In early 2004, we began strategizing for our upcoming 30th anniversary year, and have decided to plan a media and marketing campaign around the theme "2005: The Year of the Place." The Year of the Place initiative will encompass four key strategies: a stronger, more comprehensive electronic newsletter and website; the development of a book or series of books related to placemaking and great places; a major media campaign; and the culmination -- an international conference featuring leaders and innovators in placemaking.

"I am terribly excited at the prospect of joining PPS in its mission of broadening public understanding and support for placemaking."

Perhaps the most exciting announcement we have to date regarding this plan is the addition to our marketing team of Jay Walljasper. Jay has recently left his long tenure as executive editor of Utne Magazine for two new positions: marketing consultant to PPS and executive editor of the English language edition of the Dutch magazine Ode, a news and culture magazine focused on global issues, which is read in 73 countries. Jay will be working for PPS from Minneapolis, with regular trips to New York City.

"I am terribly excited at the prospect of joining PPS in its mission of broadening public understanding and support for placemaking," said Jay. "I am convinced that PPS is primed to assume a higher public profile, which would boost the effectiveness and reach of its projects as well as promote the emerging international movement dedicated to improving the places where people everywhere live, work, and play."

Jay's contributions will be significant. We anticipate that he will lead our staff toward a more developed and coordinated media strategy that raise PPS's profile and, more importantly, carry our message of community-based design to new levels of recognition and influence.