Battle Creek Downtown Partnership 2009-2010 Annual Report 10... · 2019. 9. 11. · emerging...

Battle Creek Downtown Partnership

2009-2010 Annual Report

2 DOWNTOWN BATTLE CREEK PARTNERSHIP 2009-2010 ANNUAL REPORT

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DOWNTOWN BATTLE CREEK PARTNERSHIP 2009-2010 ANNUAL REPORT 3

William J. Schroer - CHAIRPrincipalW.J. Schroer Company

Anmar AtchuVice President, Marketing and LeasingThe Hinman Company

Karl DehnPresident & CEOBattle Creek Unlimited, Inc.

John GodfreyOwner12 W. Michigan Ave.

Kathy GrossoPrincipalSt. Philip Catholic Central High School

Thomas C. Harris Co-Owner, General Manager & Vice PresidentHeritage Chevrolet, Inc.

Jim HettingerSenior AdvisorBattle Creek Unlimited, Inc.

Tim KnowltonVice President Corporate Social ResponsibilityKellogg Company

Christine KwakProgram DirectorW.K. Kellogg Foundation

Linda McKinneyVice President PNC Bank

Kevin ScheiblerGeneral ManagerKellogg Arena

Robert SharkeyChair, Downtown Development AuthorityVandervoort, Christ, Fisher, P.C.

Tim SupriseOwnerArcadia Brewing Company

Diane ThompsonExecutive DirectorMiller Foundation

Ken TsuchiyamaCity ManagerCity of Battle Creek

CITY LIAISONSChristine Hilton, AICPPlanning SupervisorCity of Battle Creek

Grady PierceDowntown Liaison Offi cerBattle Creek Police Department

Downtown Partnership Board & Staff

STAFFAlyssa JonesDowntown Projects Manager

Terry LassenDowntown Offi ce Manager

MISSIONThe mission of the Battle Creek Downtown Partnership is to establish downtown as a vibrant, livable urban center.

CONTACT INFORMATIONBattle Creek Downtown Partnership115 West Michigan AvenueBattle Creek, MI 49017P: 269.968.1622F: [email protected]@downtownbattlecreek.com

Downtown, a Changing Environment A year and a half into a downtown transformation, tactical planning is becoming a reality. Visible changes are taking

shape within the landscape, as well as throughout the city. The change is backed by growing technology and industry,

especially food innovation and protection, which is our unique heritage.

The Downtown Transformation — announced in November 2008 — continues to evolve through the blending of four

structural pillars as investment in downtown continues to thrive. This investment focuses on:

• The creation of a global food protection training network provided through the

International Food Protection Training Institute and the Global Food Protection Institute.

• Continued job growth, an expanded downtown presence and continued expertise in

food protection and research, a direct result of Kellogg’s testament that Battle Creek is

the center for global research operations.

• Youth engagement through innovative programming and a nationally recognized math and science center.

• Streetscape enhancements, public gathering spaces, and beautifi cation along M-66.

Thus far, we’ve achieved a lot — ink on long-term leases, fi nalization of streetscape designs, pursuit of residential

developers, increased prospect activity and collaboration with strong partners.

To support continued growth, the Battle Creek Downtown Partnership, an initiative of Battle Creek Unlimited, will focus

on four key areas: Recruitment and Retention, Business Improvement and Downtown Environment Activities, Downtown

Space Management and Events Management.

Take a look at what we have accomplished during our 2009-10 fi scal year and follow our evolution as Battle Creek

continues to progress toward a food science, innovation-growth community with sustainable infrastructures that nurture

family-friendly, healthy lifestyles.

Karl DehnPresident & CEOBattle Creek Unlimited

For a complete version of the Downtown Transformation Project, visit http://www.bcunlimited.org/transformation


The Downtown Partnership supported this plan by facilitating communication regarding the Downtown Transformation’s positive impact on infrastructure. In November, a public input session was held to inform the citizens of Battle Creek on the overall scope of the Downtown Transformation and encourage their involvement.

In December, interested citizens participated in special workshops to further determine the design elements desired and/or be considered in the new downtown infrastructure. Citizens provided a list of desired downtown amenities, including heated sidewalks, rain gardens, more green spaces, convenience store, culture center and more affordable housing.

