Todd Emmett Writing Sample - National Cherry Blossom Festival

2014 AnnuAl Review

nationalcherryblossomfestival.org

nationalcherryblossomfestival.org2

“ The 1912 gift from Japan is celebrated each year

during the National Cherry Blossom Festival, an

iconic spring event in Washington, DC.”— President Obama and Prime Minister Abe,

in a U.S.- Japan joint statement on April 25, 2014

National Cherry Blossom Festival: Annual Review 11National Cherry Blossom Festival: Annual Review

2014 national Cherry Blossom Festival Steps into Spring

The National Cherry Blossom Festival offered area residents, along with visitors from across the nation and around the world, fresh and innovative programming, inviting them to Step into Spring. For 25 days, from March 20 to April 13—four weekends and more than three weeks—the Festival drew people to participate in its inspiring and engaging events, highlighting all things active.

Honoring the 1912 gift of cherry trees from Tokyo to Washington, DC, the nation’s greatest springtime celebration enticed local visitors and tourists to its predominantly free and open to the public events across the capital. Partners, supporters, and volunteers worked together to create a Festival that:

• Welcomed over 1.5 million people to the nation’s capital, fueling the local economy

• Presented creative and entertaining events, featuring notable personalities and world-class entertainment

• Reached an audience of billions through local, national, and international media coverage and publicity efforts, generating viral buzz through compelling content

• Presented exceptional arts exhibits, cross-cultural experiences, and exchanges with Japan

• Created new active participation opportunities for a broad spectrum of visitors and residents

• Engaged business, government, civic, and youth organizations to unite the community

Always highly anticipated, the National Cherry Blossom Festival brought new ideas and activities to the winter-weary city and region, signifying the arrival of spring.


Festival Website Continues to Bloom

From January 1 – April 13, the website received over 1.6 million visits from more than 1.1 million unique visitors.

Stepping into Spring in DCExceptional Exposure and Economic Impact

“ I used to take #CherryBlossomDC

for granted. Never again.”— Shomari Stone, a reporter for NBC Washington

$15+ Million in Public Relations and Marketing Campaign Value*

• Over 3,100 local and national television media mentions reached an estimated audience of more than 178 million, not including international audiences

• Print circulation reached more than 37 million

• Internet coverage yielded more than 2.9 billion unique pageviews

*Source: Vocus, TV Eyes

Engaging the Public Online

New contests and exciting content on social media increased exposure to attendees and fans.

• 52,260 likes on Facebook, a 45% increase, reaching more than 12.1 million people

• 7,830 Twitter followers, a 33% increase

• Fans shared pictures of Capital Bikeshare’s #bikeinbloom, resulting in more than 1 million impressions

• 704 Instagram followers, a 101% increase, with 5,000 interactions

• Fans showed how they #StepIntoSpring for the chance to win tickets to National Cherry Blossom Festival night with the Washington Nationals, reaching more than 155,000

Mobile App Navigates the Festival with Ease

Thousands used the free Festival app, which included a re-designed interface and new self-guided walking tour, sponsored by Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The streamlined app helped attendees access event updates, plan a custom schedule, find nearby restaurants, and enjoy the Festival to the utmost.

Each year, the National Cherry Blossom Festival draws international attention to the DC area, bringing millions of tourism dollars to the local economy.

National Cherry Blossom Festival: Annual Review 3

Partners Bolster Marketing and Promotional efforts

Co-branding efforts brought the Festival to high-impact locations throughout the city, across the region and further afield.

• Expanded and new local media partners reached diverse audiences, including readers of The Washington Informer, The Washington Blade and The Washington City Paper

• In New York City, a 30-second video on the Toshiba screen in Times Square earned 1.5 million impressions daily for 30 days

• In partnership with goDCgo, signage and information was displayed on the Circulator and bus shelters

• New signage appeared on the plaza at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center for five weeks

• Branding was exhibited at Ronald Reagan National Airport and Dulles International Airport

• 90 area Safeway stores featured Festival information and brochures

• 164 Capital One Bank®branches promoted the Festival

Record Metrorail Ridership

On Saturday, April 12, Metrorail ridership was 638,474, making it the busiest Saturday since October 30, 2010, and nearly doubling the numbers for an average Saturday. On the last day of the Festival, Sunday, April 13, ridership was 405,154 trips – 83% higher than an average Sunday – making it the busiest Sunday on Metrorail since July 4, 2010.

