Soft Bar Closing Survey

Currently, last call is at 1 am and bars close their doors at 1:30. A soft closing would extend closing for a certain period of time--usually 1 hour-after last call. No alcohol would be served but customers would be allowed a longer period of time to linger. It's usually a voluntary policy and bars and restaurants are free to decide whether or not to have extended hours. This type of policy is in place in cities such as San Jose, CA.

While people usually arrive at bars a little at a time, they all leave at once. The thought behind a soft closing is that customers would now have a longer time frame in which to finish up and leave, creating a trickle rather than a flood. This can reduce crowding on the sidewalks, spillover into the streets, altercations due to overcrowding, and make it easier for people to catch cabs.

The city has asked for our input on the idea of soft bar closings. There is no specific policy proposal, they are simply asking our thoughts. We encourage everyone to take the survey and are especially interested in hearing from bars and restaurants that any future policy may directly affect.

Please take a moment to fill out the following survey:

http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e7qbdmdkhiddiwf6/a016xhiest5fv/questions

Trash & Recycling Containers Bids

The Downtown Community Improvement District (The District) is planning an expansion of our sidewalk trash and recycling services. Specifically, we are seeking to expand the number of black sidewalk trashcans and begin a pilot glass and plastic recycling project using blue containers in a similar style.

If you are a vendor who would like to  bid on the project, please contact us at (573) 442-6816 or cgartner@discoverthedistrict.com for details. The bid closes April 30, 2013 at 5:00 pm. 

CID Zoning Committee Agenda

Agenda
CID Zoning Committee
Thursday, February 21, 8 a.m.
11 S. Tenth St.


Introduction of members
Brief description of affiliation/expertise
Detailed information available via Dropbox . Link sent via email.

Council Charge to Committee
The Council has asked the Planning and Zoning Commission, Downtown Leadership Council, Historic Preservation Commission, Downtown Community Improvement District and the three adjoining Neighborhood Associations (North Central, Benton-Stephens, East Campus) make fundamental and basic recommendations on what, if any, changes should be made to C-2 Zoning, setback, height, parking and landscaping requirements and regulations.

In an effort to proceed in a timely manner on getting provisions in place, they are asking us to provide feedback no later than March 31, 2013. The goal of this committee is to draft a set of recommendations for the CID Board to consider on Tuesday, March 12.

Document Overview – Gartner
   Brief description of maps and documents provided to committee.
   Brief discussion of the various types of solutions.

Questions for Discussion
1) What is the committee’s overall position on C2 Zoning changes?

2) What is the committee’s position on specific items such as:
   a. Parking
   b. Trash/Recycling
   c. Setbacks
   d. Landscaping
   e. Historic Preservation
   f. Ground Floor Commercial
   g. Height
   h. Other Issues

Discussion of Next Steps

Public Comment

Next meeting tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 26, 8 a.m.

Grand Opening for the Downtown Business Incubator

You're invited to join The League of Innovators, Regional Economic Development, Inc., MU Small Business & Technology Development Center, and the Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors for the  Ribbon Cutting Ceremony & Grand Opening Reception of the Brent and Erica Beshore Downtown Incubator.

500 East Walnut Street, Suite 105
4:00 p.m. 
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Reception catered by The Upper Crust

Located in the heart of Columbia the Downtown Incubator offers the workspace, entrepreneurial community, and resources to help your startup succeed.  The 24/7 space provides a secure place to work, wireless internet, collaboration with other entrepreneurs, and amenities close at hand.

Coupled with support from Regional Economic Development, Inc. and the Small Business and Technology Development Center, The League of Innovators wants to ensure you are surrounded by the support you need to thrive.

Learn more about the Downtown Incubator at http://www.theloi.com/downtown-incubator.

New District Vacancy App

Starting your own business in The District is easier than you think with our new iPhone app. And wait, we've got one for Androids too!

The LocationOne Information System (LOIS) is a searchable economic development database with detailed information on available properties--across the state as well as right here in The District. We've been using the online version for years and they've just released their smart phone version. The LOIS Mobile App will now allow users to access customizable maps, reports and searches via their iPhones or Droids.

With more than 8,500 communities in nearly 30 states, LOIS is a dynamic web-based site selection tool that allows economic development professionals to showcase their communities with customizable searches, maps and reports for available sites and buildings, giving site selectors the information they need via an easy-to-use property database.

You can find download link on our website www.businessinthedistrict.com. While you're there, check out all our great resources for new business owners.

The District Teams Up With Bulldog BBQ

We're thrilled to be sponsoring Douglass High's Bulldog BBQ during this year's Roots n Blues n BBQ Festivals's BBQ competition!

Not everyone's familiar with Douglass' new catering and culinary class where students not only learn how to cook, they also learn how to be entrepreneurs. Students are responsible for business planning, marketing, and advertising their business. As Douglass High's Partner in Education, we thought this would be a great chance to help them take their skills to the next level--an official BBQ competition. Who knows what's next--maybe we'll be seeing a new restaurant opening up here in The District one day.

