The City of Little Rock, Downtown Little Rock Partnership (DLRP) and the Little Rock Advertising and Promotion Commission/Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau (LRCVB) announced the official launch of Little Rock’s new Downtown Ambassador program on Tuesday, November 14th. Operated by Block by Block, with funding from the city and LRCVB, this initiative brings eight additional full-time community service representatives to Downtown streets seven days a week.

“Downtown Little Rock is everyone’s neighborhood, and these Ambassadors are one part of our work to ensure residents and visitors feel safe and welcome in the heart of our city,” said Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. “This initiative is a critical part of our holistic efforts to ensure anyone, and everyone can enjoy all Downtown has to offer."

The Ambassador program launches during a time of change and growth in Downtown, as the city embarks on a Downtown master planning process and major investment projects are either announced or under construction.

“Downtown Little Rock will look very different in the next few years, and these friendly faces are on the frontline of the improvement,” said Downtown Little Rock Partnership Executive Director Gabe Holmstrom. “This new Downtown Ambassador Program will greatly enhance our efforts to make Downtown a more welcoming place by adding more trained personnel and key resources to our streets and public spaces.”

Ambassadors will provide an easily identifiable and highly visible presence with branded uniforms and equipment. A well-trained team of eight full-time ambassadors and one supervisor will work in shifts, 7 a.m. – 8:30 p.m., seven days a week, to deliver hospitality and public assistance, walking patrols, monitoring, reporting, and expanded outreach with local businesses.

The program is possible thanks to the support of Little Rock’s City Directors, Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. and the A&P Commission (LRCVB).

“One of the goals from our 10-year tourism master plan adopted last year,” said Gina Gemberling, President and CEO of the LRCVB, “was to refine a service-centric approach to elevate customer service encouraging repeat stays and positive word of mouth advertising. Our partnership with the DLRP and City will deliver this experience to our visitors and residents.”

ABOUT THE LITTLE ROCK CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

The Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau (LRCVB) is the official destination marketing organization for the City of Little Rock, charged with marketing and selling the city as a meeting, sports and leisure travel destination. The LRCVB also manages the Statehouse Convention Center, Robinson Center, River Market and multiple parking facilities. For more information, visit www.littlerock.com.

ABOUT THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK

Little Rock, with a population of more than 203,000 residents, is the center of government, finance, medicine, technology and industry for the state and region. The City of Little Rock is a leading southern city dedicated to providing an excellent and sustainable quality of life where all families, individuals and businesses can thrive.

###

Downtown Little Rock Partnership is a 501(c)3 non-profit whose mission is to accelerate the success of Downtown Little Rock, through leadership, partnership and initiative, sustaining and growing our vibrant urban core.