Unified Business Voice
Advocacy and coordination. Individual businesses have limited leverage when dealing with matters. The association will gather business input, establish a documented position, and communicate it to the appropriate city department, elected official, property owner, or community organization. Areas where the Association will engage on behalf of members: • Street construction • Parking and loading • Public-way permits • Licensing • Signage restrictions • Safety concerns • Sanitation and streetscape maintenance • Commercial property issues • Transportation changes • Major development proposals • Special events and street closures
Neighborhood Identity and Marketing
Avondale is broadly known, but its business community is not consistently presented through a single destination brand. The association has created: • A neighborhood business directory • A unified website • A public events calendar The association will create: • Neighborhood maps and itineraries • Seasonal shopping and dining campaigns • Joint advertising • Public relations campaigns • Visitor guides • Cross-promotions among members
Business-to-Business Cooperation
Buy local, first! Members should be encouraged to purchase from, refer customers to, and collaborate with one another. Examples include: • Member to member discount program • Businesses using neighborhood photographers, accountants, printers, caterers, contractors, and graphic designers • Retailers creating reciprocal promotions • Venues and event professionals producing joint events
Help Navigating the City and State
Help identifying the correct resource for licensing, public-way use, grants, financing, workforce programs, and municipal requirements. Publicly sharing grant programs that benefit members. Connecting member resources with Neighborhood Business Development Center resources.
Commercial Corridor Improvements
Avondale’s business areas have different conditions and needs, but there are constant needs across the neighborhood where the Association can engage and advocate: • Litter and dumping • Graffiti • Lighting • Sidewalk conditions • Landscaping • Vacant storefronts • Wayfinding • Bicycle and pedestrian access • Loading zones • Public art • Holiday decorations • Perceptions of safety
Business Retention
The organization will focus only on attracting new businesses, but it will also help established businesses remain in Avondale by raising awareness and advocacy in the following areas: • Commercial rent pressure • Property tax increases • Lease-renewal challenges • Construction disruptions • Changes in customer traffic • Access to financing • Succession planning • Available storefronts • Business closures and displacement risks