The NDDC Board spent a good portion of their time at the November and December meetings reviewing 2008 Accomplishments, discussing potential Work Plans, and prioritizing Action Steps for 2009. As always, the accomplishments and actions were organized by the Main Street Four Points.
The November meeting focused on a critical review of the Accomplishments and an unconstrained consideration of Work Plans. The December meeting was a progression to greater specificity and emphasize on the Top Priorities for the upcoming year.
The accomplishments discussed in November included:
ORGANIZING –
Operated with two new committees: Events and Marketing & Communications/PR
Continued to Produce Quarterly Block Head Gatherings and Monthly Forums
Conducted Stakeholder, Councilor, Police Chief Meetings on Quality of Life Issues
Set-up Downtown Business Networking Tool (with NEC and CBBC)
Produced First Ever Annual Partnership Celebration
PROMOTING –
Gave birth to Patty Cash, Downtown’s Bovine Mascot
Produced or Supported Girls Nite Out, June Bug, Taste of Northfield, ArtSwirl, Fall Fest
Established On-going Partnering with CVB and Northfield Historical Society
Continued Popular Welcome Students and Family Weekend Campaigns
Installed 2nd Historic Northfield Sign on Highway 35 (funded by the CVB)
DESIGNING –
Partnered with Northfield In Bloom
Advocated for Downtown Library Feasibility Study
Continued to Work with City on Banner Program and Spring Cleaning
Celebrated Way-finding Signs Installation, “Harvest” Sculpture Placement
Created North End Design Committee
RESTRUCTURING –
Continued to Pursue Legislation for Commercial Property Tax Reduction
Conducted Board Visits to New Businesses
Renewed Retention and Recruitment Efforts (with Main Street and LISC)
Created New Partnerships on Business Management Topics (NEC and South Central College)
Initiated In-Fill and Redevelopment Collaboration (with EDA and Chamber)