The West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has been recognized by the Florida Festival Events Association (FFEA) and the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) for the quality and effectiveness of its outdoor advertising campaigns, printed marketing materials and cultural events. It was also selected as runner-up for the Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau’s 2009 Providencia Award.
The DDA earned first place in the Outdoor Advertising category for its colorful Downtown trolley advertising program during the FFEA’s annual convention. It was also named the runner-up for FFEA’s Partnership Program award in the $74,999-and-under category for its Fashion Rocks fundraiser held on April 4, 2009 with Lynn University’s Fashion Management Program. Proceeds from the event benefitted six-year old Max Clark, a West Palm Beach resident battling acute lymphocytic leukemia, and other children afflicted with cancer in Palm Beach County.
The DDA was also honored by the IEDC for its Downtown VIP card program during the council’s annual conference held Oct. 4-7 in Reno, Nevada. The VIP card received an honorable mention in the category of Special Purpose Brochure for entities serving less than 50,000 people. The card offers Downtown residents a 10 percent discount on purchases at participating businesses, and also serves as a parking card for Downtown meters that came pre-loaded with a $2 credit. Participating businesses received a window decal to identify themselves to Downtown patrons.
“The DDA is continually developing and seeking out innovative ways to engage Downtown residents and patrons so it’s an honor to be recognized for our newest programs and initiatives,” said Melissa Wohlust, executive director of the DDA.
The DDA was also the runner-up for the Palm Beach County Convention & Visitors Bureau’s 2009 Providencia Award, which honors individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to promote tourism in the county.
Created in 1967 by a special act of the Florida Legislature, the DDA develops and implements programs and services for the more than 8,000 residents and one million patrons who visit Downtown each year. Legally mandated to attract, retain and market a distinctive mix of retail, dining, office, entertainment and cultural venues within its taxing district, the DDA also leads a coordinated plan to improve economic development, public services, safety and the overall quality of life Downtown. For more information about the DDA and Downtown West Palm Beach, please call (561) 833-8873 or visit www.westpalmbeachdda.com.