People would also like to see more:• entertainment - (movie theater, expanded farmer’s

market, and more outdoor events),• family-friendly events (movies in the park,

interactive water feature for kids),• people-friendly items such as heated sidewalks,

benches, planters and trees,• ethnic/unique restaurants, outdoor cafés or eating

areas,• eclectic storefronts, and• a festival event area that will really draw in the

people and bring signature events, artists and the like.

Recurring concerns of participants were longevity, cost, walkability, safety, sustainability, technology, entertainment, focus on the river, increased lighting, and history of our city.

Downtown Streetscape

After much public input, three streetscape concepts were created and consequently unveiled at a public presentation in January. Comments from the public participation helped determine the fi nal design, which represents the winding banks of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Rivers. The pavement design illustrates water movement, accented with curvilinear benches and ornamental ironwork to provide areas for colorful plantings and sculptures that showcase the city’s creativity and rich history.

Further efforts to create a walkable environment shift the focus from vehicular to pedestrian traffi c. This new environment will have increased shade through the use of proportionally scaled trees and increased seating. The lighting plan specifi es increased use of LED technology as we focus on energy effi ciency and long-term sustainability.

In March, the arduous process of designing began and ground breaking on streetcape construction is scheduled to begin September 2010.

Façade Improvements

During the 2009-10 fiscal year, the Downtown Partnership granted three downtown businesses funds to improve the exteriors of commercial buildings. The Façade Improvement Program is a 50/50 matching grant that is an interest free, “deferred” loan forgivable over a fi ve-year period.

The 09-10 recipients were:• Brownstone Coffee House• Griffi n Grill & Pub• Team Active

Beautifi cationA Change of Season, downtown

In autumn, light poles were decorated with scarecrows ranging from playful to spooky, creatively designed by volunteers from Leila Arboretum, just in time to celebrate Fall into the Arts.

For the winter holiday season, downtown property owners were encouraged to light up silhouettes of their rooftops for the International Festival of Lights. The Downtown Partnership arranged for fresh garlands, lights and new holiday light decorations to be installed on light poles along Michigan Avenue for maximum impact.

For the warm weather season, the Partnership worked with Leila Arboretum and Greenscape Services to plan and select vibrant arrangements to be planted along Michigan Avenue from Washington to Division Streets and along the Battle Creek River. The carefully designed plantings utilized concrete city planters, merchant fl ower pots and bridges as well as walkways over the river.

Property and Physical ImprovementsG O A L Enhance downtown’s overall physical appearance through its buildings, streetscape, level of cleanliness, sidewalks, landscaping, parking lots, alleys and roadways resulting in perceptions of safety and accessibility.

Keep up with downtown construction, how to get around, where to park and what’s happening at http://www.downtownbattlecreek.com/construction

Downtown Battle Creek is moving forward to implement

a comprehensive plan to create an attractive, walkable

and welcoming downtown environment.

Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.

In 2009, the Downtown Partnership explored ways to reduce our carbon footprint. Recycling containers were made available through Waste Management at all outdoor events focusing on collecting paper and plastic products. In January, the downtown merchants were surveyed to determine if there was an interest among the downtown population to participate in a recycling program. Recycling at all Downtown Partnership events will continue and a committee will be formed to execute a program for downtown.

Downtown Transformation Notable: Sustainability of the downtown streetscape is an important factor. Streetscape design incorporates recycled and sustainable products including LED lighting. Lighting will be dark-sky-friendly, energy effi cient and low maintenance.

Detailed information on the streetscape progression can be found at http://www.bcunlimited.org/transformation


November 2008Battle Creek Unlimited, in partnership

with the Kellogg Company, W. K. Kellogg Foundation and other community stakeholders, announce an $85 million project to revitalize downtown and establish Battle Creek as a national leader in food science, research and training.

December 2009 Ba t t l e C reek Un l im i t ed and

transformation stakeholders set the groundwork for change by forging relationships and getting input from the community, downtown merchants and numerous public organizations.

January 2009Strategic work continues on the food

protection, education and infrastructure pillars.

The Global Food Protection Institute, a global food protection development and collaboration network, sets forth a three-prong strategy positioned out of Battle Creek. The Institute’s strategic initiatives include 1) Launch a for-profi t food testing center of excellence, 2) establishment of a non-profi t organization to deliver certifi ed food protection training, 3) develop an emerging technology accelerator focused on the development of novel food protection technologies.

