The Downtowners’
City Center Newsletter
November 15, 2012
What You Will Find…
□ Small Business Saturday
□ Downtown Updates
□ Upcoming Events
□ Association News
Small Business Saturday
Nov 24 -Following Black Friday…
For years the day after Thanksgiving has been the kickoff day for holiday shopping. People line up in front of department stores on Black Friday at dawn to get great deals. Then there came Cyber Monday, where online sellers advertised big savings for online gifts. However, none of these annual shopping days really emphasized shopping local, so in 2010 American Express launched Small Business Saturday the day after Black Friday. Small Business Saturday is a way to get people to think local, geared toward buying from independently-owned small businesses. Last year over 100 million people came out to support local businesses on Small Business Saturday, and we encourage you all to do the same this year on November 24! With Downtown Bismarck’s art and restaurant community, along with our fabulous emerging retail district, there is something for everyone. Our Downtown businesses are offering great deals to shoppers on Small Business Saturday as well. And if you are an American Express Cardholder, you can also qualify for $25 from them just for shopping local on Small Business Saturday.
If you are a Downtown business that is looking to advertise sales and specials you’re running for Small Business Saturday, contact the Downtowners as soon as possible.
701-223-1958
American Express Cardmembers have the opportunity to get a $25 statement credit when they enroll their eligible American Express® card and then use it to spend $25 or more in a single in-store transaction at a qualifying small business location on Small Business Saturday. The number of enrollments is limited. Enrollment opens at 12:00AM MST on November 18th and continues until 11:59PM MST on November 24th unless the enrollment limit is reached sooner.
To participate as a business or to find all of the qualifying locations for the $25 offer visit: www.americanexpress.com.
Holiday Window Decoration Contest!
The theme this year is Free for All! Decorate your Downtown windows in whatever creative theme you choose. However, this year we will be having two winners! We will have a Member’s Choice and a Critics Choice! If you’d like to participate, simply send a picture of your window to us by December 12 to get on the ballot. We’ll then send out a ballot to all the member businesses to choose their 3 favorite windows. Awards and gift certificates will be given to the top 3 Member’s Choice and 1 Critic’s Choice. Happy Decorating!
Downtown Updates
— At the September 25 Bismarck City Commission meeting, the city determined that the CORE Programs used for Downtown revitalization, can now be used again. What does this mean? Property and business owners can once again apply for the CORE Façade & Signage Grant for their property. Owners or developers looking to create housing in Downtown Bismarck can apply for the Housing Incentive Grant. There are also grants for Sidewalk Subsurface Infill and a Technical Assistance Bank. Please contact Bismarck’s Downtown Planner Jason Tomanek for more information.
— The Bismarck Parking Authority is offering free evening parking in the 3rd and Main Ramp from 4pm to 2am daily through the end of the year. With all the new activity and nightlife in Downtown Bismarck, the ramps will allow the public to enjoy the city center and not have to look for street parking.
— With our recent snow, here’s a refresher on the snow removal policy for sidewalks. All properties must have snow removed from sidewalks AND corner curb cuts 24 hours after snowfall. Failure to do so can result in liability claims. Please clean your sidewalks Downtown, since visitors use them to get to all our great businesses. Missing one sidewalk can make the difference in coming downtown for people who find it difficult to get around. Thanks!
Now Hiring Downtown!
With all the new and veteran businesses in Downtown Bismarck, opportunities work Downtown are abundant! Here are just a few of the openings in Downtown Bismarck:
*FireFlour Pizza is now hiring for kitchen staff & servers. Apply in person at 111 N 5th St on Thursday Nov 15 or Friday Nov 16 from 1-5pm. FireFlour will be opening for business the week of Thanksgiving. www.fireflourpizza.com.
*JL Beers is now hiring beertenders! They are looking for beer lovers to provide legendary service and must be willing to have fun at work. Apply at www.jlbeers.com.
*The Toasted Frog inBismarck is now hiring cooks, dishwashers, and servers. Here is your chance to work in a fun environment in the heart of a growing downtown. Apply within after 4 p.m. at124 N. 4th St. inBismarck. EOE.
*Action Jackson Comics is looking for part-time daytime staff. CallJackson at 258-3111.
If you have an opening you’d like to share, please contact the Downtowners!
Upcoming events
What’s Shakin Downtown…
Nov 16-17
Bis-Man Symphony
HolidayPops Concert
www.bismarckmandansymphony.org
Nov 18
SymphonyHolidayHomewalk
11am-4pm
www.bismarckmandansymphony.org
Nov 24
Small Business Saturday
DowntownBismarck
Nov 30-Dec 2
Pride of Dakota
HolidayShowcase
Dec 6-16
Dakota Stage Presents:
Inspecting Carol
Dec 7-9
Northern Plains Dance Presents:
Nutcracker
Downtowners’ Association News
Organization and member news …
You can find all of our member’s information at: www.downtownbismarck.com
Welcome to our Newest Members!
HTG Architects — FireFlour Pizza — JL Beers Bismarck
□ Member cedesigns & Yarn Shoppe is hosting Runway Art in Motion at 7pm on November 15 at BAGA. Tickets are $5 in advance and $8 at the door. Call 471-2131 for more information.
□ Looking for a unique holiday party idea for you employees? Make a Night of It! Dinner and a show in Downtown Bismarck, Members Peacock Alley and Dakota Stage are teaming up to add some Downtown magic to your holiday party. For all the group rates and details contact Amber at 701-258-4998 or execdir@dakotastage.com.
□Treats for Troops deadline is Nov 25! Support local troops over the holiday season with this special project sponsored by the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee, Central Market, University of Mary, and Military Ovation. Purchase cookies from Central Market and they’ll make sure to get them delivered to our troops. For more information visit www.bismarckmandan.com/events.
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!