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SOLEDAD, Calif., Feb. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- While government officials from Washington, DC gathered today to officially open Pinnacles National Park, it was the residents and business owners from the city of Soledad that had the most to celebrate. Located just ten miles from the western entrance of the Pinnacles, Soledad anticipates tens of thousands of hikers, rock climbers and outdoor enthusiasts to pass through the city on their way to explore the country's newest national park, representing a huge potential boost to Soledad businesses.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130211/CG57864) Last week, city leaders proclaimed Soledad the "Gateway to the Pinnacles" and unveiled renderings of two new monuments planned for the city's historic downtown business district. In addition, city leaders announced a lengthy list of efforts they will undertake to boost local businesses and maximize local investment ahead of the expected tourism boom.

"We are honored to welcome Secretary Salazar and Senators Feinstein and Boxer to Pinnacles National Park and thank them and our US Representative Sam Farr for their leadership in helping to put our region on the map," said Soledad Mayor Fred Ledesma. "We have been given an enormous opportunity, but it is now our responsibility to seize it and do everything we can to promote our local restaurants and businesses that make Soledad such a special place to visit."

The City of Soledad has launched an aggressive marketing and media strategy, including a Facebook page and Twitter profile, designed to attract park visitors to patronize Soledad's local businesses and to visit other regional amenities in south Monterey County, like its award-winning wine industry.

About the City of Soledad: The City of Soledad is located in the center of the Salinas Valley, adjacent to US 101 between the beautiful Santa Lucia Mountains to the west and the picturesque Gabilan Mountains to the east. Soledad is home to a booming agricultural community, with fields of lettuce, broccoli and asparagus, as well as some of the finest wine grapes in the state. Visitors can explore nearby Pinnacles National Park, with its world-class hiking and rock-climbing, or sample our burgeoning local wine industry. For more information, visit www.CityofSoledad.com.

Media Contact: Rolando Bonilla Ford & Bonilla, (415) 987-8025, Rolando@fordandbonilla.com News distributed by PR Newswire iReach: https://ireach.prnewswire.com Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130211/CG57864PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.comFord & Bonilla

Web site: http://www.CityofSoledad.com/