Thank you to the merchants who attended the BSD Merchant Meeting on October 24th. In case you missed it, here are some highlights from the meeting:

Special Events Committee Updates
The following individuals were recognized for their participation and dedication to the BSD Special Events Committee:  Richard  Astrein, Zach Kay, Nikki Pavlack, Amy Pohlod, Judy Solomon and Doug Fehan. Thank you again for your support!  

Birmingham Farmers Market  
The Birmingham Farmers Market's 2018 season will come to a close this Sunday, October 28th with an End of Season Celebration from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. 
Small Business Saturday 
Small Business Saturday will take place on Saturday, November 24th. Shoppers will have an opportunity to earn Birmingham Bonus Bucks during the event. Learn more at www.ALLINBirmingham.com/SBS2018. The BSD office has Small Business Saturday bags and posters available for pickup while supplies last.
Santa Walk
Children of all ages (and their parents!) are invited to join us for our inaugural Birmingham Santa Walk on Saturday, November 24th at 9:30 a.m. Kicking off the Small Business Saturday shopping extravaganza, this event will welcome Santa to town during a celebration complete with ringing sleigh bells, stops at various stores with giveaways, and concluding at Santa's quaint home in Shain Park. Please let the BSD office know if you have giveaways for the Santa Walk.
Santa House & Carriage Rides
The complete schedule for the Santa House and Carriage Rides can be found at www.ALLINBirmingham.com/calendar. 
Birmingham Winter Markt
The Birmingham Winter Markt event will be held November 30th through December 2nd in Shain Park. The Tree Lighting event will take place on opening night, Friday, November 30th at 6 p.m. 
Valet Parking
Ag ain this year, shoppers will enjoy f ree two-hour valet parking (available 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.) at two locations: North Old Woodward at Hamilton, and South Old Woodward (in front of Vinotecca).
Sponsorships  
Sponsorships are available for the Birmingham Winter Markt, Birmingham Tree Lighting, Santa House, Warming Tent and horse-drawn carriage rides. For more information please contact the Birmingham Shopping District at 248-530-1254 or [email protected].
Late Hours on Thursdays
Please complete this short survey to let us know if you plan to stay open late (after 6 p.m.) on Thursdays throughout the holidays. We will help you promote your long hours!
Window Decorating Contest 
This year's window decorating them is Holidays in the City. Please have your windows decorated by Thanksgiving weekend!

Marketing Committee Updates
The following individuals were recognized for their participation and dedication to the BSD Marketing Committee:  Amy Pohlod (Chair), JJ Benkert, Gayle Champagne, Ara Darakjian, Samy Eid, Zach Kay and Jessica Lundberg. Thank you again for your support! 

HOUR Media Ad Opportunities
Winter/Spring edition of Metro Detroit Weddings Magazine
Bridal and formal wear stores within the BSD have an opportunity to submit a product image and description to be included in our upcoming ad in the Winter/Spring edition of Metro Detroit Weddings Magazine. Images are due by Friday, October 26th.
December/January edition of Detroit Home Magazine
Furniture and home decor stores within the BSD have an opportunity to submit a product image and description to be included in our upcoming ad in the December/January edition of Detroit Home Magazine. Images are due by Friday, October 26th. Limited space available; images should be e-mailed to [email protected].

Live In The D Opportunity
The BSD is sponsoring Day 8 (Wednesday, Dec 12th) of WDIV's Live In The D (LITD) 12 Days of Christmas Promotion. Thank you to the five stores in attendance at the Merchant Meeting who signed up to participate in the promotion and join us on-screen for the live segment!

Vistior Guide
The committee and BSD staff members are working on a new format and design for BSD Visitor Guides. The new version will be available before Small Business Saturday.

Maintenance Committee
The following individuals were recognized for their participation and dedication to the BSD Maintenance Committee:  Steve Quintal (Chair), Doug Fehan, Amy Pohlod, Bill Roberts and Glenn Ceresnie. Thank you again for your support! 

Avoid Fines - Follow the Snow Ordinance
As a reminder, please take a moment to review the City's snow ordinance so you can avoid fines. Remember property owners are responsible for salting in front of their buildings.

Business Development Committee
The following individuals were recognized for their participation and dedication to the BSD Business Development Committee:  Sam Surnow (Chair), Jeff Hockman, Steve Quintal and Mike McKenzieThank you again for your support! 

Longtime Businesses Recognized 
The following businesses were recognized for being a part of the Birmingham community for many years: Ceresnie & Offen Furs, Harp's Lingerie and Frank's Shoe Service. Congratulations!

Birmingham Welcomes New Businesses
BSD Executive Director Ingrid Tighe welcomed the following new businesses to Birmingham: Untied on Woodward, Anna Castaldi, Tomatoes Apizza, Adachi, Kaku Sushi & Poke`, Beauty Club, Eyedolize, drybar, Grabbagreen, White Birch, Alex Emilio Salon and Kohler Signature Store.

Stores Opening Soon
The following stores are scheduled to open soon in Birmingham: 110 Couture, Petite Cabane, ecoATM, Kybun Joya Shoes and Hazel Ravines & Downtown. 

Public Parking Lot 6 Expansion Update
The Public Parking Lot 6 expansion project is scheduled to start in April and should last approximately four weeks. The project has been approved by the Birmingham City Commission, but the actual site plan has not yet been finalized. The lot will be repaved and additional parking will be added. The construction company is aware of the Birmingham Farmers Market and will be sure to leave the lot usable for weekends. 

BSD Assessment Renewal
BSD Executive Director Ingrid Tighe discussed the upcoming BSD assessment renewal. Within the next few weeks, the Birmingham Shopping District is scheduled to go before the City Commission for renewal of its special assessment for the fiscal years 2018-2019, 2019-2020, 2020-2021, 2021-2022. Please make note of the following important dates:

1. Public Hearing of Necessity - City Commission Meeting on October 29, 2018
2. Public Hearing of Confirmation - City Commission Meeting on November 12, 2018
3. Treasury Department sends out special assessment bills - December 2018

The two-part public hearing process is designed to continue the special assessment, which is the source of the BSD's funding. First there is a public hearing of necessity for the assessment. The next hearing is a confirmation of the assessment rolls - in other words, setting forth which properties pay and how much. Both meetings are publicly noticed and public comment is sought.

To learn more and share your input, please attend these important meetings.
Birmingham Shopping District  151 Martin Street  Birmingham, MI  48009