NEWS INFORMATION FROM

THE OFFICE OF MAYOR STEPHEN R. REED
City of Harrisburg
King City Government Center
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1678
Telephone: 717.255.3040

FOR IMMEDIATE USE
13 February 2004

NEW CITY SPECIAL EVENTS MARKETING MANAGER HIRED TO OVERSEE CITY SPONSORSHIP ACTIVITIES

Harrisburg, PA—Mayor Stephen R. Reed today announced the appointment of Gloria Giambalvo as the new Special Events Marketing Manager for the city. Ms. Giambalvo assumes responsibility for conducting the city’s extensive special events sponsorship and marketing activities for such major events as the American Musicfest, Kipona, Holiday Parade, New Year’s Eve and more.

Reed said Giambalvo’s hiring is part of the city’s plans to more aggressively market the city’s annual special events, many of which have become major regional celebrations for residents and visitors from throughout the Mid-Atlantic United States.

“Sponsoring a city special event is a terrific way for a company to gain valuable public attention and interest outside of traditional advertising mediums,” said Mayor Stephen R. Reed. “Literally hundreds of thousands of public impressions are created by city event sponsorships, with the overwhelming majority registering positive feelings and beliefs about the different sponsors during what are all free, public events. These are the kind of advertising impressions that transcend more conventional marketing and advertising activities, and thus have greater impact upon the consumer. It is smart business to sponsor fun, and Harrisburg’s events have certainly thrilled countless thousands over the years.”

Mayor Reed said Ms. Giambalvo brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and passion to the position that should greatly assist the city’s efforts to generate additional non-tax dollars for supporting recreation and entertainment. Giambalvo was previously the publisher of the regional entertainment weekly, MODE Weekly, and has been long-time city resident, supporter and volunteer with an array of city events and activities. “She is truly hitting the ground running,” noted Reed.

Reed said Giambalvo can be reached at the city’s Department of Park and Recreation offices at (717) 255.3020, or be emailing her at ggiamblavo@cityofhbg.com.

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