Dear Oakland Business Community:

Please join the City of Oakland in promoting the New York Times ranking of our city as the #5 place to visit in the world.  In the esteemed publication’s recent feature “45 Places to Go in 2012,” Oakland was ranked #1 among all North American cities, placing in between #4 London and #6 Tokyo.

If you’ve not had the opportunity to read the article from January 8, 2012, print edition, click here to view the story.

The original story generated local and national press including this January 24 video on FoxNews.com and this January 9th blog entry on Huffington Post.

Spreading the good word about the New York Times’ recognition benefits all of Oakland. It is a huge boost for civic pride and the city’s image and will help position our city to attract new business and investment.

Here are some suggestions on where you can easily feature this important accolade:

• In your newsletters and linking to the article from your eNewsletters
• On your website and blog
• In your email signature block
• In your social media platforms (Facebook, etc.)

To assist you, we’ve posted electronic banners and sample language on www2.oaklandnet.com/News/OAK033058. These ready-made banners are easy to post on websites or add to emails.

Links to the City’s press release on the ranking and local and national coverage it generated are also posted there. Our online City News Room is a great source for accolades, factoids and press clippings for use by all in your marketing and other activities that promote Oakland.

Thank you for joining us in promoting this important accolade for our city!