Downtown Business Council Announcements

Downtown Business Council Announcements: Don't forget to attend the next Downtown Business Council meeting and mixer on the last Wednesday of the month, November 28th, at 3pm.

Please note, this month's meeting will be held in a special location, at Cornerstone Center for the Arts. A holiday "Meet the Members Mixer" will follow immediately after the meeting, from 4:30 - 6:30 pm, at Cornerstone. Santa will be there at Cornerstone's Candy Cane!

This is an excellent opportunity to network with your downtown peers, keep informed of downtown happenings, and learn all about the Downtown Business Council and our continued efforts to market your business and our downtown neighborhood. Members will be on hand to answer any questions about the Downtown Business Council, and membership applications will be available for anyone who wants to join.

Please spread the word, or pass this email along to any Downtown business who might be interested in the Downtown Business Council.

HOLIDAY WINDOW DRESSING CONTEST

The Muncie Downtown Business Council (MDBC) is sponsoring a contest to select downtown storefronts that best demonstrate the Holiday spirit by way of decorations. To that end, three categories are announced:

1) Most traditionally appointed storefront (i.e. a storefront that is grounded in traditional themes using traditional decorations)

2) Most artistic and creative designed storefront (i.e. a storefront that stretches the boundary of traditional decorations and that expresses businesses offerings in a very creative and artistic way)

3) Most well-lit and/or media focused storefront (i.e. a storefront designed with lights or other mediaa"such as electronicsa"and that conforms to local electrical codes!)

Judging will occur the evening of Thursday, December 6th, which is the First Thursday event for December. Judges for the event will be the general public who attend the eveningas event downtown. A card will be developed that lists all storefronts up for judging and passed out to each participating business prior to the evening of December 6th (in order to complete the printing of voting card please have your storefront window decorated by Friday, November 30th). Cards will then be left at each participating business and gathered by the MDBC the begining of the following week.

We hope that you will participate. I have noticed that a number of storefronts have already been decorated and they look just wonderful.

The three prizes will be bestowed to the winners within the week after the event with the aim of having the Muncie StarPress cover the event before, during and upon notification of the winners.

Again, the MDBC hopes that you will participate. Questions? Please don't hesitate to contact Andrew Dale, President of the Muncie Downtown Business Council, at 284-4987.


DOWNTOWN MUNCIE - MUNCIE MALL PROMO UPDATE

URGENT! Any Downtown business owners interested in participating in the Muncie Mall promotion for the holiday season should contact Bob Hartley at The Artist Within (email theartistwithininc@yahoo.com) or Jamaal Bell at Downtown Development (email jamaal.bell@gmail.com).

We are under a tight deadline and must hear from you right away if you want to take part in this great promotional opportunity. Space is limited and will be available on a first come, first served basis.

The space we have to work with is about 20' wide by 14' high, and will be on the large wall adjacent to Macy's at the Macy's/Finish Line entrance. There will be a large header panel urging mall visitors to "Discover Downtown." Beneath the larger panel will be 10 smaller panels, each one representing a Downtown business or group. See the graphic below for a general idea of how the display will look.

The display will run beginning in November through January 20, 2008. This covers holiday shopping and returns, so our Downtown promotion will receive the maximum exposure.

The cost to sponsor a panel for your business is $210, and will cover the cost of the space and print production. The list below is what Jamaal needs from you to create your individual 22"x36" panel:

* The 5 best photos of your business doing business
* Their largest digital file of your logo (file type doesn't matter) If logos were designed professionally a copy the CD is needed
* Short paragraph marketing the experience and service of your business no more than 60 words.
* Contact info (Name of business, address, phone number, hours of operation and web address).

Please spread the word to any Downtown merchant you think may be interested. Stay tuned to munciedowntown.com, and sign up for the mailing list to stay informed.


MONTHLY COUPON SHEET

MuncieDowntown.com is launching a new "Downtown Deals" monthly coupon sheet in December, to be posted on the website and emailed to its mailing list subscribers. Printed copies of "Downtown Deals" will also be made available at various locations downtown. CLICK HERE TO VIEW A SAMPLE.

Proceeds from the ad sales will be shared with the Muncie Downtown Business Council, to help provide funds for the continued improvement and marketing of our downtown district.

