Donut Club minutes August 4, 2015

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    James Jasper, report from the Chamber
    -The Women Work and Community Business Basics Class occurred in July.  10 people came for the three week class. Hope to add MSBDC classes/office hours as well.
    -Working on advertising promotions in several magazines, with discounted rates.
    -30 members have joined since September 2014.
    -Any questions, call the Chamber at 282-1567.

    Two Cities: One River Bridge Dedication
    10 a.m. – Noon
    -Bridge dedication. Governor has agreed to come speak. Bands, community groups with booths.
    Noon-5
    -RiverJam in Mechanics Park
    -Passport to Downtown: scavenger hunt and Taste of Biddeford + Saco
    -Business and Mill expos
    7 p.m.
    -Fireworks, York Hill
    7:45-10 p.m.
    -RiverJam
    Marianne Clark, HOB Business Enhancement Committee
    -Putting together a program for ongoing technical assistance to existing businesses. Looking for feedback from business owners about issues that they hope could be addressed, and contact Marianne by email at mariannekclarke@gmail.com
    Library
    -Extremely busy this summer (feels busier than last year, which was impacted by construction)
    -Summer reading program coming to an end. About 500 kids signed up + adults too!
    -Margaret Hathaway, homemade goat cheese tastes, a food guide. Aug. 18 at 6:30 p.m.
    -New sign out front looks great! And, it’s bringing in tourists.
    HOB Updates
    -New Map of all downtown/mill businesses created. 200 have been distributed. Provide feedback about any errors, and we’ll do a major printing.
    -Construction on Elm Street complete!! The #SeeingOrange campaign seemed to help keep the word out. Construction news will be coming out in the next week about Jefferson Street paving projects.
    -Events: Music in the Park has two more Wednesdays Aug. 5 and 12. RiverJam Festival on Sept. 19.
    -New Businesses: Custom Deluxe, Steer N Stein, ThinkTank,
    -Main Street Makeover – Lots of good results downtown from 265 Main Street, McArthur Library sign, new sign/paint/awnings at Houde’s, and Trillim.
    -UNE RA’s will be downtown during the third week of August. They do a tour, then get more informed so they can inform their residents.
    -Parking: HOB getting the word out through website blog, newsletter, and Facebook. Trying to encourage conversation and increased information.
    Trillium/Walter’s Watch & Jewelry Repair
    -Good first two months. ArtWalk went well last week. Very hot days make for slower business.
    Discussion:

    -James brought up the topic of Downtown business hours. Retail hours seem to close early. Is there anything that could keep more businesses open later?  Start with ArtWalk nights. Also, a promoted night each week during the lead up to the holidays (e.g., Nov. 20 through Christmas?) Delilah will bring this to Promotions Committee.

    Next Donut Club Tuesday, September 1, 2015 at 8 a.m. at Reilly’s Bakery, 232 Main Street. All are welcome!