People of all ages were entertained in Jackson Square on Friday night as Penny Whiskey kicked off the 2012 season of Concerts in the Square.
The calendar of upcoming shows is posted here.
Press release:
The Batavia Business Improvement District (BID) has released its Summer 2012 line-up for the “Friday Night in the Square” Jackson Square concerts. For more than 12 years, the BID has provided free concerts downtown to make our community a fun and active place to play.
The "Friday Night in the Square" concert series begins June 29 and ends Aug. 31. Time is 7 to 9 p.m. The square is located in the alleyway of Jackson or Center streets. Bring your own seating. Food and refreshments will be available for sale. If it's raining, venue changes to Batavia City Centre, inside the mall.
The following is the concert schedule for “Friday Night in the Square”:
Friday, June 29 -- Penny Whiskey (Celtic/Folk)
Friday, July 6 – Bonnie & Collide ( R & B)
Friday, July 13 -- Skiffle Minstrels (Country/Cajun)
Friday, July 20 – Ghost Riders (Country)
Friday, July 27 -- 78 RPM (Big Band)
Friday, Aug. 3 – Kelly’s Old Timers (Country)
Friday, Aug. 10 – OHMS Band (Rock)
Friday, Aug. 17 – John Cole Blues Band (Blues)
Friday, Aug. 24 -- Jack Civiletto “Sinatra” (Sinatra)
Friday, Aug. 31 – Craig Wilkins (Country)
***Also, the Ramble Music & Art Fest will take place from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 7, at Jackson Square.
For more information contact the BID office at 585-344-0900 or visit our Web site at www.downtownbataviany.com. Be sure to like us on our Facebook page – Downtown Batavia Business Improvement District -- so that you can keep up with events and updates.
Coffee Culture won the Spirit of Downtown Business Award on Friday, presented by the Business Improvement District.
Brenda Richardson (center in the photo above), manager of Coffee Culture, accepted the award and was praised for her efforts to make Coffee Culture a vital part of downtown life and business.
Another Spirit of Downtown Business Award went to Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union and the BID Volunteer Award went to Susan Blanchard. Blanchard is out of town and accepting on her behalf were Travis Minor and Carolyn Pratt.
Dorian Ely, of the Genesee County Office for the Aging, was also presented with a BID Volunteer Award, for her the time and effort she volunteers for the BID.
BID Director Don Burkel
BID President John Roche
Design Committee Chair Victor Gautieri
Promotion Commitee Chair Mary Valle
Press release:
The Batavia Business Improvement District has awarded two more façade improvement grants to downtown businesses. The recipients were Francis Marchese, owner of 238 Ellicott St., and Brian and Beth Kemp, owners of T-Shirts Etc., 111 Main St.
Both businesses received matching grants for improvements to their facades. Marchese received $1,550 for installing new windows and frames at his Ellicott Street property. The Kemps were awarded $447.66 for signage that brings back some nostalgia by mimicking the old J.J. Newberry-type letters. These funds were awarded based upon the Business Improvement District’s design guidelines
The B.I.D. Design Committee has now awarded 78 matching grants totaling over $319,933 in funds to revitalize businesses within the district. Currently, there are two more projects that have been approved and should be completed within the next two months.
The Business Improvement District façade improvement program was established in 1998 to provide economic assistance to property owners and tenants for exterior improvements to their buildings. It has contributed to the renewed vitality of downtown by providing economic assistance and preserving the character of its structures.
According to Don Burkel, B.I.D. downtown manager, these improvements demonstrate a long-term commitment by these business owners to downtown and positive steps for its future. When you consider that 78 businesses have reinvested in total project costs of over $2,626,600 in the district, that’s pretty impressive.
Find out more about why it would benefit you to set up shop in Downtown Batavia. Contact Don Burkel, B.I.D. downtown manager, at (585) 344-0900 or visit www.downtownbataviany.com.
The Batavia Business Improvement District and Shop Batavia are now working together to help promote downtown businesses.
In a special arrangement for BID members, extra features and discounts are now available through Shop Batavia and participating BID members will be part of an association page, helping customers more easily find downtown businesses on the site.
BID members will be able to more effectively use Shop Batavia to promote their businesses and sell merchandise online with the enhanced features.
