New inPleasanton.com Website Is a Win for the City, Businesses, Residents, and Visitors

By Hacienda Network Staff Writer

For users of www.inPleasanton.com, there is always an answer to the question, "What should we do today?" This new website, a product of the City's Economic Vitality Committee, is a one-stop information resource for just about all of the wonderful things to do and see in the city. Divided into three major sections - Shopping, Dining, and Live/Play - the microsite contains a comprehensive listing of Pleasanton businesses and attractions that can keep residents and visitors busy from dawn to dusk and beyond.

"The City wants to support our Pleasanton businesses," says Economic Development Specialist Lisa Adamos. "Having this umbrella website helps us market the wealth of opportunities for residents and visitors to have great experiences here." The all-encompassing inPleasanton.com lists about 225 dining establishments in 14 diverse categories and close to 400 retail shops located in a total of 21 shopping centers - not to mention the bountiful options for art and entertainment, athletics, Fairgrounds activities, fitness venues, historical and educational programs, and parks.

The idea originally came from an Economic Vitality subcommittee during a brainstorming session on whether the City should create a shop-local campaign to promote holiday shopping in downtown Pleasanton, relates April Mitchell, Event Sales and Marketing Manager for the Alameda County Fair Association and committee chair.

The subcommittee's experienced marketing professionals leveraged their skill sets to refine the concept. It ultimately evolved into a City-wide shop local platform that would provide a portal to other shop-local campaigns already in place, such as those sponsored by the Pleasanton Weekly, Hacienda, PTA Council, and the Pleasanton Downtown Association.

"The microsite listings are a way to promote and support shopping and dining locally to those who reside, work, and play in Pleasanton," Mitchell says. "When our retailers win, so does the City!"

A really useful feature of the website is the interactive map, Adamos points out. "You can look at particular areas on the map and see what is nearby. You can also search by product type. For example, if you're looking for dog accessories, you can look for pet shops."

The site is slated to go live in a soft launch by November 15. The next step is encouraging to businesses to enhance their profiles. While all retailers and merchants will have a basic listing with address, phone number, and website, entries can be further personalized with photos, details on store hours, Facebook page links, and so on. A mobile version of the application is expected after the first of the year.

Along with Mitchell, the subcommittee volunteers working with City staff on the project, from initial concept to drafting the content and site design, include Carrie Williams, Director of Marketing and Business Development at Stoneridge mall; Gina Piper, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate; and Nancy Allen, Beach Drive Designs. The Alameda County Fairgrounds, Hacienda Owners Association, Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce, Pleasanton Downtown Association, and Stoneridge Shopping Center are the site's charter business partners.

For more information, contact Adamos at ladamos@cityofpleasantonca.gov.

Also in this issue...