First Friday Artwalk Public Art Unveiling

The streets were alive on Friday for April's Art Walk - Hundreds came out to witness the unveiling of downtown's newest public art, "Flying Umbrellas".

From a pool of 19 local artists, Cobalt Designworks was selected to produce our newest exhibit. Financial support came from Friends of Carl Dobbs, the City of Vancouver, and the Vancouver Downtown Association.

Vancouver's Downtown Association is a strong supporter building a unique, interesting city center. One of the best ways to do this, we've found, is to invest in public art that creates that one-of-a-kind place where people can discover new and different expressions. Our investment in public art to date is nearing $150,000.

What is Vancouver? What is our story?

We want your opinion.

Vancouver's Downtown Association is doing some important work and they would like each one of our neighbors to help by taking this anonymous, and easy survey. It might take about 20 minutes to complete. If you need to come bacok to it again…that's great! Just use the same computer to complete the survey. There are few multiple choice questions because it is more important for us to know what YOU think rather than what we think you might think.

Here's why: Every City tells a story. Whether that story helps or hinders the vitality of the city depends on how well that story is managed. Do we know what downtown Vancouver is saying to visitors? To residents? To business owners? Downtown Vancouver is presently working with Civilis Consultants to take control of downtown's message by building its Civic Identity--a narrative thread that can be woven into marketing and promotional materials, business recruitment efforts, event planning, long range planning, downtown revitalization, and relationship building between stakeholder groups.

Please click here to complete the survey. It is entirely anonymous, completely confidential, and contains a few questions that are sure to make you think of the beautiful city of Vancouver in a new light! A quick note on the survey: some of these questions are not easy, but please give each one your best shot, even if they seem repetitive! And note, some require answers about the city as a whole, and some require that you focus on DOWNTOWN, so be on the lookout for the difference.

Civic Identity results and recommendations will be drawn directly from your feedback and will be presented to downtown on July 12, 2012 -- put it in your calendar.

Questions? Contact VDA Executive Director Lee Rafferty at director@vdausa.org

Join us for VDA's Quarterly Meeting

April 12th 7:45 AM - 9:00 AM
Vancouver Hilton Hotel

Yes, the fitness businesses that bring employment, feet on the street, events, and passion to our downtown are a big part of the new vibe!

Come hear a panel of local fitness business owners (some new ones, too!) talk about their passion for fitness, how it fits into downtown's revival, and the economic impact that they have on our downtown and region.

We think you will be amazed!
There is no charge to attend this meeting, and coffee and pastries will be provided. The public is welcome, but please RSVP so we have a head count for adequate seating and goodies.

Please click here to RSVP our quarterly meeting

I love Downtown!!

VDA thinks that the best way for our downtown's story to be told is to give the mic to the people who are living it up close and personal. Business is booming! We love the diversity that our downtown has.

First, watch this video. Then contact Lee Rafferty at the VDA office director@vdausa.org and see how the Downtown Retail Strategy Team (one of VDA's hardworking committees) can help answer your questions and show you the opportunities that exist here.

VDA appreciates these five local companies

The Main Street Tax Credit Incentive Program is critical to funding many of VDA's vital projects. Netting our organization over $133,333 annually, the program has made a huge difference in what we can do to uplift and promote our downtown.

Thanks to these five businesses, we are fully funded once again and we say 'thank you' for your confidence and investment. Good things are happening!

Kiewit Infrastructure West

Albina Fuel (Three years of generous support!)

KMS Financial Services (Johnson Bixby Associates 2nd year!)

Bader Beer and Wine Suppy (2nd year!)

Currie McLain (for a 2nd year!)

VancouverBusinessResource.org

Checkout the new one stop shop for helping local folks with starting, maintaining or expanding a business in Southwest Washington.

Connect with a mentor, register for a workshop, find the networing group you've been looking for, or learn what you didn't know you didn't know.

If you are thinking about expanding, relocating, or starting a new business- Downtown Vancouver could be just what you're looking for.

There are so many reason to run a business in downtown, click here to learn more.

VDA Welcomes our Newest Members!

Serendipity Players	Bleu Door Bakery
Horenstein Law Group. PLLC	Gouger Cellars
Meier Engineering	Job1USA Security
My Jeweler

Clean & Safe Downtown
A program to Improve storefronts, lighting, and fostering a cleaner and safer downtown!

What is the Clean & Safe Downtown Program?
Established through a City of Vancouver Community Development Block Grant and in support of Vancouver's City Center Vision, qualifying businesses and property owners can apply for a cash loan or grant mix for facade improvements and projects to increase visibility into and out of street level space.

Funds can be used for lighting under awnings, inside display windows and on trees adjacent to the property. Enhancements like these will foster a cleaner and safer downtown community. Interested in learning more?

Downtown Employee Off-Street Parking Permit

Pilot Program Extented beyond January 31, 2012

As of February 1st, the parking pass will be only $30 to program participants.
The City of Vancouver desires to promote downtown employee parking at off-street parking facilities, long-term metered or monthly permit parking stalls, or use alternative transportation modes such as bike or bus. Learn more here.

Walka Walka Walking Map

Click here to download the latest downtown walking map and see what you've been missing

Main Street Tax Incentive Program is calling your name...will you answer?

Want to help your favorite downtown and get a big tax credit at the same time?
Well of course you do...Learn more here.