Details available in this PDF.
Press release:
Downtown Batavia – The first “Taste Of The Holidays” hosted by the Batavia Business Improvement District, which took place on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 2-3, was a huge success. More than 400 people attended the Friday night tastings under the Holiday Tent.
Seven area restaurants participated and three winners were selected by the people as the “Best of…The Taste of the Holidays” based upon their favorite tastings.
First place went to the B.I.D.’s own Sunny’s Restaurant,12 Batavia City Centre, for their outstanding Artichoke French and Vodka Pasta dishes. Second place went to Delavan’s, 107 Evans St., for their scrumptious Italian Sausage with Peppers & Onions, and in third place was Batavia’s Original, 500 E. Main St., for their delicious Specialty Pizzas. Other participants were: Coffee Culture, Molasses Hill, O’Lacy’s Irish Pub and T.F. Brown’s. All should be congratulated as they made the debut of this event most successful.
Three individuals who won the gift certificates were: Jeff Allen from Oakfield, Darrell and Janet Smith from Medina, and Carrie Lawrence from Batavia.
Jeff Allen from Oakfield said, “Hope this is a tradition that will grow.”
We hope so, too, and encourage more area restaurants to join us next year. Any restaurants who are interested in participating or individuals who would like being on the committee for the 2012 “Taste of the Holidays,” please let us know by calling Don Burkel at the B.I.D.: 344-0900.
Press release:
Join in the holiday spirit at the first “Taste of the Holidays” on Friday, Dec. 2 and Saturday, Dec. 3 in the Holiday Tent at Jackson and Main streets.
Friday, Dec. 2 (5:30 - 9 p.m.):
5:30 p.m. - Lighting of the community Christmas tree and singing of carols. Tree is next to Bank of America on Main Street.
In the Holiday Tent (6 to 9 p.m.): More than 10 great area restaurants will be providing a tasting of their menu specialties. They will be handing out coupons and selling gift certificates for the holidays. For entertainment, the OHMS Band will be performing. The cost is $5 per person and children are free.
Community bonfire on Center Street (across from Adam Miller Toy)
Saturday, Dec. 3 (11 a.m. - 3 p.m.):
In the Holiday Tent: Free holiday activities for the children, i.e. decorating ornaments and other holiday crafts). Holiday gift items for sale by local organizations. Entertainment: Bart Dentino & Kevin Huber and the McMahon Irish School of Dance.
Horse & Wagon Rides on Center Street (12 - 3 p.m.): Rides cost $1 per person with proceeds going to the Donny Carroll Toys for Kids fund.
Hosted by the Batavia Business Improvement District.
For more information visit: www.downtownbataviany.com or Facebook: downtown Batavia Business Improvement District.
The summer concert series in Jackson Square, Downtown Batavia, sponsored by the Business Improvement District, kicked off this evening with a show by 78 RPM.
Last week, we reported an update on the downtown gull situation.
BID Director Don Burkel asked that we share the following information with readers:
If you are having a problem with gulls landing / nesting on your building there are some possible solutions by the USDA Wildlife Services:
If you need some advise on your particular gull problem, Carl Cranker, biologist for the USDA Wildlife Services, would be willing to visit your property. There is no fee for consultation and accessing your situation. If you want the Wildlife Services to perform a service, i.e. remove nests or eggs, there would be a fee involved. You can contact him directly by calling (315) 532-4835 (cell) or email: carl.c.cranker@aphis.usda.gov .
Members of the Batavia Downtown Business Improvement District gathered Friday for a luncheon and awards presentation to a few of the people who supported downtown in 2010.
Charles Men's Shop received the “Spirit of Downtown” award. Above Don Brown, left, and Dave Howe, second from left, accept the award from Victor Gautieri, outgoing president of the BID board, and Don Burkel, BID director.
Jeffrey Gillard, who could not be at the luncheon, was honored as BID member Volunteer of the Year.
Krysia Mager and Leanna DiRisio, pictured below, received Community Volunteer awards.
Victor Gautieri, above, finished his term as president and by BID rules must take a break from serving on the board. Paul Marchese, below, finished his term as vice president and is also termed out of the board.
The Batavia Business Improvement District is looking for fresh faces in 2011.
