Leading Indicators

Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront Adopts New Eco-Friendly Practices The Hyatt has announced Meet and Be Green, a new program that encourages guests and planners to make green choices for their meetings.  As part of the program, Hyatt meeting planners will help source products with 100% recycled content, find local suppliers and maximize efforts to reduce waste. Meet and Be Green is one part of Hyatt's larger pledge to conserve energy, minimize waste and create responsible, sustainable corporate practices to care for the earth and guests.  Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront is also a voluntary member of Florida's Green Lodging Program, which designated the hotel a Green Lodging Property in 2009. Click here for more information on Meet and Be Green. UNF & Clara White Mission Partner to Grow Vegetables Students from the University of North Florida have partnered with Clara White Mission to grow vegetables to support the Mission's culinary arts program.  The garden was planted over the summer and is already producing vegetables. Metropolitan Park Arena Designated Clean Marina The Florida Department of Environmental Protection, together with the Clean Boating Partnership, formally recognized the Metropolitan Park Marina as a Clean Marina.  The slips at the marina now feature electric and water hookups, allowing boaters to dock overnight without running generators.  Metropolitan Park is the 12th Duval County marina and 227th state marina to earn the designation. The Florida Clean Marina Program recognizes marinas and boatyards for their commitment to protect Florida's natural resources, and designated marinas must meet a variety of practices to meet designation.  Visit Jacksonville Announces New President & CEO Visit Jacksonville has announced the selection of Daniel E. O'Byrne as Visit Jacksonville's new President and Chief Executive Officer.  Dan brings 30 years of dedicated hotel and destination sales and marketing experience to his new position.  He has worked with industry leaders such as The Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau, Tishman Hotel Corporation, Westin Hotels & Resorts and Deloitte, Haskins & Sells. We welcome Dan to Jacksonville and look forward to working together to promote Downtown as part of the Jacksonville visitor experience. 8,000 Diners Eat Up Downtown! In August, Downtown Vision's restaurant promotion, Eat Up Downtown, was expanded to two weeks.  The goal was to drive business to Downtown restaurants during a normally slow month and promote a variety of dining experiences.  This year, an estimated 8,000 diners took advantage of the annual promotion, in which 21 Downtown restuarants offered a 3-course, prix fixe menu for $25.  Participating restaurants reported the promotion was a huge success, with some restaurants experiencing a 35% increase in sales compared to a normal week in August. Hemming Plaza Market Moves to The Jacksonville Landing The Jacksonville Landing and Downtown Vision have announced a new partnership to move the Hemming Plaza Market to The Jacksonville Landing begining this Friday, October 1.  The market will continue to operate every Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and its new location will activate the front streetscape of The Jacksonville Landing. Local company Global Greenup, which manages similar markets in Mandarin, Orange Park and Fleming Island, will manage the operation of the market.  Market vendors will offer a 10% discount to Downtown employees who show a badge. Click here for more information. Downtown Retail News Downtown Vision welcomes Downtown's newest businesses! Natural Light Photography 205 N. Laura St. 904-638-9747 www.nlpjacksonville.com The studio offers everything from traditional portraiture to unique "elopement packages" and custom imaging for every occasion. Stop by or visit their website for more information! Indochine 21 E. Adams St. 904-598-5303 Find us on Facebook at "indochine downtown jax" Authentic Southeast Asian cuisine served in a beautiful atmosphere, including Downtown's only hydroponic wall. DK's Island 119 W. Adams St. 904-639-4917 Mix it up in the newest addition to the Downtown Jacksonville nightlife scene.  Enjoy the evening at this fusion of a wine bar in a club atmosphere with good tunes and great vino.   Zodiac Grill Gets a Makeover Kudos to Zodiac Grill for doing their part to activate the street Downtown and enhance the pedestrian environment.  The new Zodiac Grill facade includes a street-access door, attractive greenery and new tables and chairs for sidewalk dining. Help Welcome Georgia & Florida Fans!   The annual Georgia vs. Florida Football Classic is right around the corner!  Welcome fans and show your team colors October 27-30 with promotional items including pom-poms, buttons and football beads.  Georgia Florida brochures and Student Sideline Safety Zone brochures are available free of charge.  Click here to order. Downtown Ambassadors Mulching Tree Beds The Downtown Ambassadors have started the annual mulching of tree beds in the Downtown Improvement District.  More than 1,000 bags of small pine bark mulch will be placed in 551 Downtown tree beds.   Save the Date for DVI's 10th Annual Meeting!   Mark your calendar now to help us celebrate 10 years of service to Downtown! Wednesday, November 3, 2010 Historic Snyder Memorial 226 Laura St. Jacksonville, FL 32202 5:15 p.m. | Registration 5:30 p.m. | Meeting 6:30 p.m. | Reception RSVP to cheryl@downtownjacksonville.org or 904.634.0303 x 221 by October 29, 2010. After the meeting, explore Downtown at the First Wednesday Art Walk!

Posted via email from Framedtight™