“Newspapers that survive and thrive will have to have structures that promote and support this kind of continuous innovation, with front-line workers taking on much of the responsibilities for identifying and developing these new business opportunities… One positive example of how this might work in practice comes from the case of 209Vibe,” University of California, Davis, “Next Generation Unionism and the Future of Newspapers: Networking, Entrepreneurship and Hybrid Ownership,” April, 2010. Click here to listen to the report’s author discuss 209Vibe on NPR.

“209Vibe has been a great outreach tool, supporter, and innovator in getting the word out for us, helping with the success of our events, and showcasing what Stockton has to offer in an upbeat, vibrant, cutting edge manner. I’ve only been in Stockton 3 years (from the Bay Area via LA, DC, Miami, Chicago) so I’m used to having a publication like the 209Vibe to hear about our arts/music scene (Timeout is not that kind of vehicle). The arts/music scene has been disjointed or even underground here but we see that it’s getting to a ‘tipping’ point and the 209Vibe is certainly a key player there,” Emily Ballus, executive director, Miracle Mile Improvement Association, Stockton. Sept. 30, 2008.

“Stockton, California – a vibrant music scene? If you doubt it, www.209Vibe.com will make you a believer. And, as an outside-the-box innovation effort by a newspaper company, there’s a lot to like about this project,” Newspaper Next 2.0, “Making the Leap Beyond ‘Newspaper Companies,” February, 2008.

“I encourage you to read Ian in The Record, go to his website (www.209Vibe.com) and to ours, (www.visitstockton.org) and find out what is going on IN YOUR COMMUNITY on an ongoing basis,” Douglass Wilhoit, CEO, Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce, Port O Call newspaper, August, 2008.

“The DSA has been delighted to have your support in programming entertainment, artists and radio broadcasts for several Art Walks, two pub crawls – with a third one pending, and the Taste of San Joaquin. We literally feel like we can outsource our entertainment needs to you; you consider our demographic and program appropriate entertainment. What’s also been very valuable is having our events posted on 209Vibe.com, your MySpace page and in the actual print newspaper,” Emily Baime, marketing director, Downtown Stockton Alliance. Oct. 6, 2008.

“In a few short years, the city of Stockton has put over $100 million towards creating a downtown area rich with entertainment and fun for the whole family. The city’s population continues to grow with new people looking for events and music every day. Enter 209vibe.com: San Joaquin County’s new source for music, entertainment, and nightlife.
With the support of Ian Hill, writer of the Music and Entertainment Report appearing in the Friday edition of the Stockton Record, 209Vibe is connecting artists with their audiences and bringing enjoyment to all those ready to feel the vibe.
Pacific students have been great proponents for the project in its early stages. They have shown tremendous enthusiasm, while reaching out to the community and on campus,” The Pacifican, University of the Pacific student newspaper. Oct. 11, 2007.

“You are doing a great job with the Vibe… with your work everyone can see now how Stockton and the valley really does have a good music scene,” David Jon Foster, Stockton visual artist. Aug. 2, 2008.

“Just picked up a copy of the 209Vibe print edition… This is a sweet look for S.J…. Congratulations for your achievement in forwarding an upscale enrichment to valley life,” Jon Guerzon, Stockton teacher and director, Jagged Lines of Imagination art academy. Feb. 3, 2008.

“The content, the print quality, the layout – you guys knocked (it) out of the park. I am proud to take it around town,” Greg Edwards, Modesto concert promoter, December, 2007.

209Vibe.com was nominated in the Best Design and Site Architecture category in the Newspaper Association of America’s 2008 Digital Edge Awards.