From the Office of Economic Development:
Only in Seattle marketing campaign highlights “hidden gems” in eight new neighborhoods
Campaign continues to encourage discovery and exploration of new neighborhoods and businesses
Yesterday the City of Seattle’s Office of Economic Development (OED) launched the 2011 Only in Seattle marketing campaign, which is a celebration of Seattle’s locally-owned “hidden gem” retail shops and restaurants that help shape Seattle’s unique neighborhoods.
This year’s campaign features 36 new businesses in eight Seattle neighborhoods, including: Belltown, Capitol Hill, Chinatown/International District, Madison Valley, Phinney/Greenwood, Queen Anne, South Lake Union and the University District. The businesses featured in the campaign all deliver one-of-a-kind experiences and range from wine shops to butchers to the home of one of the largest video collections in the world.
“Locally owned small businesses help build strong neighborhoods,” said Mayor Mike McGinn. “By shopping and dining at local businesses, we can keep dollars within the community and help forge a sense of pride and ownership among Seattleites about where we live.”
The Only in Seattle campaign, which launched in 2010, seeks to showcase Seattle’s most unique spots that represent some of the best of Seattle’s independent stores and restaurants. The campaign’s “buy local” mission not only encourages people to shop locally, but more importantly, aims to inspire people to discover and explore new neighborhoods and businesses throughout the city. By the end of the summer, the campaign will grow to spotlight 58 businesses in 13 different neighborhoods on the project website: OnlyinSeattle.org.
Over the next eight weeks, OnlyinSeattle.org will highlight each of this year’s new neighborhoods and their businesses. The vibrant photography and unique stories behind each business allow OnlyinSeattle.org to capture the essence and individuality of each neighborhood.
“It’s businesses like these that are why people choose to visit and live in Seattle. They offer something unique, that can only be found here and clearly set Seattle’s neighborhoods apart,” said Steve Johnson, director of the city’s Office of Economic Development. “The Only in Seattle campaign supports goals articulated in the Seattle Jobs Plan, a vision for sustainable, next-generation economic development that emphasizes the city’s commitment to supporting Seattle’s vibrant neighborhoods – the places where small businesses thrive, communities engage, and jobs are created.”
New to the campaign this year, an Only in Seattle Facebook and Only in Seattle Twitter account will supplement the information available on OnlyinSeattle.org. As new neighborhoods are featured, followers and fans will not only discover more about the businesses that are part of the campaign, but will also receive announcements about discounts, special events, new business openings and neighborhood news. And throughout the year the Only in Seattle Facebook and Twitter accounts will serve as a locals’ and visitors’ guide to new and established hidden gems in neighborhoods all across Seattle.
“We are thrilled that Café Allegro was chosen to be part of Only in Seattle this year,” said Chris Peterson, co-owner of Café Allegro in the University District. “As the first espresso house in Seattle founded in 1975, we have seen a lot of changes and businesses come and go. The past few years have been difficult for small business owners, but businesses in Seattle have been lucky because of the overwhelming support of the community and campaigns like this. Only in Seattle helps guide people to some of the best local gems in the city, but really it is about trying out new stores and restaurants, venturing outside of your own neighborhood and discovering all that Seattle’s local businesses have to offer in your own backyard.”
The city’s Office of Economic Development promotes a healthy business environment for neighborhood business districts and organizations. The Only in Seattle marketing campaign is only one of numerous OED-funded projects and activities that improve and strengthen local business districts under the broader Only in Seattle Initiative. Annually, participating neighborhoods apply and are selected to be part of the Only in Seattle marketing campaign. Neighborhood business organizations interested in applying to participate in the 2012 Only in Seattle campaign should contact Karen Selander at (206)733-9256 or karen.selander@seattle.gov.
Seattle Jobs Plan
Mayor Mike McGinn’s vision for next-generation economic development that creates a sustainable economy with shared prosperity in Seattle and the Puget Sound region was launched in August 2010. It consists of new and existing policies, programs and investments designed to help create quality jobs, protect the environment, and ensure that taxpayers get true value from the city of Seattle’s public investments. For more information, visit www.seattle.gov/jobsplan
City’s Office of Economic Development (OED)
OED supports a healthy business environment and empowers companies to succeed and grow. We provide services directly to businesses through advocacy, retention and expansion assistance, and workforce development. OED has several financing options for businesses, including options for small to medium to large businesses. Visit www.growseattle.com to access city services for businesses, and for more information about our office, visit www.seattle.gov/economicdevelopment