Capital Bikeshare Breaks Records

On Saturday, April 12, Capital Bikeshare had a record 15,746 daily trips, topping the previous daily record by more than 4,000 trips. On weekends during the Festival, more than 70,000 trips were taken, a 10% increase over the highest year to date.

visitors from Around the world

Over 1.5 million people enjoyed the National Cherry Blossom Festival. An estimated 55% of Festival attendees were from DC, Maryland and Virginia, 45% come from out of town.*

*Source: Alexander Babbage

PinnACle AwARDSEach year, the International Festival & Events Association (IFEA) recognizes outstanding accomplishments by festivals and events around the world through its prestigious Pinnacle Awards Competition. The National Cherry Blossom Festival is thrilled to have won Bronze in the Grand Pinnacle category, IFEA’s highest award. The Festival also won:

GOlD

Best Children’s Programming: Family Days presented with the National Building Museum and sponsored by Safeway

Best Event Website: nationalcherryblossomfestival.org

SilveR

Best Mobile App

Best Media Relations Campaign

Best Miscellaneous Printed Item: 2013 Annual Review

BROnZe

Best Single Magazine Display Ad: Pink Tie Party, seen in Capitol File magazine

Best Commemorative Poster

Honors also include:

Top 100 Event in the United States by BizBash

Top 100 Event in North America for 2014 by the American Bus Association

Special Citation for Community Engagement with Lighting from Architectural Lighting magazine for the 2013 Lantern Field installation (in partnership with the Freer Gallery of Art and Virginia Tech)

Awards and Accolades

“ Guest Services saw an impressive

level of sales, second only to 2013,

when the Welcome Area was open

an additional week.” — Gerry Gabrys, Chief Executive Officer, Guest

Services, Inc. (official concessionaire for the National Park Service)


City in BloomThe City in Bloom campaign, presented by Capital One Bank®, gave participants ways to Step into Spring with pink lighting and blossom projections, decals, and more. Over 1,000 entities took part in the program, including two area airports, the D.C. Taxicab Commission, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, and goDCgo.

The trail of blossom decals went from hotel, restaurant and shop windows, to taxis and Metro stations, to Capital Bikeshare’s fleet of 2,000+ bikes around the city. Among lighting displays, the Government of the District of Columbia lit the historic John A. Wilson Building. The NEWSEUM, the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, and the brand new CityCenterDC lit and projected blossoms.

City in Bloom went global when the iconic Tokyo Tower was lit up in pink on April 5 and April 12, to coincide with the peak bloom of the cherry trees in Tokyo and Washington, DC. The popular jazz venue Blue Note Tokyo in Japan also joined. This simultaneous springtime celebration between countries made City in Bloom truly extraordinary.


Deals for Petal Pass HoldersLocal attractions, restaurants, retail stores, fitness centers, museums, and more offered deals and discounts to Petal Pass holders as part of this second annual program. 164 Capital One Bank® branches offered the free Pass that featured springtime savings from 56 participants at more than 845 locations.

Spring Menus Delighted Diners Produced with Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington, and now in its 12th year, Cherry Picks showcased DC’s vibrant dining scene at 101 venues throughout the region. Chefs and mixologists created innovative entrées, appetizers, desserts, cocktails, and even entire multi-course menus inspired by the blossoms.

