Newport’s Booster Campaign
The local Commercial Club secures new members and funding to aggressively market the town's growth and resources.
Newport's Commercial Club awakened with a hurrah this week, and as a result of the campaign waged by the executive committee for paid-in-advance memberships, the club now has a membership list with a fund of $360 available for carrying on the publicity campaign for the year, and to use for furthering the growth of the town and the development of tributary territory. The executive committee in two hours' time Wednesday afternoon secured 36 members pledged to pay $10 for one year's dues. The work of soliciting membership will be kept up until all parties have been seen and given an opportunity to enroll as boosters for the town. The publicity committee was authorized to offer a prize of $5 for the most suitable slogan to be adopted and used in advertising the town. The slogan is to consist of not more than six or less than three words. Something distinctive of the town, original and catchy, is wanted.
“The strong front and substantial backing put up by the Commercial Club this year indicates the feeling of 'boost for Newport' that permeates the town.”
The early 20th-century 'booster' culture was a precursor to modern economic development agencies. While the language of 'boosting' has evolved into 'branding' and 'strategic planning,' the fundamental goal of using private funds to drive civic growth remains a cornerstone of small-town politics in Washington.
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