The Ybor City Development Corporation (YCDC), in partnership with the City of Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency and HCP Associates, won the 2019 Florida Redevelopment Association (FRA) Award in the promotion category for the ‘More in Ybor’ campaign.

The ‘More in Ybor’ campaign was launched in part due to the long-held perception that Ybor was solely ‘Tampa’s Entertainment District.’ The multi-faceted campaign, aimed at developers, entrepreneurs, corporate executives and potential residents, was intended to shift this perception by sharing notable successes in economic development. For example, Ybor now has drawn corporate headquarters, a boutique hotel, high-end residences and several tech-related businesses.

The ‘More in Ybor’ campaign also showcased the district’s long-time residents, as well as business owners that have lived and worked in Ybor for a lifetime. It focused on capturing residents’ and business owners’ admiration of the district, which would entice business operators to consider relocating or starting a business in Ybor.

Overall, a redesigned website, new economic development brochure, daily social media posts, photo contests, a quarterly newsletter and the historic district’s testimonial video series, views of Ybor are positively shifting.

“We are thrilled to be selected as a Florida state award winner. Ybor’s recognition throughout the state as a revitalized walkable district thriving with business activity and unparalleled features is incredibly rewarding. Our communication efforts to showcase this obviously is working,” said YCDC Chair Grant Mehlich.

The FRA Awards are ceremoniously presented at the association’s annual conference to recognize remarkable work in a variety of categories. Entries are examined for effectiveness and completeness, including the narrative and supplemental material. Judges selected by the FRA represent various organizations and sectors from around the state.