Birmingham Shopping District News & Notes

The Birmingham Shopping District Board of Directors recently announced the appointment of its new Executive Director, Ingrid Tighe. At a special meeting on March 29th, Tighe was unanimously appointed by the Board to serve as Executive Director beginning April 17, 2017.

Tighe's experience as a Business Development Manager for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, as CEO of the Clifton Park, NY Development Authority and commercial real estate experience with Hines Interests Limited Partnership, in combination with her Master's Degree in Public Administration, are sure to be invaluable in serving the Birmingham Shopping District.

Tighe has demonstrated strong abilities in attracting and promoting business growth in stimulating economic development, in addition to strong leadership and project management abilities. She lives in Birmingham with her family and brings much excitement for this new opportunity. We look forward to having her join our team in serving the businesses of Downtown Birmingham!

Reach Thousands with Spring Events & Sponsorship Opportunities

Join us on May 7 for Opening Day at the Birmingham Farmers Market, located in Public Parking Lot 6! Don't forget to make note of the special events taking place at the market: Chef Clash Sunday - June 25; Corn Festival - August 13; Harvest Festival - September 17 and the End of Season Celebration - October 29.

Remember, Birmingham businesses may have a booth at the Birmingham Farmers Market for two weeks free throughout the season. Download and submit your 2017 Merchant Application today. For sponsorship and vendor information, visit www.BirminghamFarmersMarket.org . Like or follow the Birmingham Farmers Market on Facebook and via Twitter and Instagram (@BhamFarmMkt).

Join us for another season of family-friendly films under the stars! June 23 - "The Secret Life of Pets", July 14 - "Finding Dory", August 11 - "Ghostbusters" (original from 1984). All movies will begin at dusk, with activities starting at 7:30 p.m. in Booth Park. Reach more than 3,000 people per event with a Movie Night sponsorship. Download detailed Movie Night sponsorship information here.

For more information, contact Lori Rondello at lrondello@bhamgov.org or (248) 530-1254 .

FREE Valet Begins Soon for Customers

The reconstruction of Old Woodward from Oakland to Brown will provide the downtown with a fresh new look with several new amenities. Throughout construction the Birmingham Shopping District will be offering FREE two hour valet to customers!*

Here's what your customers need to know about the service:

FREE Valet for Customers:

When: Available Monday - Saturday,10 a.m.- 6 p.m.
WHERE: Three convenient locations: Willits & Old Woodward, Martin & Henrietta, and Brown & Old Woodward.
HOW: Customers simply pull up and drop off their car. They tell the valet how long they plan to stay and receive a card with a phone number. When they're ready to leave, they call or text the valet at least 15 minutes ahead and their car will be ready.

* This service is not intended for employees. If customers plan to be longer than two hours, they are instructed to ask someone where they're doing business to validate (sign or stamp) their ticket. For those who are not shopping or conducting business in the area, enjoy the first two hours free then $5 per hour for each additional hour with a $30 per day maximum.

A detailed timeline and specifics regarding the project will be posted on www.bhamgov.org/downtowninfrastructure once available.

Changes to Retail Flower Watering Program

In 2006 the City of Birmingham began watering merchants' private flower displays. At that time, there were only 12 concrete planters and few hanging baskets throughout town. Over the years, the flower program has expanded to more than 32 planters and 200 hanging baskets, in addition to more than 100 flower troughs around the tree wells. In addition to the increasing demands throughout the City, several merchants request specific, customized care for their private flowers and plants that the City is not able to provide. Due to the expansion of the public flower displays and the upcoming downtown infrastructure projects, the City will no longer water merchants' private flower displays. Hanging baskets and City planters located outside of your store will continue to be watered. Thank you for your understanding!

Don't be Alarmed by Special Siren Test Wednesday, April 19

In an effort to promote severe weather safety preparedness, the County will conduct a special test of the Outdoor Warning System on Wednesday, April 19 at 1:00 p.m. The purpose of this test is to raise the awareness level of our citizens and offer schools and businesses an opportunity to test their internal disaster plans during normal business hours. View future siren testing dates online here .

Park SMART This Spring

Temperatures are warming and shoppers are heading to Birmingham! To ensure it's quick and easy for them to find a parking space, please remind your employees to park in the parking structures, and encourage your customers to use Parkmobile.