“We need volunteers more than ever,” said Don Burkel, executive director of the B.I.D. “ As we continue to grow and develop new programs and events we are looking for people to help us implement them in our community.”
The B.I.D. has committees that are looking for volunteers. They are: Business Development; Design; Promotions; Public Market; Christmas in the City; Summer in the City; and Wine Walk.
“All of these play an integral part of enhancing not only our downtown, but our quality of life in Batavia,” said Krysia Mager, a B.I.D. Board and Promotion Committee member since 2009.
"It’s a great feeling to watch one of your ideas come to life,” said Leanna DiRisio, chairperson of the Wine Walk and also a Promotion Committee member. “It makes it worthwhile to watch the people come downtown to enjoy our community.”
If interested in joining a committee and making our community better, then contact Don Burkel at (585) 344-0900 or log onto www.downtownbataviany.com for more information.
The Batavia Business Improvement District was established in 1998 as an independent 501 (C)(6) not-for-profit business association. Its mission is to retain and attract new business, and promote business and events in downtown Batavia. There are 179 retail and professional businesses that make up the Downtown District.
"Greening Your Business" is the focus of a free workshop on incentive programs for improving energy efficiency in your business.
It will be held from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 19 at the Generation Center, 15 Center St. in Downtown Batavia (across from the Smoke House restaurant).
It is sponsored by the Batavia Business Improvement District Management Association, Inc.
Participants will learn about National Grid's Small Business Program. This is for business customers with an average demand use of 100 kW or less. National Grid can help you reduce your company's energy costs by installing energy efficient equipment.
It can provide a free energy audit and report of recommended energy efficiency improvements. The program pays up to 70 percent of the cost of installing energy efficient equipment and can finance your share of the cost, interest free for up to 24 months.
Cost-cutting, energy efficient equipment available through this program include: lighting upgrades, occupancy sensors and walk-in cooler measures.
NYSERDA offers Pre-Qualified Incentives to encourage applicants to purchase and install more energy-efficient equipment for small-sized energy projects and equipment replacement projects.
These incentives are available on a $/unit basis for pre-qualified energy efficiency measures. Applicants can receive up to $60,000 in pre-qualified incentives ($30,000 – electric, $30,000 – natural gas) per facility per calendar year.
National Fuel Gas customers using less than 12,000 Mcf per year can receive a maximum natural gas incentive of $25,000 per facility per calendar year.
Also learn about the Energy Audit Program, which provides energy audits to small businesses and other facilities to help them make informed electrical energy decisions and implement energy-efficiency strategies. Audits help identify economically viable improvements that yield substantial annual energy savings.
RSVP by Friday, Jan. 14 by calling Don Burkel at the BID office at 585-344-0900. Or e-mail him at: dburkel@downtownbataviany.com
Shoppers have until Dec. 24 to enter for a chance to win a $500 shopping spree in downtown Batavia.
The Business Improvement District -- better known as the BID -- Promotions Committee started "Shop in the Zone for the Holidays" on Dec. 1. Participating downtown businesses will be handing out shopper's cards to anyone who asks for them. No purchase is necessary.
Shoppers have to visit at least 12 of the 30 participating businesses, and then deposit their tickets at one of the following drop-box locations:
On Dec. 27, a lucky winner will get $500 to spend at the participating businesses.
BID officials see this as a two-way benefit. Executive Director Don Burkel said that it attracts business in the downtown area while familiarizing people with available services.
"I encourage people to participate," Burkel said. "500 dollars is a fair amount of money, and there are a lot of goods and services (at downtown Batavia businesses) that everyone can use."
Krysia Mager, a member of the BID Promotion Committee, calls this " a chance to get people to shop and dine in downtown for the holiday season."
You can find all of the businesses taking part in "Shop in the Zone for the Holiday Season" at www.downtownbataviany.com.
Again, shoppers must visit at least 12 of them and collect a shopper's card from each one.
For more details, contact Burkel at 344-0900.
Rick Segel , an author and nationally recognized expert on small-business marketing gave a dynamic presentation to about 50 small-business owners or their representatives today. Comedy is part of Segel's pitch and he generated quite a few laughs during the first session. The program went from 9 a.m. 1 p.m. and was sponsored by the Business Improvement District and the Chamber of Commerce.
