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Upcoming MBBA Events
2010 Membership Drive now until March 10th
Winner announced
March 11!
Next Monthly
Membership Meeting
Thursday, February 11
7:30 am
Red Cross Building
1045 Outer Park Drive
Business After Hours
March 1
Ross Isaac Restaurant
4th Annual Artist Market
Saturdays in June
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Shop Local
on MacArthur!
Please patronize our member businesses:
MBBA Member Directory
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Missed the meeting?
Here's the scoop!
This may be the first time you have received an MBBA meeting update, which previously was sent only to MBBA members. It's an opportunity for us to share what's happening on the Boulevard with everyone who asked to be on our email list.
We hope you enjoy reading about us. We invite you to participate by attending an event, volunteering or joining the association if you're not already a member. Neighbor memberships are still only $15 per year and are a great way to show support for the revitalization of the MacArthur area. (And I surely would appreciate it if you would put "Carol" in the Referred by... field of your membership application - see membership drive article below.)
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MacArthur Boulevard Redevelopment Study & Planning Project
Update
Jen Dillman, Sangamon County Board
Jen talked about the Press Conference scheduled for Friday 1/15 at 10am at Ross
Isaac to announce the selection of the Lakota Group to lead the MacArthur
Redevelopment Study. All MBBA members
were invited to attend the press conference.
Jen mentioned several reasons why Lakota was chosen. They offered an
extensive public input process and will provide short term plans that can be
completed quickly without extensive funding as well as long term plans for
future growth. The longer-term plans will
also provide the necessary documentation to secure public and private funding
for those initiatives. Jen emphasized
that the study will require the cooperation from businesses, property owners,
government, developers, and neighbors.
Cory
said the Lakota Group will also look into the impact of the new area MacArthur
Interchange at Interstate 72 to the south in terms of vehicular traffic and
economic development possibilities.
The project will begin in January and end in the fall of 2010.
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Lakota
Group Selected to Lead
MacArthur Boulevard Area
Redevelopment Planning
Project
Press Event
Friday, January
15, 10am
Ross Isaac
Restaurant
1710 South MacArthur BoulevardSpringfield, IL
The MacArthur Boulevard Business Association (MBBA) is pleased to
announce that the Chicago-based Lakota Group has been selected as the
consultants to lead the redevelopment planning effort along the Boulevard area.
The project will be managed by the Springfield-Sangamon County
Regional Planning Commission and funded through a grant from the U.S. Department
of Housing and Urban Development sponsored by U.S. Congressman John Shimkus
(R-Collinsville).
MacArthur Boulevard Business Association Chairman Cory Jobe
said, "We cannot thank County Board Member Jen Dillman enough for her
forethought and insight in to helping our association attract and receive the
grant award from Congressman Shimkus. We look forward to working
with Norm Sims and the Planning Commission on this very important redevelopment
study needed for our area."
A press event will be held this Friday to introduce the project and take questions with the representative of the Lakota Group and the Springfield-Sangamon County Regional Planning Commission, along with Congressman John Shimkus, Cory Jobe President of the MacArthur Boulevard Business Association, Jen Dillman County Board Member and the selection committee members.
Link to full press
release... |
T.I.F. District & City Cuts
Debbie Cimarossa, City of Springfield Alderman
Debbie briefly discussed the possibility of a T.I.F. district, indicating that the
redevelopment study would help us meet the criteria of the State of IL TIF statute.
Asked about city cutbacks, Debbie indicated that public safety would be the
city's #1 priority, but that with 70% union workers represented by 21 different
unions, the city would have some tough choices to make, saying their goal would
be to "... preserve critical services for the citizens of the city."
Specifically asked about the Glenwood Ave
firehouse, Debbie said Aldermen would not be in favor of closing it.
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MacArthur Extension
Project Update
The extension opening appears to be at least a month off. Jen Dillman said the Sheels store has promised a July 1, 2011 opening.
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Welcome New MBBA Business Members!
ACE Bike Shop
Ergadoo
Home Decor and More
Sterling Tax Service
Check out more great businesses and supporters at our
Member Directory page!
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Guest Speaker Bob Paoni, Springfield Small Business Administration, talks about business loans
Bob provided an overview of loans guaranteed by
the SBA through local banks. He
emphasized the advantages of long term financing at fixed rates that are
competitive with market rates. Many
local banks work with the SBA to provide business loans in Springfield.
Thanks to Bob for an informative presentation!
Coming next month: Kevin Lust, Lincoln Land Community College Small Business Development Center
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MacArthur
Area Notes
There's a
new tenant at the previous Aquaria Unlimited store (2025 S. MacArthur), Home Decor & More, owned by Susan
Defreitas with business partner Dr. Gene Blaum.
The shop, which offers recycled furniture and accessories, was featured
in Tim Landis' column in the SJ-R on Sunday.
Defreitas leases the property but has an option to buy.
The old
Burger King property at Outer
Park and MacArthur,
painted red & blue, now has US
Cellular signs. The location will
also provide currency exchange services.
If you know any details about doings on MacArthur, please drop us a line at info@shoponmacarthur.com.
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MBBA Website & FacebookOur website, www.ShopOnMacArthur has been refreshed with an updated logo and colors. We've reorganized and updated some of our content, too. Please visit and send any suggestions to info@ShopOnMacArthur.com.
Link to the MBBA website
Put a link to the MBBA website on YOUR website - your link can help our efforts to reach more people and revitalize the area. Please email info@ShopOnMacArthur.com if you need help or more information.
http:\\www.ShopOnMacArthur.com
Become an MBBA Facebook FanIt's easy, just click here!
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2010 Membership Drive & RenewalsCory announced the 2010 MBBA Membership Drive,
with a goal of a 25% membership increase to provide a larger and louder voice
and greater funding for the MBBA initiatives.
A membership contest will reward the MBBA member recruiting the
most new members with a MacArthur Boulevard Gift Pack. The winner will be announced at the monthly
meeting on March 11. The MBBA Membership
Form has been updated with a "Referred by ... " field, so be sure to fill that
out when you recruit new members! The
form is available on the MBBA website, www.ShopOnMacArthur.com,
which will also have an announcement with details 1/18.
Any business member wanting to donate goods or
services to the Gift Pack can contact any board member.Membership RenewalsAll current MBBA members should have received a renewal notice. We sincerely appreciate your support and encourage you to continue to support
the MBBA and the MacArthur Boulevard Business District with your prompt
renewal.Membership forms can also be downloaded from our website at: www.ShopOnMacArthur.com.Thank you for your
membership and participation!
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