9/16/2008
Red Bank RiverCenter Newsletter | |
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Welcome to Red Bank RiverCenter
RiverCenter wrapped up the annual summer series of street performers on Saturday nights at the end of August. The season was a huge success thanks to the cooperation of Mother Nature and many others. RiverCenter thanks Bank of America and the Monmouth County Arts Council (MCAC) for another successful year of StreetLife in Red Bank. Bank of America and MCAC underwrite all of the costs of StreetLife so that we can provide this great event on the sidewalks of Red Bank every Saturday night during the summer.
We also thank those businesses who allowed the performers to perform at their locations: River's Edge Café, Dublin House, Haagen Dazs, Bellini Shoes, Ten Thousand Villages, Two River Theater, 2 Senza, Siam Garden and The Galleria. A special thank you also goes out to Funk & Standard for helping with the weekly check in/out process at the store, and thanks to the many RiverCenter Board members who donated their time each week to make sure everything went smoothly.
StreetLife is just one of the many events RiverCenter runs or helps promote to keep Red Bank the destination it is for arts, culture, entertainment, and great fun. As always, we encourage businesses to link to the events to promote yourselves. We look forward to Dine Downtown every Tuesday and Wednesday evening in October and hope you will too!
Best regards,
Nancy Adams, Executive Director |
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| Programs & Services
NJ Life Holiday Issue We are pleased as punch to let you know that 24 Red Bank businesses participated with us for discounted ad rates in the holiday issue of NJ Life Magazine. This will give Red Bank a 2-page spread to go along with an editorial special section that is highlighting Red Bank as a shopping destination for the holiday season. We have committed to two more ads through next year for our use, but we may try to do another spread instead of a stand-alone ad. We'll keep you posted.
Red Bank Business Forum Don't forget the free business forum we set up a couple of months ago so Red Bank business owners could list topics for discussion and to brainstorm solutions. Users must register first and then RiverCenter confirms that the user is a Red Bank business owner before being able to post. So, talk with your fellow business owners at: www.redbankbusinessowners.freeforums.org.
Award Winner!! Congratulations to K Hovnanian on the  recent recognition by Downtown New Jersey as a winner of their Excellence In Downtown Awards. The award will be presented at DNJ's Annual Conference on September 18th in Rahway. RiverCenter nominated K Hovnanian for the award. This is also good recognition and public relations for Red Bank. Congrats K Hov!
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| Business to Business
 Parking Spaces Available for Rent! Frank Cannaroza, owner of the old Lovelane building on West Front Street is in the process of working to get his building leased and improved. In the meantime, he has SIX parking spaces behind it in the English Plaza lot that he is looking to rent out. If you're interested, call him at 732-221-7479.
Host a BELLINI SHOES Party! Bellini Shoe parties are available any day of the week. Bellini Shoes is offering private parties people can host at the store located at 16 White St. As a thank-you for hosting a shoe party, hosts receive special discounts or even a free pair of shoes! For information, contact them at bellinishoes@gmail.com or call, 732-383-7164.
Grand Re-Opening Party! Internationally renowned hair artist and educator, Mark Schwartz, has announced Schwartz Salon, 17 Monmouth Street, as the permanent home of his unique salon and services. To celebrate, a grand re-opening event on Friday, September 19th is planned. Festivities include a ribbon cutting ceremony with Mayor Pasquale Menna at 4:00pm and a cocktail party from 4:30pm to 6:30pm. Both are open to the public. Client appreciation services including complimentary treatments, blow-outs and product demonstrations are available from 11:00am to 3:00pm by appointment. For more info, call
732-741-7337.
Marisa ~ The Art Of Apparel is closing on September 30. After operating her specialty store in Red Bank for two years, owner Ellen Ryan has decided to pursue personal interests and spend more time with her family. Although, customers are saddened by her store's closing, she is calling it a "celebration" and is offering fantastic sales of all merchandise, as well as store fixtures, furnishings and accessories. As an added feature, she is giving away prize dollars as a bonus to win fabulous gifts of merchandise and accessories. Marisa will be remembered for its welcoming atmosphere with the ambience of an elegant townhouse and its warm, friendly personalized service, which brought a loyal following of customers.
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| Membership News
Photography Exhibit McKay Imaging Photography Studio & Gallery announces their latest photography exhibit of The Everglades-Vanishing Splendor, by Anthony Almeida. Opening Reception: Friday, September 26th, 2008 7 10PM Artist will be present. The show will run from September 26th thru October 23rd. Gallery hours are Wed. and Thu., 1PM-7PM, or by appointment. 12 Monmouth Street, second floor. 732.842.2272 www.mckayimaging.comHoliday Planning. RiverCenter is looking for committee members to help out with the numerous holiday events we run, including the Town Lighting, Holiday Express concert on November 28th, Holiday Harmonies, the Window Walk, and more. The first meeting is Wednesday, September 24th at 9 AM at RiverCenter's office. We hope you will join in to help make this holiday season even brighter!
