DOWNTOWN OAKLAND ASSOCIATION/LAKE MERRITT-UPTOWN DISTRICT ASSOCIATION JOINT PR TASK FORCE MINUTES FROM WEDNESDAY APRIL 8, 2009 2:00

P.M.
Present: Charlie Goodyear, Charlie Leonard, Andrea Kirkpatrick, Deborah Boyer, Andrew Neilly, Tim Gallen, JC Wallace Staff: Marco Li Mandri, Helen Wyman, Maria Pecot Review of SF Chronicle Article re: Ambassador Program Opinion of task force was that story had positive spin, however it included a lot negative info. In seeking out future story committee recommends feeding stories to the press that concentrate on the positive as people want an excuse to feel good about Oakland. Committee recommends pitching stories to entertainment, business and real estate journalist, that way crime would not even be part of the scope. Review of Strategic Plan draft for the PR/Marketing of the CBDs Discussion of Events that would draw positive Press as a way to bring good PR into Oakland Art in Windows Walking Tours Art Murmur, Showing visuals from all events on our website is great way to bring people and show that Oakland is safe. Next Steps June 18th is Uptown Unveiled; we will use this opportunity to launch ourselves in conjunction with this city-sponsored event. o Petty cabs as a way to tour both districts during events o Bring a taste of Old Oakland residents to event, perhaps through offering a table with tastings from restaurants like B, Tamarindo, etc. o Presence of Ambassadors is essential to showcase security and maintenance efforts, perhaps they could have n informational table as well. o Invite select reporters to cover the story. What needs to be in Place before event? o Website creation is absolutely essential. At least one or two online video/Blogs should be up to make site more interactive Social networking presence (i.e. twitter, facebook) o Entertainment maps, highlighting businesses, which ambassadors will hand out o Press releases to send out to journalist o Goody bags, with gifts from local businesses and information about the CBDs o Street will need to be closed off, requires permits Next Meeting Tuesday, May 12th 2pm City Center Conference Room, 500 12th Street
388 19th Street Oakland, California 94612 DOA Phone 510.238.1122 LMUDA Phone 510.452.4530 Fax 510.452.4529 mail@downtownoakland.org www.downtownoakland.org mail@lakemerritt-uptown.org www.lakemerritt-uptown.org