Bales Talks To Rotary About Christmas Shopping In Downtown Bay City
November 22, 2011
By: Stephen Kent
Teri King of My Secret Garden
Candace Bales, Rotarian and Directory of Bay City's Downtown Management Board, talked about what's happening in Bay City and how the DMB helps promote the area businesses.
"It's not secret that Malls are in trouble", said Bales. Currently there are only two malls in development in the entire US. A number of those in existence are removing the central roofs to give an open air shopping experience, a more downtown look. Bay City has a great advantage of being a small town with a vibrant downtown.
The DMB is supported by special assessments paid by downtown businesses. That funding plus the support of those many local business helps the DMB promotes the area and holds many special events. They strive to put "feet on the street". The more people who visit the area the better for everyone.
The DMB is responsible for most of the holiday look to downtown. With help from Do-All, Inc. the DMB is lighting trees and putting up other decorations. The DMB is also responsible for Santa's visit to downtown and all the events that go along with the season.
To illustrate successful businesses, Teri King talked about My Secret Garden. She started in 1992 with a single booth space in
the Bay Antique Center. After expanding to 8 booths, she moved to her own place across the street. Seven years ago bought her current building across from the Doubletree.
Becky McKeith demonstrates scarves
My Secret Garden succeeds by embracing the public and continually promoting the business. They offer classes, hold special events, and promote on the Internet through their web site
(
MySecretGarden.biz,
e-mail, and social media. Downtown is a key to their success and King says "I wouldn't be anywhere else.
Events and "shopertainment" are key to today's small retail businesses. "You can't just wait for people to come in like they once did", said King.
To illustrate their special programs, which they do every month, Teri's sister Becky McKeith gave an abbreviated version of a talk she gives about scarves. She illustrated ways to wear scarves, how to tie or drape them, and the many colors and fabrics.
Bay City's downtown is unique in many ways. As a vibrant place to go it can hardly be beat.
CLUB NEWS and ANNOUNCEMENTS
NEW MEETING PLACE
Beginning December 6 the club will meet at the Doubletree.
The lunch fee at the new location will be $11 rather then the present $9. Until then, members will be asked to pay the difference. This will be on the honor system based on previous prepayment of the full meal cost or the partial %6 with dues.
Starting in January the prepaid portion of lunches will no longer be required with dues. Members may prepay the entire amount with their dues or pay the full $11.00 at the door. (See note below)
NEW DUES PLAN
The Club's board has change the dues structure to NO LONGER REQUIRE pre-paying a portion of the meals. Two options will be offered in the invoices that were recently mailed. Option 1 calls for payment of dues only. Meals are paid at the door. Option 2 allows pre-payment of the full meal cost must as it is now.
The change in pre-paid meals will have an effect on the budget where unused meal payments helped fund the club's programs. Under the new budget programs will be paid for from the local foundation and the club will be asked to raise any funds that are distributed.
MEMBER PHOTOS:
If you missed the opportunity to have
Anne Trahan take a new picture for the Rotary Directory, don't fret. Give her a call or see her at the meeting to work out a sitting. The directory picture is free. Retouched digital photos and portraits for your own use are available for a small charge.
Upcoming Programs
(See the official schedule at
RotaryBayCity.org )
November 22, 2011: Candace Bales and
Teri King will talk about
Holiday Shopping in Bay City.
Meetings begin at the Doubletree on December 6.
November 29, 2011: To Be Announced..
December 6, 2011: Good Samaritan Rescue Mission.
December 13, 2011: 10 Minute Rotarian.
December 20, 2011: Annual Holiday Program!
Rotary is an intimate affiliation of carefully selected business and professional people,
having as its objective the promotion of high ethical standards in private, commercial
and civic life, and dedicated to the ideal that the basis of all worthy endeavor is unselfish service.
Current and past
DISTRICT DISPATCH newsletters are available on the District site shown in the LINKS section below.
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LINKS