EastShore Kick-Off Party

(10/31/2017) - The EastShore kick-off party was held on October 26, 2017 at the Grand View Golf Club in North Braddock. Approximately 75 local elected officials and business and community leaders attended the event.

The Enterprise Zone Corporation of Braddock (EZCB) is partnering with Peoples Natural Gas and Z Brand group on an initiative designed to revitalize and promote the communities the zone serves: Braddock, North Braddock, Rankin and Swissvale.

The partnership culminated in a kick-off event to unveil a new logo, website, street banners and window decals designating the four communities as Pittsburgh's EastShore.

Presenters from EZCB gave an overview of economic development activities that have been taking place in recent years resulting in new businesses and jobs. EastShore is an initiative to highlight the transformation taking place in the four communities and provide an identity for the area. Other areas in the Pittsburgh area have been successful in "branding" their areas - like South Side, North Shore, Bakery Square and The Avenues of the Steel Valley.

"We see a great future for the East Shore communities," said William Pfoff, EZCB President. "As the area rejuvenates and grows, we wanted to communicate how special and engaging it is and to create a marketing campaign and website that captures its unique essence."

Peoples is a natural partner for these efforts. Since 2017, Peoples has partnered with the leadership of Braddock and Rankin as part of their Community Cold Weather Safety Program, which provides assistance to those who need help heating their homes.

The EZCB also worked with local advertising agency, Z Brand, for graphic and web design work, and hired marketing consultant Ben Forstate to coordinate the efforts. Forstate graduated from McGill University with a B.A. in Political Science and Urban Systems. Previously, he worked at Z Brand as a Digital Media Strategist and Account Manager. "Community development has long been a passion of mine, and it was exciting to help the EZCB and its partners take this initiative to the next level," says Forstate.

Pictured: EZCB President and Rankin Council Member Bill Pfoff presenting at the EastShore Kick-Off Party at Grand View.


To learn more about the effort, visit www.eastshorepgh.com.