The Problem: A consortium consisting of three large corporations, including a subsidiary of an established energy corporation, a Cleveland-based real estate developer and a Georgia-based leasing agent, had proposed to turn the historic Pabst brewery into a $317 million entertainment complex. The developers had proposed a 10-screen movie theater, a video gaming facility, a concert venue, and other entertainment options for PabstCity, which would have used up $41 million of public money through tax incremental financing. Local tavern and restaurant owners in Milwaukee opposed the project and city financing because they feared the plan would over-saturate the entertainment market in Milwaukee and harm their businesses, many of which had been in Milwaukee for years.

Our Role: Through a large public relations campaign ZJS was able to communicate the negative impact Pabst City would have on local small business. Using extensive research techniques ZJS was able to uncover how certain entertainment chains, which were to be included in the Pabst City development, would hinder the growth of the local economy. Although the local media and political administration were largely against our efforts, ZJS continued to press its case using press releases, facts sheets and source documentation to prove our point.

The Result: Despite all odds, on July 6, 2005, the Milwaukee Common Council voted 9-6 against providing $41 million in city funding to support the project

An article from Wispolitics.com:
What's Next for Pabst?

An article featured in Charlie Sykes’ column of 620wmtj news radio:
Killing Pabst City