1. We create a 3RD ave Merchant Coalition
2. We target KEY businesses on 3^rd ave (the ones having the most benefit from the organization) we ask them to pay $50 month ($600 year 10% discount for yearly pmt, 20% for 2 years)
3. We have members of the “old guard” and the fresh blood visit and propose this to the key businesses and have them sign up now!
4. We offer AUTO monthly credit card billing for the dues (completely eliminating the ineffective current collection process)
5. Every 3 months we do an expose on one participating businesses and tout their wares and how they are making a difference – 1 business per quarter
6. We off businesses to “adopt” specific blocks of third ave to keep clean – we come up with a cost and when paid, we put up a sign and have the papers again tell who is adopting what – we RATE the adopting business on effectiveness and all agree to provide qualitative feedback
7. All participating businesses post on the 3^rd ave web site with coupons, offer Instagram day!
8. We create a database of businesses on 3^rd for marketing
9. We have all local and non-local papers bid on our business for advertising – with group ad discounts
10. Coalition web site allows for payment by credit cards and paypal
11. We have the 3^rd ave banks COMPETE for the credit card business with no fees for banking
12. ACTIVELY – approach new business, buy them welcome flowers, have them sign up, distribute their marketing material – work with them to be successful- make 3^rd ave a great place to set up shop, 30% 1sy year discount, free add in paper with discount for continued marketing
13. Make a deal with the lighting people – 2 year up front payment DISCOUNT, (side note: does the association have indemnity insurance for the lights, what IF we have an incident where a light falls etc.. the business/building owner will be sued) All building MUST have an insurance cert of additionally insured from association and lighting company for installation
14. EVERYONE PRESENT GO INTO YOUR POCKETS NOW AND GIVE THE FIRST PAYMENT SHOW YOU ARE SERIOUS, HAVE SKIN IN THE GAME.
15. If we CHOOSE to have festivals or walks we ALL divide up the labor to make it successful – skin in the game – FREE is a 4 letter word we all took advantage of

Maybe there is no problem?

If we cannot get 50 businesses to commit WITHIN 90 DAYS of hard effort, we can assume no one is interested and there is no problem.

The city has rules we all follow: clean streets, garbage, Consumer affairs – “et- nausium” ANY good business owner will present their business in a clean professional manner and do the work they deem will provide them the most success.

If they do not see “value” in an organization – its their money and their business.

The plan is SIMPLE, COSTS NOTHING and requires MINIMAL work.

Have a better idea? Let us know!!

Say NO to the 3rd ave BID!