Release Date: Thursday, June 30th 2011

A Super City Needs a Superhero - PDP Launches Campaign Promoting a Cleaner Downtown

For Immediate Release   -  June 30, 2011                            

Contact:        
Brooke Fornalczyk
(412) 325-0161 - Office
bfornalczyk@downtownpittsburgh.com

PITTSBURGH, PA —The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP) announced today that a new super hero has descended upon the City to promote citizens’ awareness of their role in a cleaner Downtown. Complete with a cape and a tool belt of cleaning supplies, Henry “Redd” Uppington, the hero’s alter ego, is leading the charge as part of the PDP’s new Super Clean Program. And, since every hero needs a name, the PDP is asking Pittsburghers to suggest names for this special Superherovia its Facebook page.

Through July 16, Facebook fans can post their superhero name submissions on the wall of the PDP Facebook page, Facebook.com/DowntownPittsburgh. Each week, the name submissions with the most “likes” will be considered during the final voting and one lucky winner will receive an iPod Touch, museum passes and more.

The Super Clean Program is part of the PDP’s larger “Excellence of Environment” economic development initiative.  Its purpose is to dramatically improve the level of cleanliness of Downtown while also changing littering behavior. With funding from The Heinz Endowments and Colcom Foundation, the PDP has hired additional Clean Team staff and purchased equipment to remove graffiti and more effectively clean the area.

“Our goal is to ‘detail’ the Golden Triangle over the next several months,” said Jeremy Waldrup, PDP President and CEO.  “By October of this year, every sidewalk will have been power-washed twice, low-wall graffiti will be painted over, and 150 new cigarette urns will be installed. We want Downtown to be a shining jewel in the region.”

Partners of the Super Clean/Superhero Campaign are the Toonseum and local design agency, Behar-Fingel, who helped create a complete backstory for the superhero in addition to his image. More information about the superhero and how he came to love his city are on the PDP Website, DowntownPittsburgh.com/superhero.

Another component of the superhero campaign includes branded “kippi paks” used to extinguish lit cigarettes, which the PDP Clean Team will begin handing out in mid-July. And, through the use of bus shelter signage, social media, and guerilla marketing, the PDP will educate the users of Downtown about how they can help keep Pittsburgh clean. The superhero’s motto is “a cleaner Downtown begins with YOU!”

The PDP will roll-out additional details throughout the summer. For more information on the Super Clean Program, visit DowntownPittsburgh.com/super-clean.

About the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership

The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP) is a dynamic, nonprofit organization comprised of business and community leaders, property owners, civic organizations, foundations and residents who provide energy, vision and advocacy for Downtown Pittsburgh. Working collaboratively with its partners, the PDP strives to create a positive Downtown experience for residents, workers and visitors alike. The PDP’s strategic initiatives include clean and safe services, transportation, housing and economic development and advocacy. For more information, visit DowntownPittsburgh.com, follow us on Twitter (@DowntownPitt) and “like” us on Facebook.

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