Downtown Lawrence Inc.

 

 Economic Development Grant with City Of Lawrence

Report for October – December 2004

 

 

The primary purpose of the contract between the City of Lawrence and Downtown Lawrence Inc. (DLI) is to promote the economic viability and enhancement of Downtown Lawrence. The following areas were addressed during the fourth quarter, October-December 2004.

 

1.      Promote Downtown to insure a strong sales tax revenue base.

·        Continued with the 2004 advertising campaign to attract local residents and out-of-town visitors to Downtown Lawrence with television commercials (Sunflower Broadband channels, KSNT TV27); print media (Lawrence Journal World, KC Star, Kaw Valley Small Business Monthly)

·        Developed and partnered with KC Star (and Lawrence CVB) for the 2004 Holiday Season 20-page supplement (distributed November 2004, all KC Star readership)

·        Continued distribution of the Official Downtown Lawrence Map to hotels citywide, the Visitor Information Center, Convention & Visitors Bureau for Conferences/Meetings, KU Visitors Center, and Downtown .

·        Provided several collaborative marketing and advertising opportunities for DLI members that brought additional revenue to Downtown merchants and the City.

·        Director continued serving on Chamber’s Small Business Council on marketing START HERE

·        Advertised and promoted the sale of Downtown Lawrence Gift Certificates redeemable at DLI member businesses; this activity encouraged shopping locally and keeping tax revenue in the City.

·        Kept informed on issues affecting Downtown as it relates to commercial retail.

·        Funded and installed Holiday Lights outlining buildings along Massachusetts Street from 600 through 100 block, and on 7th, 8th and 9th Streets between Vermont and New Hampshire (funding was also provided by Chamber and CVB, $8,000; DLI $22,000)

·        Organized two annual community events promoting Downtown Lawrence to residents as well as out-of-town people:  Annual Halloween Trick-or-Treat; Annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony & Santa’s Arrival.

 

2.      Promote the Downtown Lawrence Historic District.

·        Collaborated with KSNT TV27 on development and marketing Downtown Lawrence in 2004, especially with information on the history of Lawrence (Downtown) for the Sesquicentennial Celebration.

·        Continued distribution of “History of Your Building”

3. Educate Downtown property owners and businesses on how historic designation of Downtown Lawrence impacts them.

 

·        No additional inquiries from property owners was received during this quarter

 

4. Act as a liaison between Downtown property owners and perspective tenants.

 

·        Served as a liaison between small independent businesses (professional and retail) and landlords in locating businesses Downtown.

·        Developed referral list and procedure for pairing businesses interested in locating Downtown with landlords or their representatives.

 

5.      Encourage small independent businesses to locate Downtown.

 

·        Mailed Downtown Lawrence promotion packet to individuals/businesses inquiring about opening a business in Downtown Lawrence

·        Met with individuals interested in starting small independent businesses in Downtown Lawrence.

 

6        Implement and coordinate beautification efforts.

 

·        Work continued on development of proposals for beautification projects including sidewalk cleaning and enhancing planting flower beds.

 

 

7.      Act as a “clearinghouse” for the City.

 

·        Distributed materials and information on City issues to DLI member businesses

·        Served as the liaison between City government and DLI community.

·        Organized DLI Member Breakfast Meeting:  information distribution and brainstorming

·        Provide information to DLI members through newsletter and direct mail on issues of importance to members and Downtown (Homelessness issues affecting Downtown, Waterline Improvement Project)

·        Initiated the DLI Task Force on Homeless Issues Affecting Downtown (in response to discussions at the DLI Fall Member Breakfast Meeting) and began research and discussion on issues

 

8.      Promote the use of the Parking Garage at 9th and New Hampshire.

·        Promoted parking garage in media releases and advertisements during the fourth quarter

·        Encouraged business owners and their staff to utilize the garage and other long-term/10-Hour parking lots (through monthly DLI Newsletter)

9.      Promote the use of the Lawrence Transit System.

·        Promoted rider ship through DLI advertisements

·        Encouraged businesses to promote rider ship to the staff and customers (through information presented in monthly DLI Newsletter)

 

Other activities. In addition to activities related directly to the contract between DLI and the City, during the fourth quarter the Director was involved in numerous activities intended to help ensure the viability and vitality of Downtown Lawrence. Some of these activities are listed below.

 

·        Served on Chamber of Commerce Small Business Council

·        Served on Lawrence Convention and Visitors Bureau Advisory Board

·        Serve on Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors (beginning April 2004)

·        Attended the International Downtown Association Annual Meeting

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepared: January 20, 2005

Maria S. Martin, DLI Director