WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (January 6, 2008) ¾ To nurture the fast-growing residential population in Downtown West Palm Beach, the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) recently launched a Resident VIP card that will offer the thousands of residents a 10 percent discount on purchases at a selection of restaurants, retailers, salons and cultural destinations throughout the Clematis District and CityPlace. The card, which was created using a City of West Palm Beach parking card, is pre-loaded with $2 to use in Downtown parking meters.

With more than 40 participating businesses, the restaurants include Forte di Asprinio, Rocco’s Tacos, Pistache, Bellagio, and Jimmy John’s, and retailers include Pioneer Linens, Provident Jewelry, Kenneth Cole and Afrocenter. Salons and spas such as Colorist Hair Studio, Danee Ritz Salon & Spa and Sanctuary Barber/Spa will offer the discount, in addition to arts and culture destinations such as the Cuillo Centre for the Arts, Palm Beach DramaWorks and Ballet Florida. The current list of participating businesses, along with details about the program, is available at www.westpalmbeachdda.com/vipcard.

“Over the past few years we’ve seen a dramatic increase in the number of residents actively participating in all Downtown has to offer, so we felt it was important to create a VIP program with discounts and deals exclusive to them,” said Melissa Wohlust, executive director of the DDA. “The response from businesses has been overwhelming as well. They were thrilled to participate in an effort to thank the Downtown residents who so often patronize their businesses.”

Cards will be distributed to 17 condominiums Downtown where residents can pick up their card at their concierge or building manager and immediately begin use.

The Resident VIP card program is just one example of the many initiatives by the DDA aimed at the growing Downtown resident population. In 2007, the DDA was instrumental in the formation of the West Palm Beach Downtown Neighborhood Association (WPB-DNA) that now acts as a voice on behalf of those living Downtown. Led by a nine-panel executive committee, the non-profit organization serves to advise residents of current downtown development and activities; communicate the needs of residents to government officials and agencies; sponsor and support educational lectures, public forums and workshops; encourage residents to become active in the community; and promote neighborhood beautification and the distinctive character of the area.

For more information about Downtown West Palm Beach and its businesses, contact the DDA at (561) 833-8873 or visit www.westpalmbeachdda.com.

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About the Downtown Development Authority

The West Palm Beach DDA is an independent taxing district created in 1967 by a special act of the Florida Legislature. Its mission is to promote and enhance a safe, vibrant Downtown for our residents, businesses and visitors through the strategic development of economic, social and cultural opportunities.