April 2009A historic preservation fund is set

up for the Battle Creek area to guide development of buildings and landmarks, especially in the downtown area.

A grant application is submitted to the Michigan Department of Transportation for additional downtown infrastructure funding.

May 2009Through a grant from the W.K.

Kellogg Foundation, the International Food Protection Institute (IFPTI) is launched as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Institute is established to deliver career-spanning certifi ed food protection training for state and local food protection professionals to assure competency and equivalency in meeting established U.S. federal food safety standards. The group begins working in partnership with the Association of Food and Drug Offi cials.

May 26, 2009Battle Creek Unlimited meets with city

commissioners during a collaborative workshop for driving change into downtown. The group looks at the ways that the city government, administrators and commissioners can support downtown development.

July 14-16, 2009Internat ional Food Protect ion

Training Institute (IFPTI) conducts fi rst inaugural training session for Food Safety Regulators from around the U.S.

August 25, 2009International Food Protection Training

Institute (IFPTI) hosts “The Expanding Role of Environmental Sampling in Food Protection” for food regulators and food emergency responders from around the U.S.

September 4, 2009Recognizing Battle Creek’s strategy

for the Downtown Transformation, The Michigan Economic Development Corporation gives Battle Creek a grant for infrastructure improvement.

September 17, 2009Kellogg Company announces the

consolidation of 600 employees to two key buildings on Michigan Avenue in downtown Battle Creek. Renovation plans begin.

September 21, 2009The Battle Creek Area Math and

Science Center is recognized for its educational kit program, which develops and distributes boxed lessons to schools around North America.

The Battle Creek Public School Board approves next steps to relocate the Battle Creek Area Math and Science Center. Presenters recommend the former cereal city museum as the ideal facility for the downtown relocation. Search for public and private funding (no taxes) begins.

September 29, 2009Kellogg Company dedicates an

expansion of its W.K. Kellogg Institute for Food and Nutrit ion Research (WKKI) located in Battle Creek. The 157,000-square-foot pilot plant and offi ce space addition expands Kellogg Company’s existing global center for research and innovation activities.

October 12, 2009International Food Protection Training

Institute (IFPTI) is awarded a $1 million federal grant to train state and local food safety inspectors.

October 20, 2009The public provides input during an open

forum on the proposal for the relocation and development of a downtown-based Battle Creek Area Math and Science Center.

October 23, 2009Business Review West Michigan selects

Battle Creek’s downtown transformation project as a leader among high profi le economic development and community improvement.

November 18, 2009Battle Creek Unlimited presents a one-

year progress report to the community and opens an input process for design of the downtown streetscape.

December 1, 2009Covance Inc. announces that it will

create a nutritional chemistry and food safety laboratory near downtown Battle Creek. Covance plans to invest $14 million as part of an effort to expand the contract research organization’s (CRO’s) food safety testing capabilities. The CRO also entered into a seven-year, $42-million contract with Kellogg Company, which will be an anchor client to Covance’s new facility.

December 17, 2009More than 120 Calhoun County

citizens participate in three special workshops to determine the design elements of the downtown infrastructure.

January 6, 2010The International Food Protection Training

Institute (IFPTI) releases its initial training course schedule for 2010. The training sessions bring hundreds of national food protection professionals into downtown Battle Creek.

January 14, 2010Battle Creek Unlimited presents three

streetscape concepts for downtown Battle Creek during public presentation. The designs were developed with input from local citizens and business owners from the Battle Creek community.

February 24, 2010 Battle Creek Unlimited announces that

the City of Battle Creek has been awarded $142,000 in grant funding by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). The funds, which are part of the federal Transportation Enhancement (TE) funding to assist key redevelopment projects, will be utilized to beautify the city’s Gateway project along I-94/M-66.

March 11, 2010 The general public attends an open

house to view the final selection of downtown Battle Creek’s streetscape, which portrays the city’s rich water resources and unique history. The streetscape concept refl ects a productive collaboration among citizens, downtown employers, merchants, economic developers, governmental representatives and non-profi t organizations.

April 2010The International Food Protection

Training Institute (IFPTI) announces appointments for its Board of Directors, including nationally recognized food protection leaders.

