New campaign to revitalize aging Bloomington areas

Mayor Mark Kruzan unveiled the specifics of the new "Be Bloomington" campaign Thursday at a press conference at City Hall.\nThe campaign's goals include the preservation and enhancement of community character, according to the city's press release.\n"This campaign is designed to be fun," Kruzan said. "We want to generate excitement about Bloomington's uniqueness and diversity." \nKruzan also stressed the practical importance of the playful campaign by acknowledging the correlation between the preservation of community character with economic development. \nThe campaign's many initiatives, activities and special events have been planned with the assistance of local organizations designated as Be Bloomington Boosters and with the public's participation, aim to elevate the economy by improving the quality of life in the city. \n"Every Bloomington Booster involved in this campaign is in the opportunity business," Kruzan said. "Each of you is an economic developer."\nThe city will highlight a distinct theme each month, with the April kickoff tagged "Be Beautiful Bloomington." \nWith the promotion of Bloomington's beauty, planned events include litter removal and graffiti cleanup downtown, Arbor Day and Earth Day celebrations, and the launch of a cigarette butt cleanup program. The booster for April is Downtown Bloomington, Inc.\nFuture themes include "Be Active" in May, "Be Safe" in June and "Be United" in November. \nFamiliar city activities and events have been incorporated into the "Be Bloomington" campaign, such as National Night Out, the Fourth Street and Lotus festivals and Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.\nAll 10 Be Bloomington Booster organizations were in attendance, including Middle Way House, Girl Scouts, WFHB and United Way.\nAdditionally, it was announced that a different city department will be featured each month for the services it provides to help enhance Bloomington's character.\nFor daily details and updates, call the Be Bloomington hotline at 349-BBBB or visit the Web site www.bloomington.in.gov/bebloomington. \nCommunity groups and organizations are encouraged to submit their theme-oriented events each month to bbbb@bloomington.in.gov.