Ads are business card size and cost $50 per month. Call Jomo Williams at 765-282-9477 or email jwilliams@citynfocus.com to reserve your space today. Ask about package discounts!

Please let us know if you'd like to receive printed copies to distribute at your business, or request copies anytime by email to info@munciedowntown.com.

Stay tuned to munciedowntown.com, and sign up for the mailing list to stay informed.

Mayoral Candidates to Speak at DBC Meeting

The Muncie Downtown Business Council will hold a special session with the Mayoral candidates on Thursday, September 27th from 3 to 5pm in the Star Press conference room.

This special meeting is a departure from the regularly scheduled MDBC members meeting, normally held on the last Wednesday of each month.

Immediately following the Mayoral Event, DBC Vice President Bob Hartley will host a "Meet the Members Mixer" at the Artist Within from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. This is an excellent opportunity to network with your downtown peers, and to learn all about the Downtown Business Council and our continued efforts to market your organization and our downtown neighborhood.

The next "Meet the Members" mixer is scheduled for November 29 at Cornerstone Center for the Arts.

Provided below is the agenda for the meeting along with the five initial questions we'll be asking each of the candidates:

1. Welcome & Introductions (2-3 minutes)

2. Mayoral Candidate Opening Remarks (at this time each candidate will have up to eight (8) minutes to share general platforms...anything you want to share with those in attendance)

3. Planned Questions: 1) Why are you running for mayor? 2) What is your position on downtown Muncie...to what degree of emphasis will you place your efforts toward the downtown? 3) What roll can you provide in facilitating a more meaningful dialogue between BSU and downtown Muncie? 4) What will your approach be in dealing with the Hotel Roberts? and 5) There are two organizations that focus to higher degree on downtown Muncie--that being the MDBC and Heart of the City. What rolls do you understand them to each maintain and how do you see yourself utilizing these entities during your tenure as mayor? (Questions will be alternated between each candidate so that neither candidate has an on-going advantage through the Q & A process.)

4. Questions from the audience (selected using index card submissions and gleaned so that a variety of questions can be responded to).

5. Closing Statements (up to five (5) minutes each.)

ArtsWalk Set for October 4

Downtown Development and Ball State University's Departments of Fine Art and Music will join forces with downtown merchants, galleries and property owners for an evening of art, food and music for Artwalk 2007, 5-9 p.m. Oct. 4.

All retail merchants on Walnut and Main streets will be open for extended hours during ArtWalk, and will have special treats in store.

Any artist, poet, musician, filmmaker, dancer or theatrical group interested in being involved in the evening's festivities, as well as any business or organization with special events planned, should call Cheryl Crowder at Downtown Development, (765) 282-7897.

They are looking for info from all art galleries, restaurants, clubs or individual merchants who might have an exhibit, open house or entertainment available for our downtown guests on October 4th.

If you are an arts related organization not already located Downtown and would like us to find a place for you to set-up or perform, let them know!

If you are an information source, please send this request for info to you e-mail list or post to your website.

To be included in the "ArtsWalk" map, send information to chercrowder@gmail.com by next Tuesday, September 25th.

Downtown Business Council Important Announcements

Don't miss this week's meeting and mixer! The Downtown Business Council invites merchants, friends and residents of downtown to join us for the next Downtown Business Council meeting on Wednesday, July 25th, at 3:00 pm in The Star Press conference room, 345 S. High St.

A "Meet the Members" social mixer will be the following evening, Thursday, July 26th, from 5 to 7 pm at Doc's, 215 S. Walnut St.

Please make a point to attend the meeting and/or the mixer to learn all about the Downtown Business Council, and our continued efforts to market your business and our downtown neighborhood.

Members will be on hand to answer any questions about the Downtown Business Council, and membership applications will be available for anyone who wants to join.

You need not be a member to attend the meetings. Residents, organizations and supporters of downtown in general are all encouraged to take the time to attend. Meetings typically last one hour. Downtown Business Council is not limited to businesses and merchants.

This is an excellent opportunity to network with your downtown peers, and discover what DBC can do for you. Please come by, bring a friend, and help take part in making Downtown Muncie the best place to be.

Future "Meet the Members" mixers are scheduled for Sept. 27th at The Artist Within, and November 29th at Cornerstone Center for the Arts.


