San DieGO Downtown Launched by Private/Public Partners to Advance Downtown San Diego, Gaslamp Quarte

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. October 14, 2008

San Diego, CA, July 22, 2005. San DieGO Downtown, a first-ever private/public partnership campaign to acquaint the world with the attractions of Downtown San Diego and its Gaslamp Quarter, literally was launched on San Diego Bay today with the raising of the spinnaker of Abracadabra/USA 54, arguably one of America's best known International America's Cup Class racing yachts, painted by famed marine life artist Wyland.

An over $500,000 effort based on financial and in-kind contributions, San DieGO Downtown was designed and largely funded by the Gaslamp Quarter Association (GQA) and diverse private-sector enterprises. The program will employ a trail-blazing e-business and destination marketing program, augmented by intense publicity, site promotions and select traditional print ads, to advance awareness and patronization of the Gaslamp Quarter National Historic District and the multitude of "Play" attractions that make Downtown San Diego one of the nation's most vibrant and enjoyable urban centers.

The Union-Tribune Publishing Co., through its SignOnSanDiego.com website, and American Express Co. are at the vanguard of the campaign's private-sector sponsors, said Jimmy Parker, Executive Director of the Gaslamp Quarter Association, the Business Improvement District for the 16.5-block historic district, located at the heart of Downtown San Diego.

These key sponsors have been joined by a roster of stakeholders that include; Gaslamp Quarter Association; American Express Co.; Districts 1 & 4 of the County of San Diego; Cloud 9 Shuttle; Cox Communications; The Daily Transcript; JUDDesign; Manchester Grand Hyatt; Next Level Sailing; Old Town Trolley; OliverMcMillan Foster; Omni San Diego Hotel; San Diego Business Journal; San Diego Convention Center Corporation; San Diego Marriott Hotel & Marina; SBC; Sempra Energy; SignOnSanDiego.com; Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation; Union Bank of California, and Wells Fargo.

"This is a very diverse group," said Parker. "What we all share is the staunch commitment that the Gaslamp Quarter and the neighborhoods that comprise Downtown San Diego afford locals and visitors alike a kaleidoscope of fun opportunities, options and attractions."

"From the arts, culture and education ... through entertainment, retail, dining and convention/tourism/travel-related programs and services ... to passive and active recreational, sporting and environmental pursuits, special events and activity opportunities, Downtown San Diego truly is the ascendant urban center on the West Coast," Parker said. "What is perhaps most remarkable is the diversity of support and cooperation we have received to spread the message and make the Gaslamp Quarter and Downtown San Diego even more embracing and enjoyable."

Parker cited the synergistic contributions of SignOnSanDiego.com, the most visited site for news and information in San Diego as exemplary of the innovation and spirit of San DieGO Downtown.

Launching July 21, SignOnSanDiego.com will host the San DieGO Downtown/Gaslamp Guide on its homepage, allowing visitors to access a wide variety of up-to-date news, features, reviews, deals, a calendar of events, entertainment guide and interactive "Moblog" exclusive to Downtown.

"A dedicated link on San DieGO Downtown will enable the visitor to access a special value-added program offered exclusively by American Express and local San Diego merchants," said Colin Temple, Vice President and General Manager for American Express in the Western region.

"This pilot program will enable our cardholders, whether tourists or locals, to take advantage of special incentives that add additional value to their Downtown adventures," Temple said.