Nate shared about the importance of attending a District Conference.
Looking at having an option to meet in person each week while also offering a Zoom option. Since Butcher Block is not open on Thursdays, we are looking at moving our meetings to Fridays. Elmcrest isn’t an option as it is too expensive. Discussion of other options and the pros and cons. Watch for a Survey Monkey for an opportunity to share your opinion.
As of right now, Rotary is planning to have the exchange program next year. Looking for potential candidates and host families.
Looking at possibly having a social next week at Mas Margaritas. More info to come.
Speaker:
Scott Kruger, Executive Director of NewBo Market
COVID’s effect on the market.
A quick description of NewBo:
A public place with a unique community space.
A business incubator that nurtures new restaurants and retail businesses
Hosts family friendly events and programming – over 500,000 visitors dine and shop annually
Home to several festivals
Catering service and bar
Effects on NewBo Market from COVID-19 pandemic
Market forced to cancel many events
Bar shut down twice
Four shopkeepers shutdown and two have closed their location at the Market
Customer traffic at the market is down 61%
Revenues down 32% overall compared to this time last year
National Stats
45% of small businesses have earned less than half of their pre-COVID revenue
Consumer spending is down 18%
Lost revenue of 65% compared to 2019
$2 million lost revenue to nonprofits who hold events
Smaller arts and entertainment venues were the first to close and will be the last to fully reopen
90% of independent venues report being at risk of permanently closing
Amazon and Hy-Vee are both doing great, but consumer spending is down overall, so small businesses are the ones being hurt which in turn hurts the local economy.
What is NewBo doing to help?
Providing rent relief for market businesses
Recover, Reboot & Rebuild
Encouraging new businesses
Providing Business Education and mentorship to market businesses
Has been able to adapt event spaces to help events go on with social distancing
Enforcing mask mandate
Cleaning and sanitizing frequently
How can we help?
Be safe – wear masks, practice social distancing
Buy local to help boost our local economy (buy a beer at the market!)
Show up – support events at the market
Current market hours:
Thurs - Fri: 10am - 8pm
Sat: 10am - 6pm
Sun: 10am - 4pm
Tripled outdoor seating capacity
Make a donation!
Watch for NewBo in a Box for Christmas gift! It’s a small sampling of everything at NewBo!