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MEMBERSHIP DUES ARE NOW DUE

DBC membership applications and payments are now due. If you are unsure whether your membership is due, it more than likely is. Few applications have been received at this time. Membership dues are $25 for Individual or Friend membership, and $50 for Corporate membership, and will be effective through June 2008.

You may download an application at the following link:
http://www.munciedowntown.com/DBC/DBC_Membership_Application_2007.pdf

Applications will also be available at the upcoming meeting on July 25th, and the "Meet the Members Mixer" on July 26th. If you would like an application mailed to you, please email your request, along with your mailing address, to info@munciedowntown.com.

You may bring your completed application, along with dues payment, to the meeting or the mixer, or you may drop them off at the following locations:
Downtown Development office, 407 S. Walnut St.
MuncieDowntown.com office, 405 S. Walnut St. Suite 206 (use mail slot)
David Dale Designs, 421 S. Walnut St.
Glitterati Salon, 125 E. Charles St. #110 (Rose Court building)
Doc's, 215 S. Walnut St.


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MEMBERSHIP PACKETS

The deadline is approaching to submit materials for the DBC membership packets by Friday, August 10th.

Please send your calendar of events (through 2008 if possible, or as much as you have, including TBA events) by email to info@munciedowntown.com, or by mail to:
Carey Hays
405 S. Walnut St. Suite 206
Muncie IN 47305

If you have any promotional materials, brochures, flyers, coupons, menus etc. you would like to have included in the membership packets, please bring approx. 100 pieces (marked for DBC Membership Packets) to one of the following locations before August 10th:

Downtown Development office, 407 S. Walnut St.
MuncieDowntown.com office, 405 S. Walnut St. Suite 206 (use mail slot)
David Dale Designs, 421 S. Walnut St.
Glitterati Salon, 125 E. Charles St. #110 (Rose Court building)
Doc's, 215 S. Walnut St.

Any questions, comments or suggestions, please email info@munciedowntown.com.

Volunteers Needed for Downtown Events

Hello everyone!

The Muncie Downtown Business Council is signed up to volunteer for the Friday Night Movie, this Friday, July 20. The Special Events/Volunteer Committee needs 4-6 volunteers to help from 7:30pm-11:30ish.

The movie playing will be “Pirates of the Caribbean.” See below for a description of what is expected of the volunteers.

Additionally, Downtown Development is seeking vounteers to help out with Rib Fest, coming up on Saturday, August 4th, and Sunday, August 5th.

If you or anyone you know might be interested in giving a few hours of your time to help out, please contact Cheryl Crowder at 282-7897.

Free Friday Night Movies Volunteer Info

* 4-6 volunteers * 7:30 set-up movies start about 9:30. Meet at our office, 407 S. Walnut St. Parking is available in either lot at the corners of Charles and Walnut Street.
* Set-up involves bringing out all concessions, pop coolers and tables. We will have helpers to bring out popcorn machine and hotdog machine.
* Sell concessions. Food handlers (popcorn and pizza, hotdogs) must wear gloves and cannot handle money. Please do not smoke behind the concession table. If you need to smoke please do it outside of the parking lot.
* The popcorn machine is sensitive and sometimes temperamental. Please do not add a new bag of popcorn to the popper until the last batch has finished popping. A Downtown volunteer will instruct you on how to use the machine…it’s easy, just a little cranky.
* Clean-up at the end of the movie. Bring back to the office all concession supplies and tables. Someone will help you bring in the popcorn machine and hotdog machine. If there is popcorn left over, you may bag it and give it away or take some home. Empty the ice out of the coolers before bringing them back in the office. Pick up any remaining trash in the parking lot and put crowd fencing away. Return all trash cans to the back of our building.
* The money box starts with $100 in change. At the end of the evening, we will take out $100 and split the remaining amount with your organization. Only Jamaal, Cheryl or David and one person from your organization are authorized to deal with final payout.
* Thank you for your help. We couldn’t do it without you!

DBC Meeting Reminder

Mark your calendars for the next Muncie Downtown Business Council meeting this Wednesday, June 27th, at 3:00 pm in The Star Press conference room at 345 S. High Street.