The IFPTI announces that Gerald Wojtala has been named Executive Director. Wojtala joins the IFPTI after a 26-year career with the State of Michigan, including Deputy Director of the Food Dairy Division with the Michigan Department of Agriculture.

April 15, 2010Battle Creek Area Math and Science

Center students win fi rst place in the 2010 Spirit of Innovation Awards challenge presented by the Conrad Foundation at the NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, California. Their challenge was to make a nutritious food for astronauts that would replenish bone and muscle in weightless space.

May 18, 2010C o n s t r u c t i o n p l a n n i n g a n d

development for the downtown streetscape are presented to merchants and local media. Phase one of the streetscape installation is forecasted for September 2010. Phase two and three are planned for 2011.

Battle Creek Transformation Milestones

Residential Development

A study commissioned by the Danter Company in 2009 evaluated the feasibility of reinvigorating the residential living project at the former site of the Riverfront Condominium Development and whether rentals vs. owner-occupied units would best fi t the market. The study revealed that the properties could support 50 to 100 well-designed rental units offering a range of rent levels.

Residential living in downtown Battle Creek is on the rise. In conjunction with the Downtown Transformation, increasing residential living opportunities continues to be a primary focus.

G O A L Implement aggressive housing development effort.

This fi nding, as well as the complete report was made public in a request for proposal issued in January. The request for proposal allowed developers to determine if the units would be apartments or condominiums. The developers would purchase the buildings from Battle Creek Unlimited. Several developers are evaluating the properties at present time for downtown living.

Developers interested in obtaining market information on properties should contact Cheryl Beard at [email protected].


The Battle Creek Farmers Market has operated for over 100 years, providing locally grown, high-quality foods in a beautiful public setting. In the last few years, farmers markets have blossomed throughout the United States, and the Battle Creek Farmers Market is no different. The Battle Creek Farmers Market has benefi ted from renewed interest in local shopping, healthy lifestyles, and organic products, by attracting new vendors and customers.

The Downtown Partnership partners with the Battle Creek Farmers Market to support its efforts, which include maintaining the current location at Festival Market Square. In the last year, we accomplished the following:

• Partnered with downtown business to provide programming including the Farm to Fork Cooking Demonstration

• Increased advertising • Continued to offer marketing assistance to

Farmers Market Association• Continued to coordinate the Festival Market

Music Series• Continued to assist with marketing and serve as

a liaison with downtown businesses and the City

2010 Downtown Events Calendar

Battle Creek Farmers Market• Worked closely with stakeholders to

communicate changes, updates and address their concerns and needs

The Battle Creek Farmers Market is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The market runs through October 30, offering a variety of locally grown produce, sauces, honey, baked goods, seasonal fl owers and handmade products.

The Battle Creek Farmers Market will kick it up a notch on Wednesdays in July and August, as the Festival Market Music Series adds live music from 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Please join us in supporting local families, local farmers and local foods this season at the Battle Creek Farmers Market. Bridge cards are accepted. Convenient parking is located in nearby ramps and lots. For more information on the Battle Creek Farmers Market, contact Market Master Jan Lawson at 269.968.3448. To become a vendor, contact Brigette Leach at 269.746.4648. Information can be found online 24/7 at battlecreekfarmersmarket.com.

BATTLE CREEK FARMERS MARKETMay 1 – October 309 AM – 1 PMWednesdays & SaturdaysFestival Market Square

JULYJuly 1, 8, 15, 22Post Band Concert Series7 PMMill Race Park

July 7, 14, 21, 28Festival Market Music Series11:45 AM – 1 PMFestival Market Square

July 16, 23, 30Vibe @ 55 – 8 PMMill Race Park

July 16Outdoor Movie: Bee MovieDuskMill Race Park

July 30 & August 1 Battle Creek Film FestivalLocation TBD

AUGUSTAugust 3Take Your Dog to the Ballpark7:05 PMCO Brown Stadium

August 4, 11, 18, 25Festival Market Music Series11:45 AM – 1 PMFestival Market Square

August 6, 13, 20, 27Vibe @ 55 – 8 PMMill Race Park

August 7International Summerfest10 AM – 4 PMMill Race Park

August 14Cruise the GutDowntown

August 20Outdoor Movie:Bedtime StoriesDuskMill Race Park

August 21Black Arts Festival10 AM – 9 PMMill Race Park

OCTOBEROctober 15Fall into the Arts Art Walk5 – 9 PMMichigan Avenue

October 29Downtown Halloween Walk11 AM – 1 PMMichigan Avenue

NOVEMBER & DECEMBERNovember 20Holiday Parade

November 20–December 31International Festival of Lights

A complete listing of downtown events can be found online at http://www.downtownbattlecreek.com

Follow us on Facebook & Twitter!

