DOWNTOWN ALPENA ADVANTAGES

If you are interested in becoming part of this incredible “downtown family”, please call or email Lynn Kolasa, Executive Director.  We can provide you with our demographics, more detailed information about all programs available t help you start your new business (also found on this website), and support in finding a location, and even helping with suggestions of businesses that would fit well into our downtown mix.   We can help with all of the details to make a downtown location work for you.  We are here to support you in any way possible to make such a move.

We also suggest that you read the following list of Downtown Alpena advantages:

  1. Independence.  You can run your own business your way, with the advantage of the support of the other 200 downtown businesses, and their employees (@1,000)—all in walking distance of your business.
  2. Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is an organization whose mission is specific to the downtown area :  to continue to improve all areas of your business’ environment—physical, economic, marketing, and any areas of concern brought to it by the businesses.
  3. DOWNTOWN ATTRACTIONS BRING PEOPLE TO DOWTNOWN
    • The Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, is a destination located in Downtown Alpena which  brings about 3,,000 visitors  weekly right now.  They are  currently planning a new $80,000 advertising campaign with State of Michigan; 
    • Farmer’s Market draws many people to downtown every Wednesday and Saturday, June through October
    • City of Alpena Marina
    • Alpena Library  
    • New VA Clinic
    • Coast Guard
  4. There are 2 Support Groups who are advocating for your business: the   Downtown Development Authority and the Downtown Alpena Business Association.
  5. The DDA has a Business Support Team—a group of professionals who have volunteer to consult with you when needed.
  6. The DDA has grants to improve properties in downtown.
  7. The DDA has low interest loan program to help with property renovations.
  8. DDA partnerships with Chamber; CVB; Target and any other institutions and organizations with the goal of improving the economic climate for downtown.
  9. The DDA provides Seminars and Workshops for downtown businesses .
  10. Downtown Alpena has many new downtown residents who provide a 24 hour environment for your downtown area.
  11. There are many events that bring people to downtown and boost downtown image;  Friday Nights; Fall Fest; Tree Lighting; Santa; Downtown Open House; etc.
  12. The DDA has a new professional brochure—which is provided not only to visitors and locals, but also to all groups visiting, and to all inquiries about the Alpena area.
  13. The DDA maintains a Web site with links to each business
  14. The DDA provides advertising in all media, including Visitors Guide, Brown trout; boating; diving publications and local and regional media.
  15. Currently, Downtown Gift Certificates are available, which are purchased not only by individuals, but by many local corporations as gifts to their employees, annually about $30,000.  In 2009, a NEW, more convenient Downtown Gift Card program  will be established .
  16. Coupon Program for DABA members—Coupons are presented to all visiting groups.