News Article

A 10-year anniversary comes along once in a lifetime, so the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy worked throughout the year to maximize this milestone while raising awareness of the organization, highlighting a decade of riverfront transformation, connecting creatively with new and existing key audiences and increasing financial support for the Organization.

To kick off its celebratory efforts, a special logo was created and anniversary-inspired key messages for Conservancy leadership were developed for use throughout the year during interviews, speaking engagements and events to ensure messaging remained on point and accurate.

The official launch of the Conservancy’s anniversary celebration occurred June 14 with a breakfast event hosted at the Carl M. Levin Building at the Port Authority. More than 300 people attended the affair to celebrate the success of the riverfront transformation project.  In addition to drawing guests from throughout Metro Detroit’s business, political, educational and philanthropic communities, the event served as a homecoming for many individuals who were instrumental in the Conservancy’s efforts during the last decade.

A much-anticipated Economic Impact Study was released mid-year to extensive interest, both from the business community and by the media as well.  Among the many findings in the report, the three points that resonated the most throughout the year include: 1. More than $1 billion in public and private investment has occurred along the riverfront in the last 10 years; 2. More than $1 billion in future riverfront investment is anticipated over the next decade; 3. The riverfront revitalization has resulted in 16,700 jobs since the project began.

Another notable highlight of our anniversary year occurred when the Conservancy was selected as the winner in the non-profit category and honored as a Detroit Free Press Michigan Green Leader. This prestigious and highly coveted honor is awarded each year to companies, organizations or individuals in recognition for their commitment to green practices. It was an honor to be recognized for our commitment to the environment and dedication to sustainability.

Adding to our active social media efforts, in which we now have close to 40,000 “likes” on Facebook, targeted outreach to traditional media outlets has resulted in significant and substantial coverage in local print, TV and radio outlets, as well as regional and nationwide coverage.

Most recently, the Dequindre Cut was featured last month by the national Rails-to-Trails organization as the Trail of the Month. Positive Op-Ed pieces also ran recently in the Michigan Chronicle and in Crain’s Detroit Business.