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

When it's important, BID speaks up:  

Advocating on behalf of Downtown interests is one of BID's many functions. Over the last decade, BID (which represents more than 750 Downtown property and business owners) has been a vocal supporter of improvements in public policy, marketing and promotion of Downtown, capital improvement projects and improved communications. Visit the BID website to review BID position statements on economic development issues and ideas recently submitted to the La Plata County long range planning process. Read more.

Congratulations Alpine Bank:

Alpine Bank has been named to the Environmental Protection Agency's 2010 Green Power Leadership Club. It's an elite group made up of the EPA's Green Power Partners that have demonstrated a high level of environmental leadership and purchase Green Power through the local utility. Alpine Bank Durango offsets 100 percent of its electricity usage through LPEA's Green Power program.

Litter a problem?

Read, Tips to Assist Businesses with Eliminating Litter at www.kab.org/research09.

Have you been shopped?

Secret shopping is an effective tool for business owners to garner unvarnished feedback. This quote came from a shopper wishing to remain anonymous: "On Saturday, Feb. 7, late morning, with my Buy Local book under my arm, I entered 10 Main Avenue stores ready to shop. I was shocked by the poor level of service. Employees in 8 of 10 Downtown shops failed to acknowledge my presence, offer any help or show any interest in making a sale. I couldn't believe it. In several places I actually had to find someone and ask them to ring me up."

 

Shop owners can't address problems unless they're aware of them. Bill Gates said, "Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning." Research confirms that for every customer who complains, more than 20 others never do - they just go quietly away and don't come back.

What's Up Downtown?

The monthly WUD meeting will be held this Friday, Mar. 12 at 8:30 a.m. at City Hall. Guest John Cohen, executive director of the Durango Area Tourism Office (DATO) will explain how DATO's marketing programs benefit Downtown interests. Coffee and pastries.

The Law of Mechanical Repairs:

After your hands become coated with grease, your nose will itch.