Steering Committee Working to Merge Two Downtown Groups

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – JULY 12, 2010

Contact: Jill Guth, JSM Development, CBG Chair 217-359-8058 or 217-778-8305

Trisha Sutton, Cakes on Walnut, CDA Chair, 217-352-2400

Craig Rost, City of Champaign 217-403-8710 or 217- 493-5773

A Steering Committee comprised of representatives from the Campustown Business Group (CBG), the Champaign Downtown Association (CDA), the City of Champaign, and the Champaign Park District have begun meeting to discuss the possibility of merging the CBG and the CDA in order to share administrative resources and work cooperatively in marketing initiatives.

“I think this is awesome. Our resources will go farther and the whole community will benefit.” said CDA President Trisha Bates, owner of Cakes on Walnut. Jill Guth, CBG Chair agreed “In today’s world of limited resources, it only makes sense for the CBG and the CDA to work together. Instead of having two duplicative organizations in the City of Champaign, this new organization can meet the needs of both districts without competing with each other for limited funding and other resources.”

Both organizations offer each other valuable resources. The CDA, a 501 c 3 organization with its lengthy history serving the Downtown, has an active board of directors, dedicated staff and a cadre of volunteers. The CBG also has an active core of volunteers working on cooperative marketing efforts, such as the popular Thirteen Thursdays, among the Campustown retailers. Both organizations work with property owners and retailers to attract customers to their respective areas, usually serving a different customer base. In addition, the groups become involved in issues that impact the success of the retailers located in their geographic areas.

“The timing of this initiative is crucial,” said Deputy City Manager for Development Craig Rost. The City is completing the massive Boneyard Creek Second Street Reach project this year which will open up development opportunities in the “Mid Town” area between Downtown and Campustown, including First Street and East University Avenue. Although no formal group yet exists to support this area, the CDA/CBG merger can accomplish that by including the territory between Campustown and Downtown.

The City of Champaign has been in discussions with the group’s leadership about funding to seed the creation of the organization over a three year time period – with the expectation that the organization would then be self supporting. Rost is enthusiastic about this initiative and the new partnership that will lead it.. “Just as the Boneyard Project has physically connected Campus and Downtown, it’s time for Champaign to work together as one for the benefit of our community and visitors.”

New CDA Committee Structure

Following the Tuesday, February 23rd board meeting of the CDA, a new committee structure to better suit the needs of the members and the community has been put into place. The new committees and chairs are as follows.

Finance Committee- Chris Ehley

Working towards a sustainable budget and financial plan.

Communication Committee- Don Elmore & Carol Timms

Bettering communication with the community and members with an e-newsletter and researching website options.

Outreach Committee- Amy George & Karen Foster

Communicate and engage with community partners about existing opportunities for downtown businesses.

Partnership Committee- Mike Royse & Sonya Darter

Establish partnerships in Champaign- Urbana and work closely to develop value in these partnerships.

Membership Committee- Jan Kijowski

Welcome each new business as well as host events and get togethers for face-to-face contact with each member business.

Urban Environment Committee- Douglas L. Milburn

Works on projects related to the aesthetics and “environment” of Downtown.

Executive Committee- Trisha Bates

Establish and operate organization’s management structure.

 

The board and staff are excited to be implementing this new system to better suit member’s needs. If you are interested in being a part of any of these committees contact the office at info@downtownchampaign.com.

Do You Have Old Photographs of Downtown Champaign?

The City of Champaign’s 150th Celebration Committee is looking for old photos and artifacts from Downtown Champaign.  If you have any in your personal collection and would be willing to have them scanned please contact T.J. Blakeman with the City of Champaign’s Planning Department at terry.blakeman@ci.champaign.il.us or call (217) 403-8800.

The photographs will be collected and possibly used in the kick off event for Champaign’s 150th Anniversary in March.  The event will feature a three week long historical exhibition on the 4th floor of the Illinois Terminal in Downtown Champaign.  Photos and artifacts from Champaign’s past will be on display thanks for the generous contributions by community members and the Champaign County Historical Museum.

The Committee thanks you for your time and ask that you check back closer to March for more details on our year long celebration!

Be a Part of Something Great, Join the CDA

Have you ever walked through Downtown and said “it sure would be great to…”, well now you have a way to make that “…” happen. The Champaign Downtown Association exist because of the dedicated volunteers who come up with those ideas and work to make them a reality. We are always looking for new and exiting ideas and individuals. Joining the CDA has never been easy and even individuals can join for as low as $25.00 a year. For more information on membership and ways to get involved visit the CDA page on this website or contact Casey Loving, CDA Staff Director at (217) 352-2400.