Thousands visited Festival Headquarters at union StationContinuing a tradition, thousands stopped for official merchandise at the National Cherry Blossom Festival® Headquarters located inside Union Station’s West Hall. Evelia Sowash created this year’s official artwork, which appeared on the 2014 poster and Festival merchandise, and quickly became a best-selling design. Known for flora-inspired creations, Sowash was inspired by the blossoms, and calls them “nature’s confectionery delight for the eyes.”

Tidal Basin welcome Area and Performance Stage

The National Park Service, National Cherry Blossom Festival, and Guest Services, Inc., welcomed over one million people to the Tidal Basin Welcome Area. National Park Service rangers offered a multitude of jogging, walking, and lantern-

lit tours, including a “Pups’n Petals” dog walk. Merchandise, visitor services, and paddle boat rides were also available. Each day, the National Cherry Blossom Festival offered hours of eclectic free entertainment featuring talented artists and groups, as guests relaxed amidst the blossoms and monuments.

Stepping into the Springtime Spirituniting the DC Region and Beyond


Opening CeremonyThe Opening Ceremony celebrated the 102nd anniversary of the gift of trees with spirited performances by American and Japanese talent at the Warner Theatre. City officials, dignitaries, and Festival leaders joined renowned performers representing a variety of classic and contemporary backgrounds, including R&B singer and songwriter Judith Hill, tango singer Anna Saeki, Okinawan pop star Rimi Natsukawa, jazz musician Kaori Kobayashi with the Mao Sone Quartet, Juilliard School baritone Takaoki Onishi, and the Howard University Step Team.


Stepping into the SpotlightSignature events and Favorite Traditions

Step into Spring Fitness Programming sponsored by Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, inc. Hundreds of exercise enthusiasts participated in free group activities at both the Jefferson Memorial and the Washington Monument on two Festival Saturdays. Classes included cardio kickboxing, world beat dance, and Zumba. Approximately 2,000 yogis came together with lululemon athletica on the Washington Monument grounds to participate in one of the largest community yoga classes in DC.

Pink Tie Party Guests Celebrated the Blossoms in StyleThe 8th annual stylish Festival fundraiser welcomed more than 800 party revelers who donned “Pink Tie” attire for this year’s focus on fashion, with displays from The Collection at Chevy Chase, Macy’s, Brooks Brothers, and Capitol File magazine. Guests played games of chance including a ring toss and balloon darts, and also bid in a high-end silent auction. Delicious cuisine and libations, surprise entertainment, and music had people celebrating the season of blossoms well into the evening. The Pink Tie Party was held at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center for the first time, and the successful fundraiser will be held there again in 2015. The event is supported by Trade Center Management Associates (TCMA), the exclusive real estate and hospitality service provider for the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.

The Festival presented exciting programming that entertained and educated with an active twist on classic events. The Festival also introduced new, innovative activities that engaged audiences in creative ways—encouraging them to participate on a more personal level.


Family Days Families enjoyed a weekend-long event with fun for all ages, presented with the National Building Museum and sponsored by Safeway. Over 10,500 attendees participated in hands-on activities inspired by spring, Japanese arts, design, and architecture. Visitors enjoyed a friendly dance competition and built a balloon garden. National Building Museum volunteers led children in constructing cha-shitsu teahouses and Japanese gardens. Safeway returned to sponsor a bustling craft zone where attendees made cherry trees out of popcorn. The performance stage turned the spotlight on lively youth acts, including the Nen Daiko drummers, Shizumi Kodomo Dance troupe, Blues Alley Youth Orchestra, the Howard University Step Team, the Georgetown University Tappin’ Jacks, and more.

Severe weather: Blossom Kite Festival Called OffPlans to Soar Into Spring were put on hold as a weekend of unrelenting rain forced the cancellation of the ever-popular Blossom Kite Festival, an extremely rare occurance.


Cherry Blast: Art + Music Dance Party Blind Whino, a dedicated art space in Southwest DC that is housed in a former church and is itself a piece of art with elaborate outdoor murals, was the perfect venue for this multi-media, multi-sensory extravaganza. More than 1,100 partiers enjoyed visual programming provided by Art Whino, including a curated blossom exhibit featuring hundreds of themed visual pieces, performance art, live bands, and DJs.

