Subject: Phoenix to aid businesses on light-rail line
Date: Tuesday, September 04, 2007 8:57 PM


Casey Newton
The Arizona Republic
Sept. 3, 2007 12:00 AM 

More help is on the way for beleaguered business owners along the
light-rail line, with Phoenix approving $310,000 in marketing support.

The City Council authorized three new marketing programs for businesses
along the light-rail line. Some merchants in central Phoenix have
complained that construction has driven away many of their customers.

The programs include: 

 

 

 

 



 A Web site where customers can shop at businesses along the line
without leaving their homes. ShopTheLine.net will be developed and
maintained by the city at no cost to participating businesses. 


 A direct-mail marketing program. The city will pay for a firm to
design, print and mail individualized postcards to customers of up to
100 businesses. 


 Radio advertisements. The city will pay for a 12-week radio
advertising campaign promoting businesses along the line.

Crews are more than two years into construction on the $1.4 billion,
20-mile light-rail starter line. The project remains on target for
completion in December 2008.