The Roots n Blues Festival is September 21 and 22 so make sure you stop by their booth and wish them luck!

Start Up Central

If you're looking to start a new business, we've got some great things happening here in The District.

 

The Small Business & Technology Development Center is now located at Sixth and Walnut in The District, right alongside REDI and the new Downtown Incubator. The SBTDC offers both classes and one-on-one consulting for entrepreneurs so whether you're thinking of starting a business or you'd just like to take yours to the next level, stop by their offices and talk to a business specialist. 

Classes more your style? They offer training sessions in everything from how to start a business to financing your dream to social media marketing. Check out our website  www.businessinthedistrict.com for their fall class schedule.

And while you're on our site, take a look at our available space listings, District demographics, consumer profiles, marketing surveys and more.

Want to weigh in on how Columbia grows? Take this survey!

The City's Comprehensive Plan Task Force has been taking citizen input on what we think Columbia's future should be--particularly how Columbia grows and develops.

The Task Force has taken this input and created a set of goals and objectives that will guide Columbia's development over the next decade. Please, take a moment to rate these goals and add comments of your own. It will take a few minutes of your time but it's well worth it--the city needs your input on this.

The survey is availalbe at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ColumbiaImaginedGO.

Changes to Facebook and how to fix them.

Facebook recently made some changes and now you may not receive any posts from pages you liked--unless, of course, the owner of the page chooses to pay Facebook to be posted.

As a non-profit, we've always relied on Facebook and other social media sites to help get the word out about everything from festivals and events to street closures to great deals at District businesses. We want to make sure that everyone who wants to receive these posts via Facebook can.

To change your settings, follow these instructions from alwaysupward.com, a blog that advocates on behalf of small businesses. Full details here: http://alwaysupward.com/blog/fb-fans-arent-seeing-your-posts-and-how-to-fix-it/, their nutshell version here:

1. Find a page you’ve “liked.”
2. Hover your mouse over the “Liked” button, which may or may not work.
3. Try clicking the “Liked” button. That also may or may not work.
4. After clicking “Liked,” try hovering over it again. This may or may not work.
5. Once you get a drop down menu, confirm “Show in News Feed” is selected.

Chamber Challenge - SEC

As you know, there is a lot of excitement over the University of Missouri entering the Southeastern Conference (SEC). We want to make sure that our business community is ready for the positive impact this will have on your business.

Join Chair Vicki Russell as she leads a discussion on Thursday, January 19 on how you can benefit from the University of Missouri's move to the SEC. We are pleased to welcome University of Missouri Athletic Director Mike Alden and Director of the Missouri Division of Tourism Katie Steele-Danner as we prepare for our new conference. Also, you may have read recently about a new concept called Tiger Town. Greg Steinhoff and Bob Gerding will be on hand to give us a brief update on those plans. After their brief remarks, we will then open up the discussion where you can share ideas you have to welcome our out of town guests.

This event is open to all chamber members and will be held at the Clinton Club in Mizzou Arena. Registration and breakfast will begin at 7:00 am with the program to follow from 7:30 - 8:30 am. The cost is only $15 per person and includes a light continental breakfast. Registrations can be made by calling Kristi Ray at 817-9108 or emailing kray@ColumbiaMOChamber.com.

We hope to see you there!

Women In Business Award Nominations Due

Tuesday is the deadline for nominations for the Columbia Daily Tribune Women in Business Awards . 


Nominations are accepted in three categories -- Business Woman of the Year, Emerging Business Woman of the Year, and the Professional Excellence Award. Nomination is a pretty easy process -- you can do it online and get any information you need at www.tribuneawards.com/nomination.html.

Finalists will be recognized (with photograph) in a special Columbia Daily Tribune publication. Awards will be presented at this year's Columbia Daily Tribune Women in Business Awards Luncheon, scheduled for Tuesday, October 25, 11:30-1:00 at Stoney Creek Inn. Attendees can register for this year's luncheon at www.tribuneawards.com; early bird pricing is available until October 18.

Cherry Hill Massage Grand Opening

By the end of the week, can't we all use a good massage?  Well, you're in luck! Cherry Hill Massage is now open right here in The District and they're celebrating their grand opening this Friday evening.  Stop by between 5:00 and 7:00 pm and enjoy beer and wine, photography and live music.

Conveniently located in downtown Columbia on the MKT Trail in the serenity of Flat Branch Park, they offer a variety of therapeutic massage services complete with a holistic experience. Leave the outside world at the door as you enter an environment of relaxation and peacefulness, surrounded by the captivating work of local artists. Cherry Hill Massage's skilled therapists are experienced in the art of massage therapy and enjoy working with individuals as well as with local sports teams, universities and charities.

New Pilates Studio

A new Pilates studio is now open in the North Village Arts District--so now there's no reason you can't spend your lunch hour getting strong and toned.

