The Downtowners’
City Center Newsletter
November 10, 2011
What You Will Find…
□ ND Downtown Conference Wrap Up
□HolidayDecorations
□ Downtown Updates
□ Upcoming Events
□ Association News
1st Annual ND Downtown Conference Successful
Regional Downtown Stakeholders Network Together…
Downtown Stakeholders met inBismarckTuesday and Wednesday to learn about Downtown programs and network together. About 75 people from acrossNorth Dakotaand parts ofSouth DakotaandMinnesotawere on hand to hear a variety of Downtown revitalization topics from six presenters. Almost 20 communities were represented by a variety of stakeholders such as city planners, private developers, associations, chambers of commerce, architects, business owners and more. DowntownBismarckproperties were also a focus of the conference as attendees went on a walking tour exploring revitalized buildings that have impacted the community. They experienced Dakota Stage Theater as well as lunch and evening exploration on their own.
Feedback on the conference was very positive, many had said they’ve formed a new network of people to share ideas, take them back to their city centers, and create that vital Downtown feel. Two large focuses of the conference were sustainability and community impact. Presenters explored how Downtowns or Main Streets are very tax beneficial. That large tax base then produces a sustainable area that becomes a huge benefit to the city. Downtowns also house a uniqueness that can’t be duplicated. As one attendee said, “There is no substitute (for Downtowns).” Thank you to everyone one that made this happen! Our restaurants, property owners, volunteers and our sponsors and supporters! KL&J, Sam’s Club, BNC Bank, JLG, Ulteig, EAPC, Northern Lights Display, Peacock Alley, and Dakota Stage.
Volunteers Needed For Downtown Decoration Hanging
The Downtowners are looking for volunteers to help us hang the snowflake lights and winter banners on light poles in Downtown Bismarck. If you are interested please contact the Downtowners. We’d appreciate your help and strong arms in spreading some holiday cheer for the community!
701-223-1958
Downtown Updates
-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 Coop has found a home. A space in the former Bismarck Tribune building on4th StandThayer Avehas been selected. The Artist Coop 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.
Free Training on Succession Planning For Businesses
TheMandanTomorrow – Economic Opportunity and Prosperity Committee is coordinating a free training session on the topic of succession planning for businesses on Wednesday, Nov. 16, at the Seven Seas Inn,Mandan.
Speaking on the importance of planning for the transition in ownership of businesses will be Small Business Development Center Regional Director Keith Olson of Williston.
The committee has asked Olson to share practical advice with business owners on when and how to begin succession planning including how to value a business, methods of selling a business, and the need for sound financial records.
Olson has received special training in business succession planning.
The Nov. 16 training event begins with a 6 p.m. social and 6:30 p.m. dinner followed by the presentation by Olson from 7 to 8 p.m. The training session is co-hosted by the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber, the Bismarck-Mandan Development Association and the City of Mandan Business Development Office.
Business owners are asked to pre-register by Nov. 11 by contacting the Chamber at 223-5660 or at www.bismarckmandan.com/events.
Upcoming events
What’s Shakin Downtown
November 12
BAGA’s Festival of the Arts
November 12
Leon Russell
Historic Belle Mehus
November 17
HolidayFood & Wine Experience
BismarckCivic Center
November 18-19
Bis-Man SymphonyHolidayConcert
www.bismarckmandansymphony.org
November 20
Holiday Home Walk
Downtowners’ Association News
Organization and member news …
□ The Downtowners welcome our newest members!
Sandra Lee’s Pride, Inc
□ Congrats to member Basin Electric Power Coop for 50 years of great service! Basin recently celebrated half a century of business at their annual meeting. Over 2,800 people RSVP’d to the ceremony at theBismarckCivicCenter’s Exhibition Hall. Basin showed a video history of their 50 years in business with key employees reciting their Statement of Ideals. This was one of the largest catered events ever held inBismarck. Retiring CEO Ron Harper said similar celebrations were held in other Basin service areas.
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!