Parking Decks

Birmingham's parking meters are intended for short term use. When your employees use metered spots and "feed the meter" throughout the day, it makes it hard for the quick shopper to find a spot and less likely to stop at all. The parking decks are designed for people who plan to be in town longer, whether it's employees or visitors.

Parkmobile

All meters in Birmingham are Parkmobile enabled, which means your customers can easily use their cell phones or smart phones to pay for parking. Learn more here: www.parkmobile.com.

Attend a Class through Oakland County's One Stop Shop Business Center

Market Research Basics

Date: Tuesday, April 4, 2017

Time: 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM

Cost: no charge

Location: Oakland County Executive Office Building Conference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford 48328

Discover ways to find your ideal customers, your competitors, perform competitive analysis and more.

Starting a Business

Date: Thursday, April 6, 2017

Time: 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM

Cost: no charge

Location: Oakland County Executive Office Building Conference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford 48328

This workshop is designed for individuals who are just starting a business. It will help aspiring entrepreneurs assess their abilities to lead and manage a company, as well as evaluate market and sales potential for their products/services. Startup costs, financing options, and business planning are introduced, along with necessary steps to getting started.

Lead from Where You Are: Lessons in Everyday Leadership

Date: Tuesday, April 11, 2017

Time: 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM

Cost: $40 per person

Location: Oakland County Executive Office Building Conference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford 48328

The age old question whether leaders are born or made is a trick one. The answer is: they're both. We are all born with the skills and knowledge to be great leaders. The challenge is finding the paths soon enough in life. This presentation will help you master the skills that every great leader possesses.

CEED Lending Small Business Loan Orientation

Date: Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Time: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Cost: no charge

Location: Oakland County Executive Office Building Conference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford 48328

If your business is located in Oakland County and you have a need for alternative financing consider the CEED (Center for Empowerment and Economic Development) Lending Small Business Loan Program. Discover the requirements and process necessary to apply for and obtain a Small Business Loan. CEED Lending is an initiative of the Great Lakes Women's Business Council.

Learn about these courses and more on Oakland County's website.

Learn about Free Resources from Oakland County!

Connect with Your Online Audience

The Detroit Regional Chamber recently published an article with tips and tricks for connecting with your online audience. Here's helpful tips from their article:

The Evolving Social Media Landscape and What It Means for Your Business

Before embarking on a major social media campaign, consider the overarching "why" as much as the tactical "what" and "how."
Don't fall for "shiny object syndrome," which is the desire to have the latest and greatest tech or social media capabilities (i.e. don't rush your company onto Snapchat if you cannot answer the "why.")
Email marketing is the digital marketing platform with the highest conversion rate, such as sales, event registrations or anything else that involves turning a lead into a customer.

Trends and Tips to Improve Your Digital Marketing Strategy

Your company's message should be adjusted to resonate with the audience that is being targeted.
When it comes to social publishing tools, do not "set and forget" but instead keep an eye on your posts at all times to monitor conversations and remain authentic.
If you are targeting millennials, you should probably be on Snapchat.

Putting the Human Touch Back Into Your Online Presence

A brand's online presence is a reflection of the brand's story, thus it should not be solely focused on selling products and making money.
Successful online brands and names are rooted in the ability of viewers and customers to relate to the brand.
Your social media posts should not always focus on selling products, but rather writing materials that your audience wants to read.

Learn more on the Detroit Regional Chamber's website.

Send Us Your News & Promotions

The BSD will help promote your store news, events and promotions via social media! Simply e-mail your information to info@ALLINBirmingham.com and we'll help you spread the word via the Birmingham Shopping District Facebook page. Like or follow the Birmingham Shopping District on Facebook and via Twitter and Instagram (@BhamShopping).

Tell Your Employees - Discounts in Birmingham!

Be sure your employees know they're eligible for an Employee Discount Card! The card provides discounts at participating Birmingham stores. Show them the complete list with participating merchants and discount information at www.ALLINBirmingham.com/employeediscount.

Birmingham Shopping District - 151 Martin Street-Birmingham, MI 48009

www.ALLINBirmingham.com