Open Studio Pilates has a number of specials designed specifically for newbies. Even better, if you work downtown and come with a friend or co-worker, you'll get a special District discount!




Open Studio Pilates
North Village Arts District
300 Saint James Street, Suite 102
Call: 573/474.3600
laura@openstudiopilates.com

Where in the world is St. James Street?  Right behind AmerenUE on Park and Orr!

New Cooking Store Opening Soon!

Tallulah's, a new kitchen, tabletop and home store, will be opening this April in The District.  We'll keep you posted with all the great details!

The Muse Cafe Now Open!

The Muse Cafe & Gallery is now open in the North Village, on the corner of Ash and Orr right next door to Orr Street Studios.  They're organic, fair trade, sustainable, local and even better, the coffee's great.

And if you haven't been over to the North Village Arts District lately, it's worth a trip.  Check out the galleries and artist studios then stop for a cup of coffee at The Muse or a glass of wine at The Bridge.

Sign up for our Business Roundtables

Interested in improving your business performance? Increasing profits? Expanding your customer base? If so, then our Business Roundtables are just for you. Overcome the challenges of operating and growing your business by learning and sharing experiences with your peers.

Roundtable sessions meet once a month for 6 months and are facilitated by business counselors from the Small Business Development and Technology Center and former Missouri Quality Award examiners. The Roundtables are sponsored by Boone County National Bank.

An introductory session will be held on Wednesday, March 16 at 5:30 pm at Boone County National Bank. For more information and an application, check out our business website at www.businessinthedistrict.com.

North Village Arts District is Growing

Last week I had the pleasure of sitting down with several of the movers and shakers in the North Village Arts District at a Tourism Breakfast hosted by the Columbia Business Times and I have to give them all kudos for what they've helped create.

Most of us remember when the area north of Broadway was more warehouse than art house. I even remember when we started calling it the North Village Arts District and the often tortured explanations as to what it was.  (Well, there's these new art studios...) Now, thanks to a lot of  hard work, artist recruitment efforts and property redevelopment, we're seeing a snowball effect in this area. The addition of PS: Gallery and Pure Exposure in the Berry Building is only helping build momentum. (Take a look at their Facebook page to get a sense of how many creative businesses have located there recently.)

If you look at master plans for downtowns across the state--and the nation, for that matter--many include an arts district with studios, galleries and a community of creative people. It's not just a development goal, it's an economic development one as well. While our arts district is progressing so well, other towns have not been so lucky. It takes a lot of things to make that happen--a vital and energetic center city, a wealth of city and non-profits who support the arts, affordable and eclectic studio and galley space, and a community of people willing to support the arts through their purchases.

So next time you're strolling along Broadway, take a quick walk up to Walnut and Orr and check it out for yourself.

Mid-Missouri IT Workforce Summit

Regional Economic Development, Inc., (REDI) is convening a workforce summit in partnership with the University of Missouri and CORE to address the growing demand for an IT workforce in Mid-Missouri. The Summit will be held on Thursday, March 3 from 12:30 - 5:30 p.m. at the Peachtree Conference Center (120 E. Nifong Blvd).

Please help them ascertain industry demands by responding to the Mid-Missouri IT Cluster Employer Survey found here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ITClusterSummitEmployerSurvey.  Please complete the online survey by Tuesday, February 22, 2011.

This research is being conducted to identify the IT workforce needs in mid-Missouri. The research will provide local education providers with an insight into the training requirements needed to meet the demands of the IT industry in Mid-Missouri.

For more information, please email Michele at maholmes@gocolumbiamo.com. Online registration will be available and posted on www.columbiaredi.com.

SBD endorses Regency Hotel Project

The Board of the Columbia Special Business District recently endorsed the proposed Regency Hotel TIF project. The hotel would be a catalytic project for the downtown area, creating 25 to 35 jobs and increasing economic activity in shops and restaurants. We look forward to this improvement in our eastern gateway.

Learn from Local Entrepreneurs

Join EPIC for Lunching Outside the Box on Wednesday, January 26 for an Entrepreneurial Panel featuring Kat Cunningham from Moresource, Inc., Michele Spry from Midway Electric, Inc., Keri Tipton from Bucket Media, Inc. and Brant Bukowsky from VAMortgageCenter.com. These three successful entrepreneurs will tell their stories, both good and bad, about starting a business and being your own boss. Questions from the audience will be encouraged!

Lunch will be held on Wednesday, January 26 from 11:45 a.m.- 1 p.m. with an optional extended Q&A until 1:30 p.m. at the Country Club of Missouri on Woodrail Ave. Be sure to bring your frequent attendee lunch cards so you can get stamped and win. Space is limited so please register in advance. Cost is $10 if you register online by Monday, January 24. Lunch will be ordered based on RSVPs.

For more information about EPIC, contact Emily Hendren at the Chamber, 817-9115 or ehendren@ColumbiaMOChamber.com. The Lunching Outside the Box Series i sponsored by Mid-America Wireless, the Country Club of Missouri and Subways of Columbia.