Grand Sake TastingFor one night only at the historic Carnegie Library, master brewers from Japan offered attendees the rare opportunity to taste a variety of world-famous sake, shochu, and beer. Guests mingled with celebrity chef Candice Kumai, ate Japanese food, watched traditional performances, and bid on favorite bottles of sake to take home.


Southwest waterfront Fireworks FestivalThe National Cherry Blossom Festival and Southwest Waterfront community welcomed more than 55,000 visitors for a day of music, family-centric activities for all ages, cultural experiences, live entertainment, and delicious food. Attendees enjoyed three stages with eclectic music, hands-on activities for children, the Very Cherry Marketplace with fine arts and crafts, a beer garden, food trucks, the Cherry Blossom Beach with games and activities, and more. Lighted boat displays and floating lanterns led up to the spectacular Fireworks Show to end the day. The Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival was supported by The Wharf: Hoffman-Madison Waterfront, with community leadership from the Washington Waterfront Association.


national Cherry Blossom Festival Parade® Presented by events DCContinuing a tradition of more than 60 years, on Saturday, April 12, the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade® presented by Events DC stepped down Constitution Avenue with vibrant fanfare – including floats, marching bands from across the country, giant helium balloons, blossom-inspired décor, and colorful costumes. Approximately 150,000 people enjoyed outstanding celebrity entertainment including American Idol winner Candice Glover, Grammy winning artists Sheena Easton and Regina Belle, pop star Aaron Carter, and many more. Norah O’Donnell, co-anchor of CBS This Morning, joined WUSA 9 News anchors Andrea Roane and Mike Hydeck to host, and WASH-FM’s Loo Katz and Matt Bosso hosted the second performance area. The Parade is nationally syndicated to more than 76% of the U.S. with the support of Events DC.


New Traditions Begin at Tysons Corner CenterIn a spectacular display, Tysons Corner Center featured Voyo Woo’s paper-cutting exhibit, Blossoming Paper. Cut and folded paper cherry blossoms on trees made for a thrilling expression of a traditional Japanese art form, and set the atmosphere for the month-long celebration at a central hub.


Stepping into Blossoms CreativelyArts and Culture Continue to Bring Diversity

Performances and events from outstanding Japanese and American artists celebrated Japanese cultural influences as the national Cherry Blossom Festival honored the friendship between the united States and Japan.

Aun-J Classic Orchestra The AUN-J Classic Orchestra enlivened the Festival with multiple performances. The group of young musicians is known for their energetic, bold style on traditional, sustainable Japanese instruments. AUN-J played the official closing concert on the Tidal Basin Stage for thousands Sunday, April 13, coinciding with peak bloom of the cherry blossom trees. They also performed during the screening of the documentary Umi Yama Aida (In Between Mountains and Oceans) at the National Archives, and for students at Turner Elementary School.

Contemporary Japanese Ceramics by living national Treasures and Other Masters

emerging Japanese Jazz Series Blues Alley Jazz Club in historic Georgetown presented a new series of jazz concerts, showcasing aspiring Japanese artists from America’s most prominent music conservatories. Concerts included Chihiro Yamanaka; New School Night, featuring Martha Kato; and Berklee College Night, featuring Mao Sone.

The Smithsonian’s Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Chigusa and the Art of Tea explored objects used in tea gatherings, as well as diaries, calligraphy displays, and Japanese stoneware. Kiyochika: Master of the Night showcased a portion of the artist’s extensive print series. Thousands of visitors enjoyed a range of free public programs including a performance by the Tamagawa University Taiko Drumming & Dance Troupe.

Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street FestivalApproximately 43,000 people flocked to Pennsylvania Avenue for The Japan-America Society of Washington DC’s 54th Sakura Matsuri. This family-friendly event is the largest Japanese cultural festival in the United States, and featured over 20 hours of live performances on three stages, arts and cultural activities, food, a marketplace, and much more. The new Culinary Arts Pavilion offered cooking demonstrations throughout the day, with a special demonstration from Chef Tatsuo Saito, celebrity host of Dining with the Chef on NHK World.

