In the fall of 2005, despite the rising number of permanent businesses, significant capital investment by the state and influx of city dwellers, downtown Baton Rouge lacked a fiber optic infrastructure. Demands on Cox Business Services (CBS) necessitated Cox Design and Construction to expedite build-out of the area. When Construction began walk-throughs and planning meetings with external stakeholders, they were bombarded with questions regarding pre-engineering work and long-term plans. Construction and CBS realized they needed communications help for the ambitious project – especially to existing and future downtown business owners. They called on the Government and Public Affairs (GPA) staff, which created, launched and managed Cox Connects Downtown, ensuring unimpeded construction and leading to 5% of all 2006 new CBS revenue.