Singing Ambassador Program Wins a 2015 Downtown Merit Award: Marketing and Communication

TORONTO - Aug. 19, 2015 - PRLog -- The Waterfront BIA has been recognized with a Downtown Merit Award by the International Downtown Association (IDA) for their Waterfront Singing Ambassadors program. There were a total of 19 qualified entries, in their category of Marketing and Communications, which highlights plans or strategies that used print, electronic media, or multimedia efforts to promote downtown and further the value of city centres. Visit www.waterfrontbia.com for more information.

“The Ambassadors are here to inform and perform,” states Carol Jolly, Executive Director, The Waterfront BIA. “They not only get to share information with people and help direct them to the many amazing places on Toronto’s Waterfront, but their a cappella performances enhance the visitor experience throughout the summer. We are very honoured to be recognized by the International Downtown Association for the design and development of this program.”

The award-winning Singing Ambassadors program features eight lively and talented students of music and theatre that travel along the Waterfront, attend member and neighbouring events, and visit major Toronto attractions and transit hubs. They answer questions, provide directions, and offer recommendations on activities, including dining and shopping, plus the Ambassadors give spontaneous a cappella performances of uplifting classic and current songs.

The 2015 Singing Ambassadors feature Paulo Amor, Alicia Estridge, Reuven Grajner, Olivia Janus, Hugh Ritchie, Jessie Rivest, Chris Tanaka-Mann and Sheree Spencer. They have been performing ten a cappella summertime favourites in key locations and busy daytime spots along the Waterfront since the beginning of the summer. Performances have been captured on video and launched on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter, helping draw visitors to experience this value-add while on the Waterfront.

“The Waterfront BIA received the IDA Merit Award for delivering excellence in downtown management”, said David Downey, IDA President and CEO.  “Each year the IDA Awards Jury recognizes organizations that utilize best practices in our industry.  The Waterfront Singing Ambassadors are a shining example of excellent downtown management delivering real value to the city.”

The Washington, D.C. based IDA is a champion for vital and livable urban centers and strives to inform, influence and inspire downtown leaders and advocates.  With 500 member organizations and thousands of professionals, IDA is a guiding force in creating healthy and dynamic centers that anchor the well-being of towns, cities, and regions.

The Waterfront BIA Singing Ambassadors will be highlighted during the IDA's 61st Annual Conference & Tradeshow, Sept. 30 - Oct. 2, 2015 in San Francisco, CA.

About The Waterfront BIA:

The Waterfront Business Improvement Area (WBIA), established in 2004, is the voice of the business community. Toronto’s WBIA is a community-driven organization dedicated to promoting and enhancing the economic and cultural vitality of the waterfront area. The WBIA welcomes 17 million visitors annually with a service area population of 57,121 and growing rapidly. 68% of the area's residents are under the age of 45, and the average household income is $118,924. Unlike most Toronto BIAs, the waterfront is both a full-service residential area and a tourist destination, committed to improving the waterfront area and new pedestrian-friendly promenade. The waterfront ranks second in every visitor category – domestic and international; pleasure and business, first-time and repeat. Through marketing and promotion, special events, streetscape enhancement, strategic planning and advocacy initiatives, the WBIA continues to secure its position as one of Toronto’s premier shopping, business and entertainment destinations. Annual programs include Family Day, Doors/Gangways Open, Redpath Waterfront Festival, Singing Ambassadors and Winterfest on Toronto's Waterfront. The Waterfront BIA has been the proud recipient of the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas (TABIA) Marketing Award in 2011, 2013 and 2014 as well as the 2015 Downtown Merit Award from the International Downtown Association (IDA) for their Singing Ambassadors program. For more information, visit www.waterfrontbia.com.

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For additional information or interview requests, please contact:

Peter Ashworth / Ashley Lloyd, Ashworth Associates Public Relations, 416-603-6005

peter@ashworthassociates.com / ashley@ashworthassociates.com