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Downtown Merchants Association
Meeting Minutes: Thursday October 11, 2007 8:30 AM
URI Shepards Building, 80 Washington Street Introductions: Arnell Milhouse, DMA President Recognition of Former DMA Officers: Arnell Milhouse thanked Josh Miller, former President of the DMA, and Sally Turner, former Vice-President, for their hard work in leading the organization. Josh offered some insight about his current projects and thoughts on downtown, and he described the importance of pushing for issues that can’t be resolved overnight. He talked about his latest restaurant project, Local 121 in the Dreyfus Building, along with his role as a state senator. Although he represents Cranston and Warwick, he also views himself as a representative for downtown Providence. His priorities include advocating for the preservation of the state historic tax credit, as well as the development of a garage adjacent to Garrahy Court House. Since Sally Turner has transitioned away from her DMA responsibilities, she has become a PR/media consultant, working mainly with national clients. Given her background as Director of Groundwork Providence, she is thrilled to see beautification efforts sustained by the DID, and she has helped the organization on a few recent PR projects. DMA meeting schedule: Although decisions have not been made yet, the DMA will consider changing its meeting schedule in order to accommodate more retailers. Holiday Planning: - Providence for the Holidays: The Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau has launched a new citywide holiday campaign, with a website: www.providencefortheholidays.com listing hotel specials, restaurants, shopping ideas, and events between Thanksgiving and New Years. Lite Rock 105, (the local holiday station), and ABC6 are offering free advertising, and the CVB plans to work with a major corporate sponsor.
- Providence Preservation Society Stroll and Tree Lighting (http://www.ppsri.org): Lauren Goldenberg reported on the Holiday Stroll, planned for Saturday, December 8th. Starting at 4:30 PM, she expects a crowd of more than 1000 people to walk downtown for festivities leading up to the city’s tree lighting at 6:00 PM. Pinelli Marra will provide outdoor catering, offering winter delights such as roasted chestnuts and soups. Lauren is currently putting together a program, highlighting all businesses that will be open late. *THE DMA ENCOURAGES ALL BUSINESSES TO STAY OPEN UNTIL AT LEAST 8:00 PM THAT NIGHT.*
Downtown Gift Card Program: The Providence Foundation is considering launching a gift card pilot program in the next few months. Initially, the cards would be available for bulk order purchase by downtown corporations, and later, the generally public would be able to buy them by phone, online, or in key downtown locations. If merchants have questions about the plans, they should contact Joelle Crane at The Providence Foundation: (401) 621-6122 or
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. City Parking Plan: In order to increase the amount of on-street parking, the city will first conduct another parking study. Arnell Milhouse will have another update soon. Open Discussion - Other PWCVB Activities: Brian Hodge is meeting with five journalists, representing the Village Voice, Boston Magazine, Prevention and more, between October 25th and 28th. Kristen Adamo also mentioned the Providence feature in December’s issue of US Airways magazine. If DMA members have ideas about content, or are interested in participating in a co-op ad for arts organizations, they should let her know.
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