On November 10, Capital Crossroads SID held its annual meeting to report on the work the SID has conducted through the year and to recognize the contributions made to the fabric of downtown by individuals and businesses. This year’s meeting was held at the Westin Great Southern, thanks to in-kind donation from the hotel. Additional sponsors included Ohio Support Services and Ohio Custodial Management, which provides the SID with the Clean and Safe Ambassador team. Spinelli’s Deli tempted attendees with freshly baked cookies in celebration of the grand opening of their new location at 50 North High Street. Musical entertainment was provided by students from The Wellington School.
In addition to thanking the SID property owners, Jeffrey Wolf, Chairman of the CCSID Board of Trustees, recognized the voluntary contributions by four exempt owners whose contributions represent 18 percent of the SID’s operating revenue: the City of Columbus, the Central Ohio Transit Authority, Franklin County and the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Wolfe reminded attendees that reauthorization of the SID is in process. Marc Conte, Research Director, is meeting with property owners; owners representing 60 percent of the property in the SID must sign the petition to reauthorize in order to continue operations beyond 2011. The reauthorization efforts should be completed in January.
Executive Director Cleve Ricksecker then discussed SID financials, outlining the balance of administrative and overhead costs with programming expenses. This year, CCSID staff was able to supplement budgeted monies with $132,000 in grants from a variety of federal, state and local sources, as well as through generous sponsorships such as those from WCBE FM and the Hyatt on Capitol Square for Pearl Market and Downtown LIVE.
“We are very conscious of the assessments you provide, and everyone on staff works hard to deliver the best possible value,” explained Ricksecker. “We try to spend as little on administration as possible so that your money goes into programming on the streets.”
Clean and Safe Services
Ricksecker then reported on the SID’s clean and safe services, noting that Downtown Columbus is the cleanest downtown in the U.S. CCSID ambassadors work daily to remove litter, wash sidewalks, control graffiti, remove weeds, and wash newspaper racks, High Street bus shelters and other fixtures. Seasonal services are also performed such as leaf removal, snow and ice removal and planting and maintenance of flowers during the summer months.
In addition to maintaining a clean environment, CCSID strives to keep downtown one of the safest precincts in Columbus. Though crime is up throughout the city during these tough economic times, the increase within the SID has been kept to a minimum.
“Downtown is safe because of an effective program, combining communication, strict enforcement, compassion and coordination,” said Ricksecker. “Safety does not happen by accident.”
Communication is vital between CCSID safety ambassadors, the Columbus Division of Police, security forces within buildings and people on the street. Lisa Defendiefer, Downtown Safety Coordinator, was commended for completing a comprehensive security network, which included linking security operations with one another, the SID and the Division of Police through regular meetings, a secure Web site and a radio network. And Outreach Coordinator Alyson Poirier was recognized for her work providing outreach and advocacy services to people in need of help.
Marketing and Promotions
In addition to the very important safety and cleaning services, CCSID also is charged with marketing and promoting downtown. Ricksecker noted that the SID markets to key audiences including downtown employees, downtown and in-town residents and young professionals. The message revolves around the idea that downtown is the place to be, is at the center of culture, arts and entertainment, and is a charming, urban location. The message is shared through the DowntownColumbus.com Web site; companion newsletters such as Right Now Downtown and Downtown News Network; special events such as Pearl Market, the Capitol Square Kickball League and Downtown LIVE; sponsorships of events such as Independents; Day, Bike-to-Work Week and City Hop; and programming such as a the recycling program.
CCSID also works to make coming downtown a positive experience for residents, workers and visitors. The SID offers visitor services like the mobile iCart kiosk, welcome baskets for new tenants and property owners, and a hospitality network during special events such as the Arnold Sports and Fitness Expo and the 2010 Gay Softball World Series.
The Future of Retail
While Ricksecker noted that overall Downtown Columbus is doing well, the area most in need of improvement is retail. While the demand for retail services is strong, there is insufficient retail supply, particularly after the demise of City Center.
With support from the City of Columbus, CCSID hired Kacey Brankamp as a Retail Recruiter, to help draw independent operators from throughout Central Ohio to downtown. Interest in downtown continues to grow as does the demand for retail downtown. And CCSID will continue to help suppliers find the right space downtown to meet the demand.
“We lost those retail chains,” added Ricksecker, “and they are not coming back. But independent retailers will be the source of retail in the coming years. And thanks to the efforts of entrepreneurial folks like Mark Ballard and Tom Finney of Sugardaddy’s, Don Steele of Plantain Café and Brett Ruland of Spoonful, the future of retail is looking brighter.”
EXPLOSION OF ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT
BOOM, IT’S ALMOST HERE