FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 8, 2013 FOR INFORMATION: Kristina Walker, Downtown On the Go Manager 253-682-1739 | kristinaw@tacomachamber.org<mailto:kristinaw@tacomachamber.org> Learn More at the Live Downtown Interest Session Tacoma, Wash. - Downtown employers and employees are invited to join Downtown On the Go on Wednesday, July 10, 2013 from 4 - 6 p.m. to learn more about their Live Downtown<http://www.downtownonthego.com/live/live-downtown> program. The event, held at Tacoma Cabana (728 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, Wash. 98402), is free and open to the public. Attendees will learn about the program and hear from participants and partners as well as Mayor Strickland, a downtown resident and employer program participant, through informational booths and a short presentation. Light refreshments will be served and attendees will have the opportunity to win gift certificates to local businesses. The Live Downtown program is free to the employers and provides financial incentives to encourage employees to live close to work. Downtown On the Go released the program in the spring of 2011 in an effort to improve employee commutes and give them more access to options like biking, walking or using downtown transit and the Link. Businesses participate for various reasons including recruitment and retention, an opportunity to build residential density and improve downtown Tacoma, to save costs on parking, and to improve the health and wellness of their employees. Live Downtown currently has fifteen downtown employers participating. Employees enjoy decreased transportation costs, increased physical activity through walking, biking or taking transit to work, decreased time spent commuting, and, of course, access to downtown amenities including the new grocery store, arts and entertainment, dining and nightlife. The added benefit for downtown Tacoma is increased residential density, helping to create economic development in downtown Tacoma. Please RSVP for the event at 253-682-1739 or dotg@tacomachamber.org<mailto:dotg@tacomachamber.org>. Tacoma Cabana is located a short walk from the Tacoma Link and 10th & Commerce Bus Station. Live Downtown partners offering incentives include: HomeStreet Bank, Julie Swenson of the Legacy Group/WJ Bradley, RE/MAX agent Al Orwiler, Local Realtor Marguerite Giguere, O'Connor and Associates, Vue 25, Albers Mill, American Financial Solutions, People's Furniture, Zipcar, Tacoma Symphony Orchestra, The Grand Cinema, Downtown YMCA, and TWO KOI Japanese Cuisine. Businesses already participating in the program include: BLRB Architects, Broadway Center for the Performing Arts, City of Tacoma, Columbia Bank, Economic Development Board, SiteCrafting, Inc., Tacoma Art Museum, Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, Tacoma Regional Convention and Visitor's Bureau, Tacoma Symphony Orchestra, TRA Medical Imaging, United Way of Pierce County, University of Washington Tacoma, The Grand Cinema, and Vamp Salon and Spa. Downtown On the Go wishes to thank Freddie Mac for participating in this program. ### About Downtown: On the Go! Downtown On the Go (DOTG) is the transportation advocate and resource for anyone whose daily life is downtown Tacoma. We fulfill this role by educating about, encouraging, and advocating for transportation choices and land use policies that promote a vibrant and integrated downtown. DOTG is a partnership of the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, City of Tacoma, and Pierce Transit.