@DowntownBTLCRK

Downtown Battle Creek


Arcadia BrewingCompany & TC’s103 W. Michigan Ave.269.963.9690

Barista Blues Café21 W. Michigan Ave.269.968.8430

BiCi Bistro34 W. Michigan Ave.269.565.3399

Brownstone Coffee House18 1/2 W. Michigan Ave.269.964.2233

Clara’s on the River44 N. McCamly St.269.963.0966

Cricket Club36 W. Michigan Ave.269.963.2725

Griffi n Grill & Pub38 W. Michigan Ave.269.965.7206

Downtown Map & Restaurant Guide

J.W. Barleycorn’sMcCamly Plaza Hotel50 Capital Ave. S.W.269.969.4797

Mandy’s Café Express215 W. Michigan Ave.269.841.1030

Nina’s Taqueria248 Capital Ave., S.W.269.969.9448

Pancake House185 Capital Ave., S.W.269.964.6790

Par 4 Lounge & Catering97 W. Michigan Ave.269.660.9960

Pastrami Joe’s Deli35 W. Jackson St.269.963.8800

Schlotzsky’s Deli14 W. Michigan Ave.269.963.2526

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Shrank’s Cafeteria & Catering85 W. Michigan Ave.269.964.7755

Sports Page225 W. Michigan Ave.269.969.2415

Starbucks McCamly Plaza Hotel 50 Capital Ave. S.W.269.963.9686

Subway10 W. Michigan Avenue269.965.6060

Yellow Submarine(inside Shrank’s)85 W. Michigan Ave.269.964.7755

Dine Alfresco, downtownCelebrate summer downtown dining alfresco. Sidewalk cafes offer a space for customers to relax, and catch up with friends and family. Sidewalk cafés encourage pedestrian traffi c, give identity and vitality to downtown, serve as a special attraction and enhance the aesthetic value of a healthy, urban lifestyle. The Downtown Partnership encourages restaurants to open up outdoor cafes and provides a $200 mini-grant to assist. During the 2009-10 fi scal year, the Partnership awarded one mini-grant.

Alfresco dining can be found at these locations:

• Arcadia Brewing Company & TC’s• Barista Blues Café• Brownstone Coffee House• Clara’s on the River• Griffi n Grill & Pub• Mandy’s Café Express • Par 4 Lounge & Catering• Pastrami Joe’s Deli• Schlotzsky’s• Sports Page• Starbucks• Subway

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Marketing & Promotions

To deliver our brand and communicate to the community, various forms of media are utilized. Our website, downtownbattlecreek.com, is updated daily with events, news and views of downtown. Our website is complemented by a growing Facebook (Downtown Battle Creek) presence that provides an outlet for downtown friends to be heard and seen. Downtown Battle Creek is even easier to follow via Twitter (DowntownBTLCRK), which is used to report a daily dose of downtown activity in 140 characters or less.

Our newsletter, Downtown Live,moved into a greener era by going electronic in early 2009; however, small quantities of the events calendar are printed for distribution to locales frequented by visitors. Downtown Livedelivers insight on downtown activities including new businesses, can’t-miss events, community and downtown initiatives, downtown properties available for sale or lease, and feel-good features such as “Downtown Doggie,” describing a day in the life of a downtown dog (and its owner) and “Merchant Spotlight,” which gives an inside look at downtown establ ishments f rom an owner’s perspective. Weekly “what’s happening” e-blasts keep subscribers informed about downtown activity.

Highly identifi able wayfi nding signs guide visitors in and around downtown. Kiosks and pedestal maps provide all-inclusive maps of the downtown area. The kiosks, strategically placed in high-traffi c areas, provide a downtown map, calendar of events and a newly designed downtown brochure to promote businesses and serve as a guide to visitors and locals alike.

