BID E-News 
Brought to you by the                                 Durango Business Improvement District		 downtowndurango.org
Issue: # 46 03/03/10

Are you out there? The BID wants to know:

The BID has built positive relationships with many businesses in the Downtown, yet many more in the District remain merely acquaintances. Beginning this month, expect to see more of Pam Glasco as she embraces her newly-created position of community relations coordinator. The BID's goal is to enhance communication with all District property owners and merchants. Pam's initial emphasis is to update and expand the BID data base to help ensure that constituents are kept up-to-date on issues and activities pertinent to business in the BID. Feedback from you is also a priority. When Pam knocks on your door, let her know what the BID is doing well and how can it better serve your needs.

From the mouths of merchants:

"I'm curious to know why more merchants don't take advantage of the sidewalk sale days. Where I came from, the downtown had big sidewalk sales, everyone participated and it drew large crowds." Did you know: the City pre-approves more than 30 days a year for sidewalk vending, and, it's true, very few merchants take advantage. Is there merchant interest and is anyone willing to volunteer time to help organize a summertime sidewalk sale? Contact Pam, pamg@downtowndurango.org or 375.5067, with your suggestions.

Summer calendar of events:

Would you believe that in excess of 100 "reasons to come to Durango" are already on the 2010 special events schedule? Visit www.downtowndurango.org and download a copy. Use this event calendar to inform employees and customers, and to adjust inventories and staff up for big crowds. Activity begets activity.

From the mouths of merchants:

"I'd like my fellow merchants to do a better job of keeping their employees from parking on Main Avenue." Fact: The prime reason for parking meters is to create the vehicle turnover that is key to retail activity. A single car sitting all day in a single space discourages customers, plus adds to negative feelings about parking in Downtown. Do the math...1,200 metered spaces x 10 hours per day x $5 per hour of retail spending x 30 days per month is....impressive! 

Durango's 2009 accolades:

2009 "Top 20 Romantic Getaways" - Sunset

2009 "America's 200 best Hunting and Fishing Towns" - Outdoor Life

2009 "The West's 20 Best Small Towns" - Sunset

2009 "Top Ten Train Rides" - Society of American Travel Writers

2009 "Best Places to Live in Rural America" - Progressive Farmer

2009 "Top 10 Places to Raise an Outdoor Child" - Backpacker Magazine, CBS news

Perform at a higher level:

Solving customer problems quickly is critical to building a good reputation and a loyal clientele. Follow the rule..."Whoever gets the problem, owns the problem" until it is satisfactorily resolved. This way, problems get solved more quickly, employees are empowered and goodwill grows. 

Ditty of the Day:

Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than the U.S.Treasury.