Volunteer Today

For the Partnership, it is the time of year when our thoughts turn to recruiting new committee chairs, new board members and new volunteers in general. Given our small staff (2 full time employees) and big project load (more than 30 major projects which also includes more than 30 events), this nonprofit runs on volunteer power. The organization benefits from the volunteers who come out and work at a First Saturday serving hot cocoa as well as the people who contribute their professional skills to serve on a committee or the Board of Directors. We are lucky to keep the company of so many generous people who share not only their time but also their considerable talents. The best part – every drop of talent is invested back into making sure Downtown Frederick gets better every year. The Partnership’s success is built on a base of fabulous volunteers. Our heartfelt thanks and an invitation for more of you to join in the fun!

City Visit: Georgetown

Each year, the Partnership plans a trip to a nearby locale to learn from our neighbors as well as kick some cobwebs out of our head by getting out of dodge. We always benefit from lots of new ideas and, I have to admit, have a moment of Downtown Frederick pride when we find a spot where we feel Downtown Frederick’s star shines a bit brighter. The visit is a part of the Competitive Edge workshop series which is funded with support from the Frederick County Office of Economic Development.

This year, our visit focused on Georgetown. I took a van load of 14 people out of Downtown Frederick early on a yucky, rainy January morning. The Partnership owes a debt of gratitude to the City for providing the van (thanks Community Action Agency) and the driver (thanks City DED).

We began our visit with the Georgetown Business Improvement District (BID). Our group consisted of economic development professionals, merchants and Partnership Board members. We all had a great discussion with the BID staff. We talked about events, marketing efforts, the balance between independents and chains, how the BID works and much more. The Frederick crew had a lot of great questions and we received a lot of good information.

From the BID office, we ventured out for lunch and then on to visit two Georgetown business owners. We began with Sharon Hayes at The Phoenix. The Phoenix has been in the same spot since 1955. Sharon and her husband purchased the business from her husband’s parents. Now a third generation – their daughter – is involved and we heard them making plans for the fourth. If you are headed to Georgetown, I would highly encourage a look. They have a great selection of jewelry, clothing, Mexican art and much more. It was very interesting to hear the perspective of a long term merchant on what has happened in Georgetown. We not only compared holiday seasons but also talked about bigger issues impacting retail in both cities.

After a great visit at The Phoenix, we headed a bit further north to Salon Ilo. The two owners gave an inspiration talk about why they got involved in Georgetown and even took us on a tour of “Book Hill.” They were impressed to see so many make the trip to Georgetown and were fantastic ambassadors for the power of getting involved.

All in all, we had a great visit - the van ride home was percolating with ideas. Now to find the time to put those ideas into fruition…

Happy Holidays

A quick wish from the Partnership staff to all who enjoy Downtown Frederick - thanks for a wonderful year and we are looking forward to seeing you in 2012! May your celebrations be merry and bright - wishing you all Happy Holidays!

Tis the Season

Twelve Days of Christmas – Downtown Frederick Style

Twelve reservations,

Eleven handmade gifts,

Ten wine corks popping,

Nine ladies outfits,

Eight theater tickets,

Seven antique pieces,

Six records playing,

Five chocolate treats,

Four vintage chairs,

Three French plates,

Two sock monkeys

And a Downtown Frederick Gift Card!

With thanks to this week’s guest author – Ashley Mancinelli

By the Numbers

10, 15, 20, 30 - These numbers represent the recently celebrated anniversaries of En Masse, McGuire’s Fine Arts, Pretzel & Pizza Creations and Griff’s Landing. While the national news remains in the gloomy category for the economy, these businesses highlight the opportunity and strength of Downtown Frederick as a great place to do business. Their collective blood, sweat and tears have resulted in great businesses to shop, eat and buy art. Each anniversary is impressive and speaks to business savvy, great products and wonderful customer service. Congrats to all!

What I Learned Today

As probably would be no surprise, Downtown Frederick is the coolest place. The other day, I was chatting with a business owner who represents the fifth generation working in a business that has been around for more than 100 years. Other than my childhood home, I’ve never lived in any one city for 10 years in a row - 100 is a number I can’t fathom.

One of their two original storefronts is still right next door. (No one in this generation is able to figure out why their great grandfather opened two storefronts to start his business.) The original storefront still showcases their name in mosaic in the sidewalk. Today, they are a great place to go to get your jewelry repaired. Do you know where I was?

We “heart” downtown businesses

This week is Business Appreciation Week in Frederick. The Frederick County Office of Economic Development does a great job coordinating 25 teams of ambassadors visiting more than 100 businesses – all in one week.

Yesterday, I took my turn as an ambassador and I had a great time visiting seven businesses. We talked with an accountant who got a yen for fun and started a bead business, a retailer who is getting ready to celebrate 27 years and a tech firm that is developing a way to keep federal documents forever. While the businesses themselves were vastly different, one thing rang true throughout the day – a passion for what they do. It is always fun to see someone’s eyes light up when they talk about their business.

We also had a lot of great conversations about how it’s the people who make business work and how great the people are in Frederick. We talked with a business owner who is facing some pretty significant health concerns and his focus is on treating his employees like family.

All in all, it was an impressive day and great to see the vibrancy of our local business community. If you are in business in Frederick – thank you! You help make our community great.