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Greetings!
We were thrilled to see so many people (more than 80!) brave the snowstorm to attend our first-ever holiday happy hour and fundraiser on December 1! Be sure to check out our newly released 2012 events calendar (see link below) so that you won't miss any events of interest to you in 2012.
As we close out 2011, we would like to ask you to provide us with feedback about our newsletter. Please share with us any topics or information that will be valuable to you and that we can include in future newsletters. The survey is only 5 questions long and will take less than 5 minutes.
View newsletter survey here!
We look forward to continuing to help you support Colorado communities in 2012!
Happy holidays! 
Katherine Correll Executive Director
P.S. Renew your DCI membership now to receive 2011 rates for 2012! See details below.
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Smart Solutions to Empty Store Fronts
Popping Up in Colorado
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Pop Ups: Transforming Stagnant Spaces into Lively Places
In this current economy, it is not surprising to see vacant storefronts appear in Colorado communities of all sizes. But, what does surprise us is that the community and property owners let that storefront sit empty when there is an easy solution that benefits everyone: filling the space with a pop-up business.
There is no good reason to let empty storefronts remain empty. They create a stagnant space in what could otherwise be a lively contribution to a thriving commercial district. In fact, at many a technical assistance visit, DCI's team of expert consultants has recommended a community fill its empty spaces with temporary installations otherwise known as "pop-up businesses."
What Is a Pop-up Business?
A pop-up business or store is created when an empty storefront temporarily houses a business for the benefit of both the property owner and the business owner. It is a fantastic solution to livening up those empty retail spaces and it is becoming popular across the country. In fact, pop-up stores are not the only businesses that are popping up these days...pop-up restaurants, pop-up food trucks, even pop-up bars are sprouting in communities across the country.
Why Should You Consider a Pop-up?
Now more than ever, when economic resources are at their thinnest, collaboration is key for the survival of any community. By utilizing a pop-up model for empty retail spaces, everyone is a winner!
- Property owners: A pop-up business "sells" your space for you. A pop-up store can do for a retail space what home staging does for a house for sale-highlight the potential and encourage a business owner to picture themselves and their customers in the space. Think about it...if you were confronted with two potential retail spaces, one sitting dark, empty, and dusty, and one that was brimming with patrons and life, which one would you choose?
- Potential business owners: A pop-up business allows you to "test the waters." Whether a home-based business is considering a permanent move to a retail space or an entrepreneur wants to test out a new product, a pop-up space allows one to leap into the entrepreneurial pool without the risks of a permanent investment. It can provide the valuable information necessary to decide whether a business model needs to be tweaked or if you need to head into another direction all together.
- Surrounding business owners: A pop-up business helps to encourage a lively commercial district. A vacant storefront can drag down the entire commercial district. But, filling this space with a temporary business will add to the vitality and encourage more business for everyone. After all, people attract more people...the more customers that are out and about in your district, the more intriguing the district will appear to others. Plus, encouraging business owners to test the waters and tweak their business model can eliminate a string of failed businesses, which can negatively impact the entire district.
- Community at large: A busy, attractive commercial district with no stagnant spaces provides a safe and lively environment, which benefits residents and visitors alike.
READ MORE for examples of pop-ups across Colorado and links to more information.
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Which Regulations Are Negatively Impacting
Small Businesses?
| The Governor Wants to Hear from You!
Building codes, fire safety codes, health codes...these are all clearly necessary to keep us safe. But, are these codes, especially in rural areas, out of synch with what small businesses can support? Governor Hickenlooper has recently announced the state is going to cut regulations that limit small businesses as part of the state's economic development plan, but you need to tell him what will help your community. Which regulations are most burdensome to small businesses in your community? Email director@downtowncoloradoinc.org (subject: REGULATIONS) and we will share our members' views with the Hickenlooper administration as well as other members.
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DCI Members: Renew by December 31 to Keep 2011 Membership Rate!
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Renew your membership before December 31, 2011 and you will receive 2011 membership rates for 2012! Even if your membership does not expire for a few months, you can still lock in this membership rate by paying now. Your membership renewal time will be added on to your current remaining membership.
Renewal instructions: Sign into your membership account under the homepage. Under manage profile, select account history to view your current membership type. DCI will renew your membership from your current expiration date.
To pay by check: Please include your membership type with your renewal check. Payments should be mailed to Downtown Colorado, Inc. 240 S. Broadway, Ste 201, Denver, CO 80209.
To pay by credit card: Please call 303.282.0625. If you wish to pay by credit card, you must pay by phone (not on the Internet) to receive the 2012 membership rate.
Please contact us at admin@downtowncoloradoinc.org or 303.282.0625 with any questions.
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DCI Creating RFP & Job Monthly
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We will help you spread the word!
In 2012 DCI is launching a monthly electronic notice of RFPs and job openings from around the state. Let us help you get the word out to our huge network of members, attendees, partners, sponsors, and organizations!
Submit all job openings to marketing@downtowncoloradoinc.org (subject: JOB OPENING) by the first Monday of the month. All members can also post job openings to our website through your member profile. (See How to Use Our Website for more information.)
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DCI is an equal opportunity employer. DCI employs personnel without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental handicap, veteran status and marital status. |
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2011-12 DCI
Calendar | |
Save the Date!
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Community
Bulletin Board | Progressive Urban Management Associates releases Top 10 Global Trends Affecting Downtowns Report
Smart Growth Implementation Assistance Program
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| Jobs and RFPs | Federal Boulevard Partnership seeking BID Consultant AND BID Project Manager
Regional Colorado Springs Chamber and Economic Development Corporation seeking President
and CEO
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| Our Sponsors | |
Thank You to Our Patron, District Partner, and Main Street Supporter Sponsors!
Interested in DCI sponsorship? Download our sponsorship brochure now! Or contact DCI at 303.282.0625.
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Save 30% on E-Marketing Tools!
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DCI members receive a 30% discount on Constant Contact services if you sign up through DCI.
Click here or on logo above to sign up and receive DCI discount. Constant Contact's email marketing, social media marketing, event marketing, and online survey tools help small organizations grow their businesses by building stronger customer relationships.
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