At the Japan Information and Culture Center, run by the Embassy of Japan, visitors enjoyed an exhibition of the finest contemporary Japanese ceramics, showcasing works and techniques spanning generations.


Youth Art Contest & Community Art ShowCoordinated in partnership with the DC Arts & Humanities Education Collaborative, the program accepted entries from 36 DC public and charter schools spanning grades K-12. Through their entries, students depicted how they “Step into Spring” with the National Cherry Blossom Festival. The public selected the overall winner from the finalists within each grade category by voting at the art show held at PEPCO Edison Place, or by “liking” an image in the Facebook gallery.

Sing into Spring Competition In the first annual Sing into Spring competition, the Festival engaged hundreds of local singers who competed for the chance to perform in the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade® presented by Events DC. The top performers were chosen to audition at an event hosted by American Idol’s Justin Guarini. Five solo and group vocalists were selected: The GW Vibes and Reverb, two a cappella groups from Washington, DC; Ashley from Mount Rainier, Maryland; Alan Gendreau from Washington, DC; and eight-year-old Kelvin Dukes from Burtonsville, Maryland. The judges included Joe Coleman, former lead vocalist of The Platters; Louise Robinson of Sweet Honey and the Rock; and Darik Kristofer, host for 94.7 Fresh FM.


enGAGinG THe COMMuniTY

Stepping into the Communityexpanding Reach and ensuring the Future

Furthering the Gift of Trees Continuing the circle of giving, the Festival and Casey Trees planted cherry trees throughout Washington, DC. Tree plantings spread the gift of trees beyond the Tidal Basin, creating neighborhood traditions for years to come. Plantings occurred at Turner Elementary School, Canal Park, Kingman Island in the Anacostia River, and will continue into the fall. A portion of the trees planted were donated by Macy’s.

Goodwill Ambassadors Goodwill Ambassadors are talented, energetic young adults who have a true passion for international relations, community involvement, and the Festival. They acted as cultural liaisons, led educational presentations at DC schools, and interacted with attendees. In June, the National Cherry Blossom Festival Goodwill Ambassadors are invited to Japan as part of the “KAKEHASHI Project – The Bridge for Tomorrow,” to further US-Japan relations and promote cross-cultural exchange.

Gift of Trees Patch Program Over 600 patches were earned upon completion of the program with the Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital. The Festival also participated in the Girl Scout’s DC Step Showcase.

Blossom KidsThe new Blossom Kids page introduced in 2014 offered three different sections – Play, Create, and Explore – for children to learn about the Festival all year long with fun, interactive activities.

increasing Accessibility Through a new partnership with the Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind, the National Cherry Blossom Festival offered expanded services to people who are blind, visually impaired, and DeafBlind. Volunteers accompanied those in need to the Tidal Basin, and customizable maps gave walking directions.

Blossoms and Baseball A springtime tradition, Blossoms and Baseball celebrated National Cherry Blossom Festival night at Nationals Park. People wore pink to the park to cheer on the Washington Nationals and participated in pre-game activities. A portion of the proceeds from tickets

purchased at nationals.com/blossomsandbaseball benefit the Festival throughout the season.

evening at the Ambassador’s Residence Business leaders and notable Washingtonians came together for a dinner at the residence of the Ambassador of Japan to raise support and awareness of the Festival. The dinner, hosted by Ambassador and Mrs. Sasae and chaired by General Richard Myers, USAF (Ret.) and Mrs. Mary Jo Myers, highlighted the importance of the Festival’s mission to promote and preserve the legacy of the gift of trees and the close relationship between the U.S. and Japan.