 Asher Neiman Gallery, 16 Monmouth St., invites everyone to join them for the long-awaited Francis Mesaros opening on the evening of September 27th. Besides the gorgeous artwork, much of it new, the party itself is going to be fabulous and filled with the electric energy that Francis Mesaros emits. The wine will flow, the hors d'oeuvres will tantalize, and the place will be buzzing. Plus a few unusual surprises and lovely touches. Opening Reception, 7-10 PM on the 27th; the showing runs through October 17th. www.asherneimangallery.com.
Huge Watch Event at Leonardo Jewelers to Benefit the  Parker Health Center! Leonardo Jewelers, 35 E. Front St., is hosting a fun-filled evening of Latin music, mojitos, and the largest watch show ever at the store. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Health Center, a volunteer, free healthcare facility for Monmouth County residents who have no health insurance. All are invited to the event on Thursday, Oct 23rd from 2 - 8 PM. Reps from Rolex, Breitling, IWC, and more will be in attendance. For info go to www.leonardojewelers.com |
| Community Partners
 YMCA Seeking Gift Auction Items for "Taste of Two Rivers" Event. The YMCA of Red Bank will be presenting a "Taste of Two Rivers" on Monday, November 3 at the Two River Theatre on Bridge Ave. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample food and drink from local restaurants and businesses at the event. All proceeds raised will benefit the Strong Kids Campaign which provides participation scholarships to those who are unable to pay the full cost of our programs. Please consider supporting the Y by making a donation of a gift certificate, gift basket, or items for a gift basket. This is a unique opportunity to showcase your products while supporting local people. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Valerie at RiverCenter or Pamela Ortman at the YMCA at 732-671-5505, ext. 13, or portman@cymca.org.
Westside Community Group is holding the 12th Annual Candidates Night to meet the Red Bank Borough Council Candidates and ask questions. The forum is being held Wednesday, Oct 8th at 7 PM at RiverStreet Commons Community Room, 49 Catherine St. All are welcome.
 Attention Restaurants! The October 'Tip Sheet' is going to be dedicated to 'Dine Downtown' for the month of October. For a reduced rate, participating Dine Downtown restaurants have the opportunity to be featured in a special advertising panel that will include a photo as well as special copy regarding their specific Dine Downtown menu. For more information please contact Michael Warmington at Ansorge Unlimited at 732- 933-4767. | |
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Events
Farmers Market
The Galleria Sundays, 9AM-2PM through October. Parking lot at Bridge Ave./West Front Street. For more information call (732) 530-7300
Red Bank Town Wide Yard Sale
Saturday, September 20th For more information call Audrey at (732) 747-4642.
Dine Downtown
Price Fixe menus at participating restaurants on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the month of October, beginning on Wednesday, October 1st. List of restaurants is on our website.
Halloween Parade
Sunday, Oct 26th (rain date Nov. 2), 2 PM. Broad St. will be closed from Harding Dr. to White St.
Click here for more information |
Plastic Bag Ordinance Update
Red Bank has been in the news again for their green initiative: an ordinance that would ban the use of plastic check-out bags.
At the Borough Council meeting on Sept. 9th an ordinance banning the bags passed on first reading. The introduction of the ordinance, which would be the 1st of its kind in NJ, did not go unnoticed by the media or the NJ Retail Merchants Association. Several people spoke out against the ban, yet in appreciation of the Borough's efforts. There was much discussion and disparity amongst the council members as well; all of them interested in creating an ordinance that will serve the purposes of green initiatives, but, at the same time, not hurt the businesses.
More discussion is on tap for this ordinance at the next Borough Council meeting when it will be up for second reading and final adoption. RiverCenter encourages business owners to familiarize themselves with the ordinance and go to the Council meeting to share your views on September 22nd. |
Tips For Businesses
Some food for thought about retailing in local business districts (not strip malls, or shopping centers) as retailers consider ways to increase sales in good or bad times.
About 80% of downtown retail shopping is done by women.
82.6% of retail spending takes place on nights and weekends.
65% of downtown retailers are not open on Sunday.
Studies show that changing the interior merchandising 6 times/year increases sales by 30% annually. Only 28% of downtown businesses actually re-merchandise more than 3 times/year.
A customer who is greeted at the door is twice as likely to buy than a customer who is not greeted.
74% of local residents have an "emotional attachment" to their downtown, yet an astounding 80% complain they are not aware of when stores are open.
Joint downtown promotions increase the positive "perception" of the business district by almost 70%.
And, one last thing, statistics show that businesses that continue to advertise (and sometimes increase their advertising) during an economic downturn, bounce back much better than those who don't. | |
| Nancy Adams, Executive Director, exdirector@rbrivercenter.com
Red Bank RiverCenter, 20 Broad Street, Red Bank 07701 732-842-4244
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