Downtown Update

 

Bentleyville is still Bustling

The latest numbers are in:  17,763 people trekked through Bentleyville over the past weekend.  That brings total attendance figures in the first 17 days of the event to more than 88,000.  Of those who have enjoyed the massive lighting display, nearly 8,000 have hopped on the Greater Downtown Council’s free Jingle Bus and 4,684 have gone to Fitger’s to board the Train to Bentleyville.  Don’t forget, the lights stay on until January 2^nd—we hope you are all enjoying this new addition to our Waterfront. 

 

Retailing Report

The holidays are looking brighter this year for many of our Downtown Waterfront businesses.  Of those we have surveyed, many are feeling optimistic and say the coming week will be a true sign of how the season will end.  It’s encouraging that the light snow and Bentleyville have helped get a lot of customers in the Christmas buying spirit. 

 

And The Winners Are…

Congratulations to our 2009 Greater Downtown Council Window Display and Lighting Contest Winners.  Announced recently and receiving trophies at our Downtown Perk Breakfast meeting were:

In the Lighting Category – the courtyard at Fitger’s   

In the Commercial Category:

Most Traditional – Barbara Carr, State Farm Insurance

Most Original – Minnesota Power

People’s Choice – CSL Plasma

In the Retail Category:

Most Traditional – Catherine Imports

Most Original – Saw Mill Unpainted Furniture

People’s Choice – Minnesota Surplus  

Thank you to all of this year’s participants!

 

 Mark Your Calendar

The Greater Downtown Council’s Annual Dinner Meeting is set for Wednesday, January 20^th at the DECC.  International Downtown Association President Kit Cramer will serve as the Keynote Speaker. You don’t want to miss out on this great opportunity to network with key downtown stakeholders and learn more about the future of downtowns across the country. 

 

A Great Gift Idea

Give the gift that fits anyone on your list; a Downtown Waterfront Gift Card!  This gift card can be used anywhere visa is accepted in our Downtown Waterfront, plus the Greater Downtown Council is waiving any activation fees.  Whether it’s shopping, dining or entertainment, we’ve got you covered.  They make great employee-appreciation gifts as well!  Just Click Here!

Welcome New Members

We are pleased to recognize the following new members of the

Greater Downtown Council:

 

Jan Biga

Bruce & Ruth Darling

Mark & Char McLennan

Don & Patricia Monaco

Pearson & von Elbe, LLC

United Colors of Benetton