NEWS RELEASE

May 3, 2005

For more information: Ann Mort, 513-424-2038,  RMort@cinci.rr.com or Craig Heimbuch, 513-425-7834, craigh@ci.middletown.oh.us

PLAY, MIDDLETOWN!

“Just do it. Obey your thirst. The other white meat.” Without mentioning any company name, a picture immediately comes to mind. A lone runner traipsing up a quiet country road. A dimpled green bottle, sweating with condensation. A perfectly cooked chop holding court over vegetables and potatoes.

This is branding: the boiled-down message a company wants you to recognize as its own unique culture, its product that only it can provide and consumers cannot live without..

An unofficial group of local public relations professionals began meeting and discussing several months ago with the goal of finding a way to market Middletown. Their conclusion is that one of Middletown’s major strengths is that it is a great place to PLAY.

Middletown doesn’t specialize in running shoes or soft drinks or meats. What Middletown offers as its unique niche is the wide range of opportunities for entertainment available in this Midwestern city.

Middletown offers superior facilities and outstanding events for residents and guests. There are sports, theatre, fine arts, music, festivals …Middletown PLAYS!

Play Middletown is an exciting opportunity for Middletown events, businesses and organizations to take part in the branding of our city, to help let the world know that whatever someone’s after-work interest, they can find it here.

By participating in Play Middletown, local groups or businesses will be eligible for special mention on The Chamber of Commerce map, special listing on the Convention and Visitor Bureau community calendar and more.

The best part? It’s free! There is no cost to join, no expense for using the Play Middletown logo for promotion!

To be eligible for Play Middletown participation a group must:

1. Use the Play Middletown logo, as appropriate, in advertising, on menus, signage, printed material, websites, etc.

2. Be open to the public

3. Present Middletown in a positive light

It is just that simple.

According to the Play Middletown committee, Middletown deserves to be known throughout the region for its rich recreational opportunities and local organizations deserve more attention. The entire community is encouraged to take part in Play Middletown—together there is more strength in the message.  Middletown can become more widely known as the place to PLAY.

To become a Play Middletown site, business, organization or event, please send information and request to the Middletown Convention and Visitors Bureau, P O Box 1245, Middletown, OH 45042, Phone 513-422-3030 or email to info@visitMiddletown.org.

Chamber members wishing to be designated as Play Middletown sites on the upcoming Chamber map should contact The Chamber of Commerce at 1500 Central Avenue, Middletown, OH 45044. Phone 513-422-4551, email bill@thechamberofcommerce.org.

The official logo and description for use will be emailed or mailed to those requesting.

The Play Middletown Committee members are: Craig Heimbuch, City of Middletown; Sam Ashworth, Ashworth Design/InTown Magazine/Middletown Historical Society; Bob Hayden, Dreamweaver Media Consulting; Larry James, Middletown Regional Hospital; Bill Triick, The Chamber of Commerce; Debbie Alberico, Middletown City Schools; Bill Becker, Middletown City Manager; Ann Mort, Administrative Business Service/InTown Magazine/Middletown Convention and Visitors Bureau.