Blossom Kite Festival

Cherry Blast: Art + Music Dance Party

Cherry Picks Restaurant Program in partnership with Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington

City in Bloom presented by Capital One Bank®

Family Days presented with the National Building Museum, sponsored by Safeway

Gift of Trees Patch Program in partnership with the Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital

Goodwill Ambassadors Program

Grand Sake Tasting

National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade® presented by Events DC

Neighborhood Tree Planting Program

Opening Ceremony

2014 national Cherry Blossom Festival events & Programs

Official Participating Organizations AUN-J Classic Orchestra

Arise Bazaar

The Art and Drama Therapy Institute, Inc. (ADTI)

Blind Whino: SW Arts Club

Blues Alley Jazz Society

Cantate Chamber Singers

Capitol Riverfront BID

Cherry Blossom, Inc.

Colvin Run Mills Historic Site

Corcoran Gallery of Art

DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities

District Sports

Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital

Events DC

Fairfax County Park Authority

Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery

Guest Services, Inc.

The Japan-America Society of Washington DC

Japan Information and Culture Center/ Embassy of Japan

Joy of Motion Dance Center

Library of Congress

lululemon athletica

Macy’s

Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic

National Building Museum

Tour Providers Big Bus Tours

Bike and Roll Washington DC

Capital Yacht Charters

DC Cruises

DC Metro Food Tours

Entertainment Cruises

National Pedicabs

Washington Photo Safari

Petal Pass Program presented by Capital One Bank®

Pink Tie Party

Postcards to the Troops

Sing into Spring Competition

Step into Spring Fitness Programming sponsored by Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival produced by The Japan-America Society of Washington DC

Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival

Tidal Basin Performance Stage

Youth Ambassador Program

Youth Art Contest and Community Art Show presented with the DC Arts & Humanities Education Collaborative

National Conference of State Societies

National Japanese American Memorial Foundation

National Museum of Women in the Arts

The Phillips Collection

S&R Foundation

Smithsonian American Art Museum

Tysons Corner Center

U.S. National Arboretum

United States Navy Memorial Foundation

Visit Fairfax

Washington Nationals

Washington Rugby Football Club

Washington Waterfront Association

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants

Mandarin Oriental, Washington D.C.

Hotel Partners


Sponsors leadership Circle

Events DC

Host Sponsors

Capital One Bank®

Safeway Inc.

Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Big Bus Tours

DowntownDC Business Improvement District

Trade Center Management Associates (TCMA)

Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center

National Building Museum

Festival Associates

Destination DC


The Jorgensen Law Firm, PLLC

Linder & Associates

Sage Communications

Sakura Circle

agencyQ

Allison+Partners

ANA–All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd.

Arena Stage

AT&T

Beringer Vineyards

Brooks Brothers

Centerplate/NBSE

The Collection at Chevy Chase

CSI Printing & Graphics

Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd.

Donate Life – Be a Donor

Dunkin’ Donuts

Eastern National

EventEQ

Georgetown Cupcake

Geppetto Catering, Inc.

Guest Services, Inc.

Hair Cuttery


JCAW Foundation, Inc.

Johnson’s Florist and Garden Centers

Kawasaki Heavy Industries

Kirin Brewery

Macy’s

Mandarin Oriental, Washington D.C.

Mary Chocolate Co. Ltd.

Media Partners

WUSA 9

ABC7/WJLA-TV

Comcast

WHERE Magazine

Washington City Paper

Washingtonian Media

Capitol File Magazine

On Tap Magazine

Washington Blade

The Washington Informer

Washington Parent

The Washington Post

WASH-FM

98.7 WMZQ

BIG 100.3

HOT 99.5

94.7 Fresh FM

El Zol 107.9

WPGC 95.5

Social Sightings

CultureCapital.com

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority

Microsoft

Mitsubishi International Corporation

The National Press Club

NEWSEUM

Odyssey Cruises

Pentagon Federal Credit Union

Pepsi-Cola

Premier Plantscapes

Procter & Gamble premium brands: Tide, Bounty, Charmin, Pantene, Pampers, and Crest

S&R Foundation

Spirit Cruises

SUBWAY® Restaurants of the greater Washington DC area

Toshiba

TOYOTA

Turkish Airlines

Tysons Corner Center

Uber

Union Station

Warner Theatre

Washington Nationals

The Wharf: Hoffman-Madison Waterfront

WUSA 9


Supporters and Donors

Alex and Ani

Amtrak

Anonymous Donor

Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ

BGR Group

Blackstone

Cantina Marina

Capitol Riverfront BID

Carmine’s

Casey Trees

Cherry Blossom, Inc.