The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the Batavia Business Improvement District are calling for exhibitors to participate at this year’s Small Business Workshop.
Titled “Standout in the Marketplace," it will take place from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 14.
Rick Segel, a nationally recognized marketing expert, will be the keynote speaker at this informative and entertaining workshop. Topics he will be discussing include:
Businesses are invited to set up a table-top display to this captive audience to show what they do and network with fellow attendees and exhibitors.
Cost is $40 per display table for BID and chamber members and $50 for non-members. This price includes lunch for one person. Set up will be between 7:30 to 8 a.m. and tear down after 1:30 pm.
The Workshop will take place in at the Generation Center located 15 Center St. in Batavia.
If you are interested in attending the event as a participant, the cost is $15 per person for chamber and BID members and $20 for non-members.
To participate as an exhibitor or to make your reservations, please call Kelly J. Bermingham, director of Membership & Special Events at 343-7440, ext. 26. All applications are first-come-first-serve basis due to limited space, so don’t miss out.
A special workshop for small businesses called "Stand out in the marketplace" is set for Thursday, Oct. 14 at the Generation Centre on Center Street in Batavia.
It features nationally recognized marketing expert Rick Segel and is presented by the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce and the Batavia Business Improvement District (BID).
It runs from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. and includes lunch. Cost is $15 for BID and chamber members, $20 for nonmembers.
For more information or to register, call the chamber at 585-343-7440, ext. 26.
This event is "guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat.....REALLY!" (Check out Segal's website: www.ricksegel.com)
Topics will include:
A group of people enjoyed a movie in Jackson Square tonight.
Downtown Batavia's 6th annual “Summer in the City” festival will be held from noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 21.
There will be more than food and craft vendors, a great lineup of entertainment by Terry Buchwald “Elvis," Ghost Riders, Nik & Nice Guys, a KidsZone, plus a Super Car Cruise with more than 400 cars and motorcycles.
This year, there are some exciting new changes.
The main stage will be on Main Street in front of County Building #1. Food vendors and kids activities will be on Main Street as well (from Jackson to Court and Jefferson). All crafts and non-profit booths will be on Court and Jefferson (near the main stage area).
The Super Car Cruise will occupy Main Street from Jackson to Liberty Street, along with sections of Bank and Center Streets.
For more information and applications for the “Summer In the City” festival call 585-344-0900 or visit the B.I.D. website at <www.downtownbataviany.com>.
This event is sponsored by the Batavia Business Improvement District.
Everyone is welcome to bring your chairs and enjoy a different movie each month this summer in Jackson Square.
"Cinema in the Square" starts at dusk and feature free, full-length films, all rated (PG).
The first one is "Night At The Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian” on Wednesday, June 23.
Next is the “Tooth Fairy” on Wednesday, July 21.
Lastly, “Diary of A Wimpy Kid” will be shown Wednesday, Aug. 18.
Jackson Square is located in the alleyway off of Jackson or Center streets. Food and refreshments will be available.
"Cinema in the Square" is sponsored by the Batavia Business Improvement District and the Genesee County Youth Bureau.
For more information call 344-3960 or 344-0900. Visit www.downtownbataviany.com for downtown Batavia activities and businesses.
On Thursday, June 17, the fourth annual Downtown Batavia Public Market opens at the corner of Ellicott (Route 63) and Center streets. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
This year there are some new vendors, including two wineries which will sell wine and offer tastings. There's also a vendor selling homemade Italian cookies and treats.
Plus, the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County will offer free nutritional programs and information. The City of Batavia Police Department will provide free child car seat inspections. And other special events are planned.
Shoppers can expect to find a wealth of locally grown produce and foods. These include baked goods, fresh sweet corn, tomatoes, onions, berries, peaches, apples, cheese, honey, maple syrup, cut flowers, herbs, garden accessories and lots more.
Stop by and have lunch, served from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Jackson Street Grill/Belladessa's will offer hot dogs, hamburgers and pizza for sale along with beverages.
"Support the downtown that supports our community," says the sponsor, the Batavia Business Improvement District's Public Market Committee.
For more information, call 344-0900 or visit this website <www.downtownbataviany.com>.
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