The Downtown Partnership continues to support our merchants in various capacities, all with a focus on growing public awareness, driving traffic into downtown and increasing sales. We cross promote and advertise in regional publications and festival, meeting and convention guides. To support our regional, state and local footprint, strategically placed ads on news-based websites and print publications garner interest in investment and activity.

The Downtown Partnership sponsors events throughout the summer, fall, and spring to encourage the community to come downtown, view the changes, and experience the offerings.

The Post Band Concert Series, with its

rousing percussion and chill-rendering anthems, took place at Mill Race Park and celebrated 86 years in Battle Creek.

Festival Market Music, a gotta-get-away-from-my-desk-but now-it’s-hard-to-go-back lunch-hour concert, featured local (or local ties) talent at Festival Market Square. The Festival Market Music Series was the fastest growing event; 2009 attendance doubled (and even tripled on occasion).

The Vibe@5 celebrated four years of cultural entertainment on Friday evenings at Mill Race Park, highlighting a variety of cultural music ranging from Polka to African Beat to Latin.

The outdoor movies found a home at the Downtown Partnership in 2009. Mill Race Park was fi lled with blankets, pillows, chairs and movie theatre snacks under the stars for three fi lms shown in June, July and August.

In addition to celebrating music and theatrics, downtown also played host to two art walks, Fall (and Spring) into the Arts. These highly anticipated events grew as a renewed focus on arts emerged in our area. Fall into the Arts, held on October 15, featured 28 downtown locations, record attendance and sales. Spring into the Arts expanded to include a record 37 downtown locations, and trumped Fall’s attendance and sales records (and wait lists at downtown eateries).

During the holiday season, a daily blog entry effectively communicated all the gifts available for purchase in downtown Battle Creek. The “25 Days of Downtown Shopping” documented an assortment of products, from manicures, hair and massages to coffeehouse beans to hand-crafted pieces from area artists.

The Downtown Partnership frequently partners with other organizations to expand our reach through cross promotional opportunities. During the 2009-10 fi scal year, we partnered with BC 150, Battle Creek Film Festival, Cereal Festival, Golden Key Program, Hot Air Bal loon Championships Opening Night Party, Holiday Balloon Fest, International Festival of Lights, International Summerfest, Professional and Personal Wellness, Urban Sprout Initiative, YMCA Golden Shoe Walking Program and the Battle Creek Bombers. The Downtown Partnership held two events with the Battle Creek Bombers: “Bring Your Dog to the Ballpark,” a dog-friendly event that encouraged

downtown supporters to bring their dogs to the ball game (a record 60 dogs attended) and a Downtown Appreciation Night held in June, which attracted over 2,000 spectators.

In Apr i l , the Downtown Partnership joined forces with the American Heart Association’s START! Walking Program to promote the healthy benefits of walking to downtown employers, employees and visitors. A 1.08 mile loop downtown was determined and marked with lime green and white signs. This walk takes an average of 30 minutes.

Post Band, Festival Market Music, and Vibe@5 will be back for Summer 2010, and outdoor movies will be shown on

G O A L Market existing business, events, available spaces, and business opportunities and promote an enhanced, vibrant image of downtown.

The Downtown Partnership marketing and promotions plan is designed to increase

foot traffi c, change perceptions, highlight offerings available in downtown, increase

sales for downtown businesses and encourage citizens to experience downtown as

a locale to Shop. Dine. Replenish. Catch Up.

select Fridays in June, July, and August (see ad on this page and back cover for more information). Fall into the Arts is scheduled for October 15.

Come see a free movie under the stars.If it makes you feel better, you can

bring the couch along.

Get Out. Get Active. Get Downtown.

At Mill Race Park. June 12th, 18th, July 16th, and August 20th after the Vibe@5 Concert Series.

@DowntownBTLCRK


• corePHP• Cricket Club• Generations Financial Management

and Planning• Global Food Protection Institute• Inspire Community Development

Federal Credit Union• International Food Protection

Training Institute• Message Coach• Subway• The Fitness Loft• The Art Center Too (a temporary

relocation of the Art Center)

As part of the Retail Recruitment and Retention program, each business that locates downtown receives an offi cial welcome, which has three stages. As soon as the Downtown Partnership is aware of the new business, a “welcome” sign is placed in the storefront window. In cases where structural changes occur, a “Coming Soon” sign is used instead.