Chevron

Chrysler

The Coca-Cola Company

Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind

Edelman

Enterprise Car Share

ExxonMobil

FedEx Office

Gifford’s Famous Ice Cream

The Graham Georgetown

Hard Rock Cafe

Hitachi, Ltd.

The Hotel Association of Washington, D.C.

ITOCHU International Inc.

The Japan Foundation, New York

The J.C.C. Fund of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry

of New York, Inc.

JCDecaux North America

The J. Williard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants

KIND Healthy Snacks

KPMG, LLP

Lisa Barry

Lockheed Martin

Medieval Times

Melrose Georgetown Hotel

Mitsui Fudosan America

Pepco

Restaurant Associates and Wolfgang Puck Catering

Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington

RideScout

The Sally Foss and James Scott Hill Foundation

STK

Stonehall Farm

Sumitomo Corporation of America

Tokyo Tower

Tysons Galleria

University of the District of Columbia

U.S. Travel Association

Visit Fairfax

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority

Washington Waterfront Association

The Honorable William Webster

Special thanks to the

National Park Service,

Embassy of Japan, and

Government of the

District of Columbia.


Board of Directors Chair

Kristin M. Rohr Director, Marketing and Communications Guest Services, Inc.

vice Chair

Sue Porter Director of Visitor Services Visit Fairfax

Secretary

Barbara ehrlich

Treasurer

Christy l. Toole Senior Manager, Audit KPMG, LLP

Members

Theresa Belpulsi Vice President, Tourism & Visitor Services Destination DC

Cynthia Brock-SmithSecretary of the District of Columbia

Pam Galloway-TabbSenior Vice President, Conferences & Special Services, Newseum

Tony GittensExecutive Director, Filmfest DC

Kathy HollingerPresident, the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington

Solomon Keene, Jr.President, Hotel Association of Washington, D.C.

Dr. Sachiko KunoPresident, S&R Foundation

Karyn G. le BlancDirector of Communications DowntownDC Business Improvement District

Mary O’Connor loJaconoSenior Vice President & Senior Partner FleishmanHillard Inc.

laurel lukaszewskiArtist

Ambassador John MalottPresident & CEO, The Japan-America Society of Washington DC

Susan e.S. nortonCEO, Wildscreen USA

Gregory O’DellPresident & CEO, Events DC

elizabeth ScottEats Good Media

Dan ShermanPresident & CEO, HIP Network | Sherman Hospitality

Michael Stevens, AiCPExecutive Director, Capitol Riverfront BID

Katie StrattonSenior Consultant, Philanthropy Leadership Council, The Advisory Board Company

Tsunehiko YanagiharaSenior Vice President & General Manager, Washington Office, Mitsubishi International Corporation

David YaoSenior Vice President & General Manager, Council for International Cooperation

Deborah ZiskaChief of Press & Public Information, National Gallery of Art Press Office

emerita: ellie Harvey

national Park Service liaison to the Board

Jenn Kays

welcome incoming 2014-2015 Members

lisa AbramsDirector of Government Affairs, The Hotel Association of Washington, D.C.

