Intervention and Much More on June 2

Hundreds of runners will converge on Downtown Saturday, June 2 for the 28th Annual "Dam to Dam" race. The 20K and 5K races will end at Nollen Plaza for the awards ceremony and celebration with live entertainment, food and beverages. The Downtown Farmers' Market will be in full swing when the first Dam to Dam runners cross the finish line. Look for the Urban Intervention tent where you will find maps and trolley stops for the Downtown housing tours from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. A free shuttle will be available to help those interested in checking out the Downtown living options. Also, pick up your Downtown Passport in the tent and sign up for our newsletter you will receive a free t-shirt that sports our new Downtown Des Moines logo (while supplies last). This new feature of the Farmers' Market will happen the first Saturday in June, July and August this summer. You can find all the information about participating housing facilities, where to catch the shuttle and more at a special tent between 4th & 5th just south of Court Avenue.

Iowa Outdoor Wellness Adventure

The Iowa Outdoor Wellness Adventure, presented by Hy-Vee, will debut on June 15-17, at Des Moines' State Capitol with activities to help guests experience the thrills of outdoor adventures first hand, test out the latest in sports and fitness equipment, and take part in wellness seminars and demonstrations! With free admission guests will be able to do all of this while watching the world's elite athletes cross the finish line of the inaugural Hy-Vee BG World Cup Triathlon on Sunday, June 17! The Iowa Outdoor Wellness Adventure is presented by Hy-Vee and produced by Downtown Events Group. I.O.W.A. is sponsored by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Des Moines Radio Group, Innova Ideas and Services, and Iowa Department of Economic Development. For more information call 286-4950 or visit http://www.iowaadventure.org.

Summer Music in the East Village

Kick off the summer in the East Village as the first in the series of Blues Before Sunset Concerts starts tonight, June 1. Hear music by Hot Tamale & The Red Hots from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the State Historical Museum. In conjunction with Blues Before Sunset, the East Village will host its 6th Annual spring festival Blooms ‘N Blues from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. This year's Blooms ‘N Blues will feature two stages with live music. Performing on the Main Stage at East 5th and Locust will be Rude Mood and Soapbox Prophets. The JuneJam Stage, a collaborative effort of area churches to hold daily concerts throughout the month of June, will be located at East 4th and Locust and will feature the Remnant Blues Band and Lady Blue Tina Haas-Findlay starting at 7:30 p.m. For more information visit http://www.eastvillagedesmoines.com.

Des Moines Arts Festival Seeks Volunteers

Volunteers are wanted for the 10th anniversary of the Des Moines' Arts Festival. Online registration is now available for all volunteers interested in donating their time at the 10th anniversary of the Des Moines Arts Festival on June 29-July 1, 2007, in downtown Des Moines' Western Gateway Park. Volunteers have the opportunity to assist with many activities on-site at the Festival including: Artist Relations, Artistic Waste Children's Art Activity, GuideOne Interactive Mural, Ice Distribution, Membership Suite, Nurturing a Student's Vision, Performing Arts, Sculpture Garden, and Volunteer Relations. Shifts are available throughout the three days of the Festival, and all volunteers receive a FREE Des Moines Arts Festival t-shirt, food and drinks at volunteer headquarters, and have the chance to meet other volunteers who are also helping to promote the arts in Iowa. To register and get more information about these exciting volunteer opportunities, visit our official website at http://www.desmoinesartsfestival.org and click on Volunteers.

River Bend Trading Company Opening

River Bend Trading Company at 208 Court Avenue, will hold a grand opening celebration to officially open its doors on Wednesday, June 27 from 4 to 6 p.m. with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 4:30 p.m. The newest Downtown grocery store will stock the basics along with prepared food from Buzzard Billy's, High Life Lounge, el Bait Shop, The Royal Mile and Hessen Haus. Owned by the Full Court Press group, the facility will also house a new bar called Shorty's, in the basement.

Shower Pass for Bikers

Biking to work just became a bit more convenient! Gym FX, in conjunction with the Liberty Bike Station within the Liberty Parking Garage at the corner of 6th Street and Grand Avenue, is now offering shower passes to those who commute to work on their bikes. Shower pass punch cards can be purchased through Gym FX for $30 and are good for 10 showers. The locker room is open to bikers from 5 to 9 a.m. each day. For more information, contact Gym FX at 288-1111.

Beer Sampling

Mark June 23 on your calendar for a beer sampling celebration. The Cityview Brewfest will offer a variety of the best domestic and imported beers in Central Iowa, plus live musical entertainment at this first time event. High Life Lounge and el Bait Shop are hosting the event at 200 SW 2nd Street and food from their establishments will be available for purchase. The event runs from 3 to 8 p.m., with tickets priced at $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Designated drivers will be admitted for $8. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Young Variety of Des Moines.

A Toast to the Royal Mile and the Red Monk

Raise your glass and toast The Royal Mile and Red Monk. One of Downtown's favorite bars, it's been named one of the Best Bars in America in the latest issue of Esquire Magazine. Described as "a holy house of alcohol" because of it's 70 single-malt Scotches and 200 bottled beers, The Royal Mile's upstairs Monk location is noted for it's ambiance of gargoyles, stained glass and ability to baptize the city's adventurous drinkers with such offerings as Hungarian liquor, Unicum. Cheers!

Spruced Up For Summer

Look around Downtown and you'll be amazed at the vibrant colors, tantalizing scents and beauty of the summer flowers. As the seasons change, so do the flowers and plantings. The efforts of the Operation Downtown crew are evident, too, as they continually keep the streets and sidewalks clean and the area safe for workers and visitors to the area. As you celebrate the warmer weather of summer, celebrate our beautiful Downtown.

Urban Pioneer

Lisa had envisioned herself in the country with lots of land and animals, until she entered the East Village for the first time. She fell in love with the neighborhood immediately and it basically changed her life. She decided to forego the country lifestyle and buy a loft at the Capitol Village Lofts. Lisa fell in love with the exposed brick walls, high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows and a large terrace perfect for entertaining which boasts a wonderful view of the Capitol. Lisa dove right into the downtown lifestyle shortly after moving in one year ago. She became president of their loft association and joined the Historic East Village Organization as a volunteer. Lisa loves the fact that she can walk to Lucca Restaurant, The Continental, The Village Bean, the Village Market and many other shops and boutiques in the East Village. She’s often seen running around on Friday afternoon’s saying "hello" to the local businesses. She barely drives her car anymore, Lisa says "Everything I need is right here." She describes this lifestyle change with a sparkle in her eye as she says, "Downtown is the place I was meant to be."