Member News October 22, 2021
Scarecrow Walk - 9 Days To Go

If you have Scarecrow Walk brochures remaining, please keep handing them out and encouraging people to participate.

Adam will be taking pictures of all your scarecrows and will continue to post them on BIA social media. A gallery will be going on the BIA website soon.

Please keep sharing news about your participation in the Scarecrow Walk.

Don't forget to remind your clients there is a $500 Grand Prize Shopping Spree and two $200 shopping spree prizes to be won. And you could win $150 in the People's Choice best scarecrow part of the program when people vote for your scarecrow.
Treat Walk - Sat., Oct. 30 11 - 1:30 PM

Treat Walk flyers will go out in the mail Tuesday.
Look for costumed kids and pets walking Waterdown on the 30th to find activities and treat stations while exploring our streets and discovering your businesses.

We're still accepting treat donations!

We want to fill treat bags with lots of goodies for participants. Please help us by donating treats. All participating businesses will be listed on lists going in the bags, sponsor posters and on BIA social media. Treats should be dropped off at the BIA office at 5 Mill St. S. (southeast corner of Mill St. & 5 by end of day Monday, October 25. Or let us know if you will be dropping off, or need items picked up asap. Thank you!
Hamilton Day - Sat., Nov. 20

In October 1931, Hamilton — like other communities in North America — was in the depths of the Great Depression, and civic leaders wanted to boost spirits and the local economy. So, the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce declared October 28, 1931 to be Hamilton Day, a day to encourage residents to go on a shopping spree. The day was organized by the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce and the Hamilton branch of the Canadian Manufacturers Association. While it was only one day in an economic downturn that would drag on for years, Hamilton Day became symbolic of a rallying spirit in the face of adversity. 

The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce with the support of the Flamborough and Stoney Creek Chambers are revitalizing Hamilton Day with a month-long campaign encouraging Hamiltonians to patronize local shops, eateries and personal services as a way to support local businesses in the wake of the pandemic. It will culminate with a one-day celebration of all things local on November 20.

We're joining with the other Hamilton BIAs in bringing this campaign to Waterdown Village. We will be sharing Hamilton Day posts leading up to November 20, and are planning some fun activities and giveaways to drive shopping traffic to Waterdown on the 20th.

While we originally planned on combining Hamilton Day activities with a Holiday Shop Kick-off, we've decided to celebrate instead with two back-to-back weekends focused on supporting local. The retro vibe of Hamilton Day graphics stand better alone and we don't want to mix too many messages. So on November 20, we'll emphasize the importance of spending locally (ahead of Black Friday). and keep the festivities going the next weekend with holiday-themed activities.

On Saturday, November 20, Waterdown Village will promote:

A Tax-Free Day for any businesses that would like to participate (please sign up below)

Shop Late - until 7:00 PM for any businesses that would like to stay open a bit later on Hamilton Day (please sign up below).

Hamilton Day Specials. If you have a special Hamilton menu item planned, or have other ways you'd like to celebrate the day, please send details to adamneumann@waterdownbia.ca and we'll be sure to share them on our website and social media.

Sign-up with hamiltonday.ca to receive updates and marketing tools to execute Hamilton Day in your business.

We'll also share a folder with Hamilton Day graphics for your use in an upcoming Member News.
Let us know if you'll do something special for Hamilton Day, Nov. 20
I'd like to participate in a 'Save the Tax' event on Nov. 20.
I will have a special 'Hamilton Day' menu item or discount
I'll be doing something else and will send details to Adam
I will keep my business open until 7:00 PM on Hamilton Day (Nov. 20)
Yes
No
Holiday Kick Off - Sat. Nov. 27

Look for special street activations and visitors from the north pole working their way through Waterdown Village Streets on November 27.

We'll have holiday entertainers (carollers, street magic, buskers, etc.) plus treat stations and warming stations to encourage people to walk, browse and spend some time in Waterdown Village.

Do you have ideas on ways you would like to get involved with special experiential promotions or engagement sessions within your business? Host a crafting zone for kids, selfie photo booth, holiday fashion show, an indoor or outdoor sampling / tasting station, a tips for home / tree decorating session, etc.

We are also looking to set up a few craft/artisan corners as a mini Winter Market. You could host a table in your business or one or more tents at your business location.
Let us know how you would like to get involved with the Holiday Kick-Off.
I will be running a special engagement session and will email the details.
I will have a special offer (retail discount, sale, menu item, etc.)
I would like to have an artisan table or tent at my location
I have another idea - I will email details.
WATERDOWN BIA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Tues., Nov. 16, 2021
7:00 PM (By Zoom)

The BIA, a collective of downtown Waterdown Village businesses working together to promote economic development, is strongest when members collaborate and support common goals. The BIA Board of Management looks forward to connecting with you - our membership - to celebrate what we've accomplished together during this challenging year, and to share news regarding BIA 2022 plans.

Please join us for the AGM on November 16. We ask that you register in advance HERE. and no later than Friday, November 12, 2021 at Hi there, 

The BIA Office is Moving
The BIA will be moving from its current location at the corner of Mill and Dundas to 20 Main St. N., Unit 2, at the beginning of December. Our new location will move us closer to the centre of the BIA district and will continue to be a convenient place for members to connect with us.

We expect the 'For Lease' sign will go up in our window soon and wanted to let you know that you'll find us just around the corner.
Questions? Please feel free to reach out to Susan at (289) 260-1261, or spennie@waterdownbia.ca if you have questions about any of the above programs.
Waterdown Village Business Improvement Area