The City of Auburn, looking for ways to attract new business, has gone digital.

A City-financed, eight-second spot appears on an electronic billboard that greets southbound motorists on Interstate 5, across from the Tacoma Dome.

The sign, “Auburn loves large retail,” flashes in a rotation with other advertisements, according to Jennifer Quevedo, senior account executive for Clear Channel Outdoor.

“Generally, we have eight advertisers’ spots per minute,” Quevedo said.

The sign went up Monday and will continue to flash for a month, officials said.

The City paid $5,000 from its Economic Development General Fund to use the sign.

Mayor Pete Lewis said the City decided to invest in an affordable, effective marketing tool that extends beyond its own borders.

Not so coincidentally, the Auburn sign went up just after the Tacoma City Council had imposed a moratorium on big-box stores. The council’s action affects all superstores, except Walmart, because a development proposal for a new Walmart has already been vested.

“We’re sort of poking the big bear,” Lewis said. “I didn’t mean to offend Tacoma, I meant to attract business to Auburn.

“You know, we kind of like some of those big-box retailers,” Lewis added, “so let’s go ahead and tell them we’re interested.”

Added Doug Lein, City Economic Development Manager: “They gave us an incredible deal. It’s normally about $18,000 a month, and we’re guaranteed one month.”

Lein has already received some feedback.

“I’ve already gotten an e-email that says I’m not allowed in the City of Tacoma anymore,” he said with a laugh.