For more than six years, we published Upside Downtown's Sparks Newsletter, a FREE, weekly source for news, happenings and events in downtown Everett and nearby. We covered all the important topics for those who care about downtown.

Its official launch was on Wednesday August 15, 2002, and Sparks expanded to become a weekly e-mail newsletter, (with a 56.4% average open rate.) More and more people requested to receive this informative newsletter, and our subscriber base grew 662% to over 400 subscribers, including key downtown leaders, the Mayor's office, City Council, and other business and community leaders, plus employees of downtown. Our goal was to reach all of the 2000 businesses in the 98201 and 98206 zip codes and the over 18,000 people they employ.

What's all the buzz about? Sparks was downtown Everett's weekly source for news, information and intimate details about downtown Everett penned by Leita Hermanson -- including occasional special guest contributors. a tool to help businesses generate ideas and to make connections to thrive, to help build gathering places and the Great Good Place in our community. With news on the following: Downtown and topics of interest, New businesses, Members, Community, Neighborhoods, Youth and much, much more.

Upside Downtown. Connecting. Communicating. Working together for downtown Everett. Thank you

QUOTES FROM OUR READERS
“Thanks for all your energy and enthusiasm, Leita!” Kim Bedier, General Manager, Everett Events Center/ Global Spectrum. kbedier@everetteventscenter.com.

“I really enjoy receiving the newsletter. Thank you for all your help and hard work here in Everett and for the Jaycees,” Chelsea Holzinger, Premera Blue Cross, Large Group Processor.

“Mark Nesse recently brought you and your organization to my attention and suggested that I might contact you. He was particularly impressed with the positive business climate you have been fostering in the downtown Everett area. I looked at your web site and was duly impressed! Being a lifelong resident of Snohomish county I am pleased that the future of the region does certainly appear to be bright,” Ron DeMiglio President Espresso Americano, Inc.

“ Congratulations on the Events Center Launch Committee adopting your theme." Kerri. “

 “Hi Leita! I just wanted to drop a line to you to say I am so happy for you that your husband is home safe and sound. This must be a huge relief to you, even in the midst of readjusting to life with your partner around. I bet Robert is pleased as punch. I admire your strength and positive attitude through your husband's absence. Not everyone can handle those circumstances. I'm glad you were rewarded with his safe return. This also keeps me grounded in the knowledge that not all strong spouses get the same happy result - and they are in my heart and thoughts always,” MJ.

“Hi Leita, Thanks, as always for your newsletter. I went to the Neighborhoods section and noticed a couple of tiny things that could do with some tweaking: On the right hand description part: the description of the neighborhoods says "Bayside encompasses most of downtown". Oh boy, somebody from Pt Gardner might take exception to that. The boundary is Hewitt so we actually kind of share the core and they have the train station and all of the industrial stuff around it. Also, Mary Ehrlich is still showing up as the Chair - Elle is correctly mentioned on the left side. Keep up the good work. Thanks again.” Valerie.

“Hi Leita!!! Thank you so much for what you are doing for our community! Your newsletter is wonderful, and I'm sure it's making a big difference to the many events in our area!!!! I'm so glad that your husband is home safely. A big thank you to him and to you for his service. I'm looking forward to seeing you again soon!” – Myrna.

“A special thanks from me to your husband for making sure that my family is safe each and every day.” Mark.

“Hi, Leita: I enjoyed reading that your husband made it home safely and that Robert and he were enjoying doing ‘dad’ things together. Also, there's so much going on in Everett. I really believe you're making a difference by keeping everyone connected and informed.” Keep up the good work! Llynda.

“Leita, I probably have stated this before but it deserves to be stated again. Thank you so much for the weekly updates on the Everett happenings. It helps me to stay connected to Everett (since I have left employment in Everett). I am glad that your husband is back home. Take care! Have a great weekend!” Tammy.

“Dear Leita Hermanson: Thank you for having me on your e-mail subscription of Upside Downtown. I am a member of the Bayside Neighborhood, which incorporates most of the downtown businesses. I wanted to inform you and your readers of a Neighborhood event that is coming up, Clarke Park Bazaar.” Aileen M. Langhans.

"Your e-newsletter is GREAT. I really caught up on what is going on in town!" David Shaw, Arts Presenting & Organizational Development, Art Beat, 425.444.5052 phone-message-fax, www.artbeatshows.org.