The Downtowners’
City Center Newsletter
November 23, 2011
What You Will Find…
□ Small Business Saturday
□ DowntownersHolidayMixer Dec 15
□ Downtown Updates
□ Upcoming Events
□ Association News
2nd Annual Small Business Saturday
Driving Shoppers to Local Merchants Across the US…
First there was “Black Friday”, the day after Thanksgiving when stores have huge sales. Then “Cyber Monday”, the Monday following Thanksgiving weekend where online sales draw in holiday shoppers. Now there’s “Small Business Saturday”, the Saturday after Thanksgiving where holiday shoppers are encouraged to shop local with their small community businesses.
This Saturday marks the 2nd Annual Small Business Saturday. Through efforts like the 3/50 Project, we know that shopping locally can have great effects on the community economy. For every $100 spent with local retailers, about $68 returns back to the community, versus about $48 for national chains. We encourage everyone to take some time and shop in Downtown Bismarck this Small Business Saturday. Clear Channel radio will be broadcasting from Downtown Bismarck to promote the event. Come Downtown and get some unique gifts! For a directory of Downtowner member businesses, please visit: http://downtownbismarck.com/category/member-directory
For more information on Small Business Saturday, to download their marketing materials or the 3/50 Project, follow these links below. Happy Shopping!
http://www.smallbusinesssaturday.com/
http://www.the350project.net/home.html
What’s New in Downtown Bismarck?
We’ve added a new section to our Downtown Bismarck website call “What’s New?” You can find useful information on construction projects, new businesses, potential new businesses (Thai Restaurant?), and all the latest in the city center. Get the answers to your questions about What’s New in Downtown Bismarck here!
http://downtownbismarck.com/whats-new-downtown-all-the-latest
Downtowners’ Holiday Membership Mixer Dec 15
Drinks…check. Appetizers…check. Holidaynetworking….CHECK! Members, you are invited to the Downtowners’ Holiday Membership Mixer at Starion Financial’s Downtown location. There will be drinks, light refreshments, and door prizes. Stop by and say hi to your Downtown neighbors, whether it’s for business or pleasure, we’d love to see you there and wish you a Happy Holidays! A huge holiday thank you to Starion Financial for hosting us. The mixer will be 5-7pm on Thursday December 15. Look for your Evite soon!
Downtown Updates
-At Tuesday’s City Commission meeting, $500,000 was granted to the Bismarck Community Bowl’s Fundraising efforts. The City Budget Committee opposed using property taxes or TIF funds. The pledge will be from the “Bed and Booze” tax.
-According to stories in the Bismarck Tribune and Grand Forks Herald, the owners of multiple Thai Restaurants plan to open a location in Downtown Bismarck Summer 2012. Co-owner Keng Dechawuth and his partner currently operate Thai Orchid, Wasabi, Drunken Noodle, and Little Bangkok in easternNorth Dakota. They may open a second restaurant inBismarckif the first goes well.
-The Downtown Bismarck Artist Co-op has found a home. A space in the former Bismarck Tribune building on4th StandThayer Avehas been selected. The Artist Co-op is scheduled to open December 16.
-Anyone interested in spaces for purchase or lease downtown can check out our website’s Real Estate Section. www.downtownbismarck.com or call for more listings.
Ho Ho Holiday Decorations are up!
Mother Nature gave the Downtowners and Dakota Community Bank volunteers an unusually nice November day to install the Winter Banners and Snowflake Lights in Downtown Bismarck. Thank you to Dakota Community Bank for all of their help, ladders, and strong arms in making our Downtown look amazing for the holidays.
Upcoming events
What’s Shakin Downtown
Starting November 26
Sertoma Christmas in the Park
SertomaPark6-10 Nightly
258-8586
November 25
“Black Friday Breakfast”
BlarneyStone Irish Pub
November 26
Small Business Saturday
Community Wide
December 1
Holiday1st Thursdays! Alive After 5
DowntownBismarck
December 1-11
Dakota Stage Presents: “Alexander
And the Terrible, Horrible, No Good,
Very Bad Day. www.dakotastageltd.com
December 2-4
Pride of Dakota’s
HolidayShowcase- Civic Center
December 9-11
North Plains Dance Presents:
The Nutcracker @ The Belle
December 12
BAGA’s Holiday Cookie Walk
10am-3pm
December 13
Chamber’s Holiday Mixer
BismarckCivic Center
December 15
Downtowners’HolidayMixer
Starion Financial Downtown
Downtowners’ Association News
Organization and member news …
□ Amish Country Furnishing is celebrating their Grand Opening! Stop by to register for a dining room set.
□ Peacock Alley and Dakota Stage are having Date Night! Enjoy dinner and show, for details visit: www.dakotastageltd.com.
□ Bismarck Public Library is hosting E-Readers workshops!
For more information call: 355-1480.
□ Rhythm Records Christmas Kickoff Dec 2-3, 7-11pm.
Two incredible nights of music! Find them on Facebook!
Please send all member business news and events to: kate@downtownbismarck.com. Check the Downtown Business Association’s websites for updated news and events www.downtownbismarck.com or www.bismarckribfest.com
Please forward this on to people interested in Downtown news!