Military Ave. Business Association
Notes of meeting Dec. 6, ’07 , at M&I Bank
By Henry Czachor
Attendees: Judy Decker, Mike Cuene, Gene Colwitz, Bryan Boettcher, Dean Flagstad, Henry Czachor
Barb Fleisner, Anndrea Gauger, Jerry Miller, Randy Zaidel, Dan Burich, Vicki Perron
Excused….Paul Kosmoski, Caitlin Trowbridge, Keith Zimmerman, Mike Nass, Amy DuBois, Ken Davister, Craig Beyl…Note; the majority of the excused have expressed full support verbally and via e-mail of the missions that our association is undertaking.
News updates; Department of Public Works considering condensing the reconstruction of Military Ave into
1 year and schedule the work in 2010 = less disruption for business. Derek Lord and the consultants will be meeting with our group early next year.
Goodwill is considering filling the vacant Best Buy location…good news for traffic.
Hy 41 project was discussed.. ..it is critical that Military Ave Assoc. interface with D.O.T.
Decisions concluded at the meeting:
- The name of our association will be Military Avenue Business Association
- The boundaries for member inclusion follow the established TIF district approximating North to Bond, South to Langlade and East-West in varied line 1 block each side of Military Ave. It is noted that this district may be amended as needed in the future.
- Legal formation is being pursued by Mike Cuene’s attorney to make the organization a non-profit entity and will be completed by the next meeting….Mike has agreed to cover
the initial expenses of the origination.
- A design for a logo, letterhead etc. is being done by the agency that Mike Cuene utilizes and will be ready for the next meeting.
- It was agreed that origination group consist of the core larger property owners
Research shows that 45 core owners control approximately 87% of the value in the Military Ave. district.. Our next step is to approach the smaller property holders and all the business storefronts to become members of our association.
- Structure of the dues will be determined at the next meeting. A formula focusing on possible multi tier rates will be explored to create basic funding to address
operational expenses plus build a larger kitty for future needs that the Military Ave. Association will be asked to support.
- Barb Fleisner of the Advance Business Development has agreed to lend assistance with the following;
- Create a communication layout incorporating e-mail to reach all the Military Ave members.
- Compile an e-mail list to include all the potential Military Ave. members utilizing information that we will provide from each segment on Military Ave, plus doing background research.
- Assist with the marketing of the vacant sites in our area.
This includes identifying the spaces from info forwarded
to her, posting this on a web site that will promote Military
Ave.. Note site may need more development to assist Military Ave.
Today we have approx. 27 visual vacancies that need tenants
plus other pending openings.
- It was decided that we would have monthly meetings of the core group.
normally the 3rd Thurs. at noon…subject to change if guest / subject dictate.
meetings will be open to any Associate member to attend
Missions that Military Ave. Business Association is considering
- Lobby to expand the TIF district. Adjoining properties that will have a significant impact in our area should be included in the overall plan
- Create an effective communication system that members can depend on to keep them apprised of happenings in the area. This will also
serve as a means of communicating progress on our missions and create
a sense of business community with common interests.
- Interface with government entities that can impact our success. This includes city hall, aldermen, Chamber of Commerce, D.O.T. and others. They need to hear
from us if we expect any assistance to our needs.
- Work with the consultants regarding the road reconstruction project.
We need to have disruption to business minimized but should also focus
on ways to leverage the upheaval to our advantage.
- Develop ways to assist members to keep their facilities fully occupied with tenants that will complement the overall business district. This may include interfacing with developers, creating marketing assistance and being pro-active.
- Increase public awareness regarding the positives of doing business on Military Ave. This may include signage on highways, assist with marketing strategies, and public relations efforts.
- Create a more user friendly shopping experience. This includes making the area safer, interfacing with our fellow neighborhood associations, reviewing transport needs, reduce the court relocating of undesirable characters into the area.
Overall ambience is important in creating a choice for customers to consider our area as a must visit for conducting commerce.
next meeting is set for …..Jan. 17, ’08 at noon
at Bay Family Restaurant in the side meeting room
