"We are deeply honored to be a part of such a significant and exciting project for the city, and we are proud of the dynamic work produced by our Creative Department," said Ron Sachs, president & CEO of Ron Sachs Communications.

New Banners Create Fresh Image for Downtown Tallahassee

July 28, 2009

(TALLAHASSEE) - The Tallahassee Downtown Improvement Authority (TDIA) today unveiled a new series of colorful and evocative street banners designed to capture downtown Tallahassee's distinct flavor. The new banner series features images of the local cultural icons that represent Florida's capital city.

Restoring "A Sense of Place"

The new banners are the initiative of the TDIA, a state-commissioned board whose mission is to cultivate a thriving downtown district for residents, visitors and local businesses.

"We wanted to restore a sense of place to the downtown area because it is the heart of our city," said Al Pasini, executive director of TDIA. "A thriving downtown is vital to the success of the broader community. The banner initiative is designed to reflect both the historical influence of our downtown district and its modern appeal as the hub of business, politics and culture in Tallahassee."

The new banners promote the diverse cultural experiences that contribute to downtown Tallahassee's unique atmosphere.

The Monroe Street banners highlight iconic scenes of downtown Tallahassee, including a spectacular aerial view of the downtown skyline from Hotel Duval's Level 8 rooftop lounge. The Adams Street banners feature snapshots of the various cultural experiences at the heart of Tallahassee, from fine cuisine to a lively local music scene.

"We haven't updated the banners since before 2001," said Al Pasini. "In an effort to promote the city as a vital 18-hour downtown, our members determined the new banners should promote Tallahassee as a trendy and fun city for our residents and visitors."

Local Talents and Services

Ron Sachs Communications, partner in the project, provided the branding and design services for the banners. The firm's creative director, Rosemary Oldendorf, spent several months conceiving and creating the diverse images that will now promote downtown Tallahassee for years to come.

"We are deeply honored to be a part of such a significant and exciting project for the city, and we are proud of the dynamic work produced by our Creative Department," said Ron Sachs, president & CEO of Ron Sachs Communications. "It was essential to determine what elements distinguish us from other cities to create the unique Tallahassee experience. By combining traditional imagery with a distinctively modern aesthetic, we blended the past and the present to celebrate our unique cultural icons."

FASTSIGNS® on Monroe Street, a locally owned sign and digital printing company, printed and installed the banners downtown.

"We've been given so much, and we enjoy giving back," said Jeff Herig, owner and operator of FASTSIGNS®. "Participating in this project has been a thrill. We are grateful for the opportunity to participate in the branding of our downtown area."

The Tallahassee Downtown Improvement Authority (TDIA) was created by a special act of the Florida Legislature in 1971 as a special taxing district whose mission is to create a vital 18-hour downtown. An 11-member Board of Directors governs the Authority. The activities of the TDIA include development planning, public improvements, special events, promotions and beautification.

Ron Sachs Communications is one of Florida's top three communications firms and one of the top 100 independent PR firms in the nation. Ron Sachs Communications is based in Tallahassee with an office in Central Florida.

FASTSIGNS® is Tallahassee's premier sign and printing company. Whether it's banners, building signs, vehicle graphics or signs for your windows, walls, doors or floors, FASTSIGNS® uses the very latest computer-aided signmaking systems and techniques to design and create high-impact, cost effective signs that get you results.

Click here to watch highlights from the news conference.

Click here to download all eight banners in Tiff format.