You need not be a member to attend the meetings, and Downtown Business Council is not limited to businesses and merchants. Residents, organizations and supporters of downtown are all encouraged to attend the meeting to learn all about the Downtown Business Council, and our continued efforts to market your business and improve our downtown neighborhood. Meetings typically last one hour.

The DBC values the input of everyone in the downtown area! Please spread the word, bring a friend, and help take part in making Downtown Muncie the best place to be. For more information, visit www.munciedowntown.com.

May 23 Meeting Minutes

MINUTES FROM THE
MEMBERS MEETING
Held Wednesday, May 23, 2007 @ 3:00 pm

I. Call to Order

Bob Hartley called the meeting to order in the absence of Andrew Dale. He introduced and welcomed Jamaal Bell, new director of Downtown Development. Introductions were made around the room.

II. Committee Reports
A. Special Events - Mike Martin reported that he, Amanda Hicks and Cheryl Crowder met to establish the role of the committee in marketing Downtown events, and decided to put most of the effort into marketing and promoting the existing events Downtown.
Cheryl reported that Spring Zing went well, and the rummage and art sale was successful. She noted that as with all first-time events, they learned lots of things like shortening the duration of the event, and changing setup times. Bob Hartley reported that 12 artists signed up for booth space. Cheryl praised the group effort that helped make the event a success. Fickle Peach was the winning team of the Cornhole Tournament.
An update was given on the BSU Orientation Tours. Bob noted there were lots of responses to the postcard promotion, and the cards are at the printer right now. There are 5,000 cards being printed, and 3,500 will be stuffed into the orientation goodie bags. Parents will also get a reminder about 3 weeks before Family Weekend in September. Thanks were given to all the merchants who took part. Those who didn’t get in on the discount card can still take part in the gift bag drawing. Each day there will be a giveaway. The parents must fill out the postcards to enter into the drawing. Donations of items may be dropped off at the Downtown Development office.
Cheryl said the tour guide schedule had been filled up with quite a few dates, but more volunteer tour guides are needed. A signup sheet was passed around. She announced a training session for tour guides will be June 4th at 4:00 in the Downtown Development office.
Al Rent gave his appreciation for all the group is doing toward the BSU Orientation Tours, and he said the parents love it. He reported that the university is buying red and white banners that say “Welcome to Muncie - Home of BSU” to be put up in 12 locations downtown. The banners are 24 inches across and 6 feet tall. Genny suggested making window signs from the same artwork, for businesses and merchants to post. Carey Hays offered to put the artwork on the downtown website for downloading. Bob noted that the banners will be helpful, and suggested using banners for other Downtown events.
The first day of the tours is June 5. Parents will be dropped off via MITS bus at Muncie Civic Theatre, and will be given an overview about downtown. They will then split into two groups and will be given the option to take the tour, explore on their own, or stay and rest. The group will be picked up at Civic Theatre at 11:50 and taken back to campus.
Nancy Carlson and Tommy Kane made an announcement about the upcoming Harvest Moon Film Festival, four days in November. The festival is to be a gathering of filmmakers and the film community from the Midwest. The event is put together by a cooperative of local businesses, and is open only to Midwestern filmmakers and films. Nancy related the event to the Heartland Film Festival in that it’s a society event. She said business sponsors were needed to sponsor separate events, such as a filmmakers’ breakfast. She also said cash was needed for prize money to give away. She noted that lots of film festivals are genre-based, but this one will celebrate the Midwest. There will be two big screens, one at Cornerstone and one at Civic. Smaller screens can also be used at several local establishments. She asked that the group be open to participation.

B. Planning and Advocacy - Bob reported that Andrew has contacted people in Valparaiso who are at the farthest stage in a bid for an economic district downtown. Andrew is planning a trip with Jamaal to bring those people here to address our own Business Improvement District committee. He expressed hope that our group, in working with Jamaal and Downtown Development, can mesh and become a unified group in our efforts toward planning.

