JAX Chamber has launched an initiative to promote Downtown to the community and hired longtime Downtown entrepreneur and advocate Tony Allegretti to spearhead the effort.
Allegretti, the director of Downtown Engagement, has been on the job about a month. He has been meeting Downtown stakeholders and developing programs and promotions to increase the urban core’s sense of community and expand its regional exposure.
Allegretti said he’s been meeting with groups dedicated to the neighborhood, including Downtown Vision Inc. and the City’s Office of Special Events. On the chamber side, he is coordinating efforts with the organization’s Downtown Committee and the Downtown Council of JAX Chamber.
“Some of my goals are to increase chamber membership among Downtown businesses and for the broader chamber membership, I want to make sure they have access to information about what’s happening Downtown,” Allegretti said.
Part of the marketing challenge for Downtown is making sure people know what’s available, from restaurants and nightlife to entertainment and events, he said.
One of the newest resources for Downtown information is digdowntownjax.com.
It’s a partnership among the chamber, the Jacksonville Jaguars, Visit Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Civic Council, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority, Urban Land Institute North Florida, SMG, Downtown Vision and the NAIOP commercial real estate group.
It is designed to showcase the diverse aspects of Downtown.
Allegretti maintains a personal blog at mydowntownjax.com. Social media also is part of the campaign.
“I’ve always been a big fan of social media. A lot of my businesses and past projects have relied on grassroots and net roots. No one has a budget for traditional media any more. It’s very hard to promote community-style events without using people power and social media,” said Allegretti.
JAX Chamber has a Twitter hashtag, #ilovejax, and a Facebook page.
“I have been completely impressed with the number of meetings and lunches the chamber has. It’s inspiring to see how much product comes out of this office,” Allegretti said.
He is planning a networking event, “The Class of 2012,” to bring together Downtown business owners for a reception and networking.
“There is a lot of business Downtown. A lot of the time, we don’t have time to enjoy the camaraderie of our neighbors. It will be a chance to get to know each other,” Allegretti said.
“Some are old friends, but there are a lot of new people in business Downtown. I don’t claim to know everybody Downtown, but I’d like to,” he said.
Allegretti said one of the keys to marketing Downtown is communication.
“We have a great dialogue at a high level between people who are making things happen Downtown. Where I think we can improve is by creating a grassroots movement with people coming Downtown and enjoying it,” Allegretti said.
The chamber is focused on Downtown because it’s “the heart of the city,” he said.
“Downtown is where the community gathers. It’s the sports capital, the business capital, the spiritual capital and the government capital. It’s literally where the action is,” said Allegretti.
He said the chamber has committed to renovating the exterior and grounds of its building along Independent Drive near the Main Street Bridge.
“We’re at Downtown’s front door,” Allegretti said.
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