Jeffery BankCEO, The Alicart Restaurant Group

Katy CannonPrinciple, The Cannon Group LLC

Marc HitzigExecutive Director, The Japan-America Society of Washington DC

Chris McGeePartner, Mercer


Festival StaffDiana Mayhew President

Kimberly Boyd-lewis Director of Operations

lillian iversen Director of Programming

nicole Breslin-Romano Acting Business Manager

Danielle Davis Communications Manager

emily Garber Sponsorship & Marketing Coordinator

Alissa Maru Program Manager

Roz Moore Sponsorship Manager

elissa Staley Program Manager

Remi wallace Program Coordinator, External Relations

Goodwill AmbassadorsJoseph Cooper Senior, George Washington University

Geirrlon Dunn Senior, George Washington University

Chanel Grice Freshman, George Mason University

Farrah Hasnain Senior, George Washington University

Shun ishihata Senior, American University

elena Mattione Master’s Student, American University

Sarah Santana Sophomore, Georgetown University

Marissa Kiyomi Young Sophomore, George Washington University

ConsultantsAbbe Kaufmann Associates

agencyQ

Allison + Partners

CrowdTorch

Behind the Scenes Events, LLC

Ramona Carver

Jeff Dacy

Carol Herwig

JM Best Entertainment, Inc.

Ruby Dichirico King

Linder & Associates

Sue Murphy

Personalized Classics

Sage Communications

Under The Sun Productions

The Webster GroupAnnual Review Contributing Photographers: Rassi Borneo; Capital Bikeshare; Nick Eckert; Embassy of Japan; Ron Engle; Pepe Gomez; Liz Gorman; Farrah Hasnain; Steve Piacente; Margot Smirniotopoulos; Daniel Swartz

Congressional CommitteeRepresentative Ron Barber

Representative Joe L. Barton

Representative Joyce Beatty

Representative Robert A. Brady

Senator Richard M. Burr

Senator Robert P. Casey Jr.

Representative David N. Cicilline

Representative William L. Clay Jr.

Representative Howard Coble

Representative Paul J. Cook

Senator Bob P. Corker

Representative John K. Delaney

Representative Lloyd A. Doggett II

Representative Donna F. Edwards

Senator Michael B. Enzi

Representative Eni F.H. Faleomavaega

Representative Sam Farr

Representative Mike G. Fitzpatrick

Senator Chuck E. Grassley

Representative Ralph M. Hall

Senator Tim P. Johnson

Senator Mary L. Landrieu

Representative Cynthia M. Lummis

Representative Carolyn McCarthy

Representative Mark M. Meadows

Representative Grace Meng

Representative Candice S. Miller

Representative Jim P. Moran Jr.

Senator Lisa Murkowski

Senator Bill Nelson

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton

Representative Tom E. Petri

Representative Chellie M. Pingree

Senator Mark L. Pryor

Representative Nick J. Rahall II

Majority Leader Harry Reid

Senator John D. Rockefeller IV

Representative Bobby L. Rush

Senator Charles E. Schumer

Representative Allyson Y. Schwartz

Representative John M. Shimkus

Representative Albio Sires

Representative Paul D. Tonko

Senator Patrick J. Toomey

Representative Rob J. Wittman

Representative Frank R. Wolf

Representative Todd C. Young


Nurturing a Legacy and Lasting ImpactThe National Cherry Blossom Festival is dedicated to engaging the community in fresh and innovative ways each year. By providing entertaining events and unique cultural experiences, it creates a lasting and positive impact on the Washington, DC community and nation. In 2015, an emphasis centered on our green world will emerge, as the Festival focuses on parks, gardens, and green spaces from March 20 through April 12. We will continue to invite guests to Step into Spring, making Washington, DC a leading global travel destination, welcoming millions to enjoy the nation’s greatest springtime celebration for years to come.

lOOKinG FORwARD

The National Cherry Blossom Festival, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the beauty of nature and international friendship through year-round programs, events, and educational initiatives that enhance our environment, showcase arts and culture, and build community spirit.

National Cherry Blossom Festival 1250 H Street, NW, Suite 1000

Washington, DC 20005202.661.7585

nationalcherryblossomfestival.org

Documents

Todd Emmett Writing Sample - National Cherry Blossom Festival