Chris Finks, Downtown Marketing Initiative
"Downtown Portland was challenged with dubious holiday results nationally and the amount of construction that was going on. We had a real challenge to get the message across that downtown was vital, with great offerings and that a construction moratorium was in effect.

What Watershed delivered was $200,000 in five weeks time and all positive stories. Downtown had an uptick of 25% in pedestrian traffic and while the rest of the nation was down we saw a 5% increase in retail sales. So by my judgment I think that was a success."

City run organization dedicated to promoting downtown Portland
Promoting A Local Region
Challenge: Down economy and major road construction, traveling downtown perceived as inconvenient
Solution: Highlight unique offerings while mitigating negative public perceptions
Result: Generated 45 news stories, 6% increase in downtown retail sales