Retail Recruitment & RetentionG O A L Recruit and retain key businesses and venues that respond to the downtown market needs of residents, employees, businesses and tourists as identifi ed in the Claritas Marketing Study.

Soon after the business opens, a welcome package is presented to the owners(s) in a Downtown Partnership bag. The package contains staff business cards, a list of useful contacts, and information on how to get a live link on our website, promotional materials of the most current activities occurring downtown, downtown brochure, a keychain, water bottle and gifts/products purchased from downtown merchants. This package is presented by members of the Downtown Partnership staff. An announcement of the business’ opening is highlighted in our quarterly e-newsletter and the new business may be featured in the Merchant Spotlight. At the owner’s request, the Downtown Partnership will assist in creating a press release and arrange for other applicable publicity to announce the opening.

Retail recruitment and retention is an important part of downtown economic development. Identifying targeted retail and combined usage to respond to the downtown market needs is imperative to success. Recruitment tools offered through a market study performed by Claritas have

assisted in identifying market-driven needs of downtown employees, students, residents and tourists.

A marketing template established to recruit sustainable and targeted business is used to increase awareness of the changing downtown environment in addition to other recruiting strategies.

To promote the positive impact of the Downtown Transformation, the Downtown Partnership collaborated with Architecture + design (a downtown fi rm) and Kellogg Community Federal Credit Union on an article to encourage investors to ‘Take Fresh Look at Downtown.” The second-quarter article, published in MiBiz, detailed what investors can expect to experience in the new environment being created downtown.

Keeping a business downtown is as equally important as recruiting new business. In 2009, retention calls to downtown businesses were increased and are projected to continue in this direction in the 2010-11 fi scal year. In addition to retention calls, merchant meetings were held quarterly to communicate need-to-know information to downtown businesses as well as engage the merchants in opportunities, address the needs of our ever changing downtown environment, provide

a network of support and come together as a downtown community. Information communicated to merchants in 2009-10 included events planning and promotions, technology initiatives, infrastructure changes, construction communications plan and other programming available to downtown businesses. During the summer, a casual mixer was held with merchants to allow networking and business relationships to establish and grow in the downtown community.

Incentive Programs

Opening a business and/or renovating a building takes a lot of work. The Downtown Partnership is here to help entrepreneurs through this arduous process with the following programs:

• Direct Investment Fund• Façade Improvement Program• Outdoor Café Program• Flower Pot Program• Property Prospect Program• Design Assistance

For more information on how the Downtown Partnership can assist you with your entrepreneurial venture, contact 269.968.1622.

“Take Fresh Look at Downtown” can be reviewed at http://www.downtownbattlecreek.com

In 2009-10, the Downtown Partnership welcomed ten new businesses downtown:

Commercial Mortgages | Working Capital Lines of Credit | Equipment Loans

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Experience Downtown.Shopping, nightlife, concerts, and dining... downtown Battle Creek offers it all.

Experience downtown Battle Creek. Shop. Dine. Replenish. Catch Up. Visit downtownbattlecreek.com for merchant listings,

maps, and events calendar.

Fresh. Free. Fun & Cultural.

Events held weather permitting. Dates subject to change. Seating is festival-style (bring your own), available on a first come, first serve basis. Free and open to the public.

Post Band Concert Series

Thursdays 7 PMJune 17, 24 & July 1, 8, 15, 22

Mill Race ParkCapital Avenue at Michigan Avenue

Fridays 5 - 8 PMJuly 16,* 23, 30 & August 6, 13, 20,* 27


Wednesdays 11:45 AM - 1 PMJune 30, July 7, 14, 21, 28 &

August 4, 11, 18, 25Festival Market Square

McCamly Avenue at Jackson StreetLunch hour music at the farmers market.

Acclaimed world music with a regional flavor.* Outdoor movies follow

Join us to celebrate Post Band’s 87th season.

Kick back in this open-air environ

and enjoy the music (& movies)!

Outdoor Movies@ Dusk

June 12, June 18, July 16 & August 14


Festival-style seating at events. Bring your lawn

chairs and blankets!

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Battle Creek Downtown Partnership 2009-2010 Annual Report 10... · 2019. 9. 11. · emerging...

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Transcript of Battle Creek Downtown Partnership 2009-2010 Annual Report 10... · 2019. 9. 11. · emerging...