Design Line - Design District News |
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Design & Build Products and Services
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Greetings and salutations! We’ve made it through September, a time of returning to normalcy. For many of us, we're back to the routines of school, sports and activity schedules for the kids and starting holiday planning for all. For those of you that don't know me, I am Rob McKellar (ADU-Your Appliance Source) and I am serving as the President of GADD for the 2022-2023 term.
I’ve worked and volunteered with the Greater Annapolis Design District (GADD) for going on six years. Along the way I have met many wonderful people, who have become good friends and business connections. I’m very fortunate to serve on the Board of Directors with an amazing group of people this year and really look forward to enjoying all the events we’ve been working on.
We've already had some great events this year. I’d like to thank all who attended the most recent August 18th Semi-Annual Meeting via Zoom where we discussed ways to maximize your GADD Member Benefits. You’ll find we included the tips discussed summarized below for those who could not attend the session.
Mark your calendars! Please check the Upcoming Events section for several get togethers we have planned for the remainder of 2022.
The Design District is celebrating a special 15-year Anniversary Cocktail Party on October 6. Please consider being a sponsor to help make this event even more fantastic and check out all the kudos that could come your way. Click HERE for more information.
In addition, we’d like to share this celebration with you. If you hit a milestone anniversary during “The Covid Years” between January 2020 and December 2022, please let us know!
Cheers to a fantastic and fruitful upcoming October and I hope to see you all at our 15-Year Celebration!!
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Date: October 6
Location: South River Golf Club, 3451 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD 21037
Time: 6:00-9:00pm
Cost: Early Bird $95 per person by 9/15 | $115 after 9/15
The GADD is celebrating 15 years this year and we’d like to share this celebration with our Members. The evening will include conversation, cocktails, hors d'oeuvres with a carving station, and live music.
Date: November 3
Location: Neo Pizza & Taphouse, 220 Harker Pl., Ste. 145, Annapolis, MD 21401
Time: 5:30-8:00pm
Cost: Free
Mark your calendar! Our annual Membership Drive & Networking Event is being held at Neo Pizza & Taphouse on Thursday, November 3rd from 5:30-8:00pm where current and potential Members are invited to meet, greet and socialize. Please feel free to bring a guest that may be interested in learning more about GADD. There will be appetizers and a cash bar. Please RSVP to help us plan for a successful event.
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One Day Doors and Closets of Baltimore
BusinessMember
RH Annapolis Gallery
Business Member
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Ways to Maximize your GADD Membership |
Utilize GADD's Marketing Resources!
- Use the GADD logo on your signature lines as well as on your website. Logos were emailed to all Members. If you did not receive one, please email annapolisdesigndistrict@gmail.com.
- Update and keep your information updated on the website's Member Directory. This information is fed into the annual print ad directories. Make sure it’s accurate!
- Attend events and host or co-host an event.
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Send us information on events that you’re hosting, press releases, special business offerings, job postings, etc. so we can share via email blasts, in the monthly newsletter and on social media.
- Consider upgrading to Business Sponsor for additional benefits.
- Volunteer to serve on the Board of Directors or on a Committee.
- Have a voice, speak up, attend, and utilize your Membership!
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GADD Scholarship for Skilled Trades & Design/Build Industry |
The Greater Annapolis Design District (GADD) has developed an Annual Scholarship Fund "The Scholarship for Skilled Trades & Design/Build Industry" with the Anne Arundel Community College Foundation.
Qualifiers for the scholarship:
- Representing AACC Skilled Trades & Architecture Department
- Open to US citizens with residency in the state of Maryland
- Need based
- Minimum of high school diploma/GED
- Award up to five $1,000 scholarships a year
Donations are tax deductible and will help to reward AACC students who work diligently to further their education in the "built environment".
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The Greater Annapolis Design District (GADD) Board of Directors is interested in hearing from our Members.
Please take a moment to take our survey. The answers you provide will help us plan for the remainder of 2022 and into 2023.
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Community Forklift is undertaking an intensive search for a new location. The landlord of their current 3.25-acre property plans to discontinue intensive commercial use of the site. This change in use will require that they relocate their operations to an alternative site at some point.
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Members are encouraged to send us pertinent information that we can share (i.e. events, company news, change of address, discounts, job openings, press releases etc.). Email annapolisdesigndistrict@gmail.com and we will share in an upcoming newsletter and via social media.
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Marketing to Four Generations |
For many business owners one of the biggest questions is where to and on what should they invest their marketing budget for the best results. Marketing is a combination of efforts with a multi-channel approach being the most effective.
To make things even more interesting, there are four generations that make up today’s consumer landscape. They are the Boomers, Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z. Understanding your target audience is essential for effective business marketing. Below are descriptions of each generation with recommended marketing media. We hope this information will help our business members develop effective target marketing plans.
Boomers (born between 1946-1964) have the most wealth. They are very service focused. They value that personal connection and enjoy face-to-face interaction. They shop in brick-and-mortar stores. They still have landlines and pick up the phone. They are nonprofit donors. Email campaigns are the number one way to reach and nurture this group. Boomers use search engines. Boomers respond to loyalty cards and points.
Gen X (1965-1980) are flexible. They want you to work with them. They are independent, skeptical and data focused. They use social media such as Facebook. Social media should be used for brand reach with this generation to help them know, like and trust a brand. Direct mail campaigns should be used to reach and convert this generation.
Millennials (1981-1996) are the experience generation. They like trips and concerts. They forgo buying for experience. This group generally does not have wealth. They usually have student debt. They align to social causes. They make up the largest percentage of the population. They are the generation to watch. They do not go on Facebook. Instagram is declining with this group. Millennials respond to email promotions. 20% off works for them. Radio is key for this generation and has a high conversion rate. They love word of mouth, testimonials and reviews. If they trust you, they will advocate for you. This generation is the toughest to reach and convert but they will be your most loyal. They are the meltdown generation if you don’t satisfy them.
Gen Z (1997 or after) like products and stuff but they want deals. They want the best quality for the lowest price. They prefer their friends over family. They utilize Instagram, YouTube and Snapchat. They respond to email marketing. They shop in brick-and-mortar stores. This generation will have wealth. They are entrepreneurs. They have influence at home and spending power. Gen X is buying for Gen Z. This generation loves to share, especially videos. They love incentives like coupons or “share this video and receive a free gift.” This generation wants complete transparency. They like values and a mission. They want a company to put its money where its mouth is.
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