C. Membership and Marketing - Carey Hays made an announcement about the upcoming “Meet the Members Mixer” tomorrow, May 24th, from 5 to 7pm at Fickle Peach. The mixers will be a regularly occurring event, every other month, at different establishments downtown. The proposed dates for the rest of this year are September 27 and November 29. Mike Martin had agreed to host the next mixer at Doc’s on July 26th.
She also suggested looking into a membership drive event, similar to the Chamber’s networking events, with booths and lectures. She suggested holding such an event at a place like the Horizon Center or Cornerstone. Mark DiFabio suggested that the DBC look into sponsoring a Muncie on the Move if any spots were still open this year. The group agreed it was a good idea, and to look into it.
Carey also stressed the importance of communication, both within the group and between the group and the public. She asked for suggestions or ideas of ways to keep people informed other than through the website and emails. She noted it was important for members and downtown advocates to realize that they can utilize the Downtown Business Council as the “people’s voice” to express concerns or suggestions to the city and governmental organizations.

IV. Announcements and Discussion

Genny Gordy announced the opening tomorrow of the new natural foods market at the corner of Main and Mulberry streets. The Downtown Farm Stand will be open on Thursdays only for the first couple weeks, but plans to be open full-time later this summer.
Bob said he’s had several people come in and ask about Gus Macker. Cheryl reported that the annual locally-hosted basketball event would take place downtown this year on July 21st and 22nd. It is a huge event. Courts will be set up along Walnut from Jackson all the way down to Howard. Registration will be at the YMCA, as will the youth courts due to the roundabout construction. There were questions about parking, and if local retailers can set up booths in front of their shops. Cheryl noted that Gus Macker has a contract with their own vendors, but business owners can do whatever they want on their own properties. She said they expect 10,000 people downtown, and suggested the local businesses do whatever they can to use that to their advantage.
Ken Hughes gave a personal welcome to Jamaal Bell as the new Downtown Development director, and said he felt very positive about Jamaal coming aboard. He hopes we will all give him the same effort and support.
Cheryl announced that Free Friday Night Movies will start June 3, and will be every Friday during June, July and August. She also said that Freaky Tiki Fridays were returning, with Mike at Doc’s and the Heorot handling the activities. Tom at Blue Bottle is lining up the entertainment.
Mike Martin announced that Jennie Devoe is giving an intimate performance for $10 on Saturday at 9:00 at Doc’s.
Muncie Visitors Bureau announced that it is the state tourism publication deadline time, and MVB is taking out a 1/2 page ad in the festival guide. An associate membership is $75, and a festival is guaranteed to be listed in the festival guide for an additional $45, if the festival meets their requirements. The deadline for the 2008 issue is May 31st.

VI. Adjourned

The next members meeting will be June 27th at 3:00 in the Star Press building conference room.

Downtown Business Council Announcements

Mark your calendars for the next Downtown Business Council meeting on Wednesday, May 23


The Muncie Downtown Business Council will have a regular meeting Wednesday, May 23rd, at 3:00 pm in The Star Press conference room, 345 S. High St.

Downtown Business Council is not limited to businesses and merchants. Residents, organizations and supporters of downtown in general are all encouraged take the time to attend. Meetings typically last one hour.

The DBC values the input of everyone downtown! Please spread the word, bring a friend, and help take part in making Downtown Muncie the best place to be.


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Downtown Business Council to Host a "Meet the Members" Mixer
Thursday, May 24th from 5 to 7pm at the Fickle Peach


The Downtown Business Council invites merchants, friends and residents of downtown to join us for a "Meet the Members" mixer on Thursday, May 24th, from 5 to 7pm at the Fickle Peach on Charles Street.

One free drink voucher will be given to anyone who attends the monthly Downtown Business Council meeting the day before, on Wednesday, May 23rd, at 3:00 in the Star Press conference room, 345 S. High Street in Downtown Muncie.

You need not be a member to attend the meetings. Residents, organizations and supporters of downtown in general are all encouraged to take the time to attend. Meetings typically last one hour. Downtown Business Council is not limited to businesses and merchants.

Please make a point to attend the meeting and/or the mixer to learn all about the Downtown Business Council, and our continued efforts to market your business and our downtown neighborhood.

Members will be on hand to answer any questions about the Downtown Business Council, and membership applications will be available for anyone who wants to join.

This is an excellent opportunity to network with your downtown peers, and discover what DBC can do for you. Please come by, and bring a friend!

Future mixers will be held throughout the year at various restaurants and clubs in downtown Muncie. Stay tuned for details.