Picture of the Day

NYC Office of Small Business Services

shows they mean business. Enterance layout screems that they support business.

NEW BLOG FOR BID's

Hello Fellow BID People and those who follow BIDs:

I want to invite you to visit a new blog I created that we can all use to stay in contact to share ideas and problems with each other about BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRCITS.

Most of you know that Blogs are an easy way to post ideas, questions, and opinions. I have heard from so many of you over the years that us “BID” people need something we can use to stay connected. In my opinion Web sites are too static and require way too much maintenance as well as cost. With a blog we can all post in a flash and its out to the whole group.

Even right NOW in real time… It updates news from around the world on the topics of BIDs, SADs, BIZ’s etc. That’s along the right column and the member posts are right in the middle section.

Please give it a try. If you have an RSS reader you can even have the posts and the updates on news sent right to your in box! Its that easy.

If you think of a function that you think is missing let me know, I promise to add it if its possible. I can create things like an opinion poll, or add a link to a particular resource like ESDC or what ever (Or its what ever you want!) If you hear of any news or information that your fellow BID Managers could use, please post it.

If you are one of the those who find that just getting you email is too scary, I will be glad to post it for you! Just send it to me. We won’t mock your tech skills!

Please understand its brand new, so its light on content right now, but I put a few things on there just to get it started, but if we all keep adding to it, it will be a great resource we can all call upon in the future!

Thanks and happy Blogging! Please post!

IEDC names Best Economic Development Websites for 2007

 

 

 

September 2007 IEDC NAMES BEST WEBSITES OF 2007 Last week the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) announced the top economic development websites at its Annual Conference in Phoenix. The award-winning websites are impressive and their results are noteworthy. These best-practice websites are models for economic development organizations to follow. Top Special Purpose Website by Population • Population 200,000 or more: Silicon Valley Economic Development Alliance, CA • Population 200,000 or more: Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce, TX • Population 50,000 to 200,000: The Port of Shreveport-Bossier, LA • Population 50,000 or less City of Englewood, CO Top General Purpose Website by Population • Population 200,000 or more: Milwaukee 7, WI • Population 200,000 or more: Tucson Regional Economic Opportunities, AZ • Population 50,000 to 200,000: Bismarck-Mandan Development Association, ND • Population 50,000 or less City of Blue Ash, OH According to IEDC, the Greater Waco Chamber was a "clear standout" that communicates "strategic community initiatives and is the key resource for regional data as a tool for investment in the Waco area." The Waco Prospector site, www.wacoprospector.com, is a regional database of available sites and buildings. The core business tool pulls together local GIS data combined with demographics, business mapping, labor force data and interactive maps. IEDC describes the website saying, "This serves as a tool for site consultants, commercial real estate brokers, industry, and local businesses searching for properties or searching for demographic and business data in a particular area." "The award serves as a salute to pacesetting organizations like the Greater Waco Chamber for leading the charge," said Ronnie L. Bryant, IEDC chairman. See the list of 2007 winners, honorable mentions and previous award-winners. Please forward this e-Newsletter to your friends interested in this information. They can subscribe to the monthly e-Newsletter by e-mailing info@EconomicDevelopmentonline.com. For more information about e-strategies for economic development please visit EconomicDevelopmentOnline.com. Over 5,000 economic development professionals throughout the United States receive this newsletter. You know what the rest don't.

 

EVENT ALERTS

America Unchained!
Shop independent businesses on Saturday November 17, 2007

The American Independent Business Alliance invites your organization to participate in this growing national campaign that urges communities to unchain themselves (to shop only at locally owned independent businesses) for just one day.

America Unchained! puts the focus on community economics by helping citizens recognize the economic benefit of local, independent businesses and think about the impact of where they choose to spend their dollars, not only for the upcoming holiday season, but every day.

Begun in 2003 by the Austin Independent Business Alliance (AIBA), Austin Unchained was a huge success. AIBA calculated the amount of money the local economy would gain if every citizen shopped at only locally owned businesses for one day. The number was stunning and grabbed the attention of both Austinites and local government. AIBA generated substantial local media exposure to drum up community support and participation. Through their posters, flyers, and t-shirts, word spread and the community joined in to inject millions into Austin’s economy.

AMIBA conducted the campaign nationally for the first time in 2004 with great success. Unchained is a “media darling” for its edginess and proximity to the holiday shopping season.

AMIBA provides templates for posters, a logo, button designs, press releases, and more for your use. Participants register at www.amiba.net . Registration gains them access to a library of campaign support materials and places them on a list that is provided to the media. Visit www.amiba.net for more information.

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