May, 09
2022
Business, Economic Development, Free News Articles, Government

RMA Hired by City of St. Cloud for CRA Professional Consulting Services

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. -- The award-winning economic development firm, RMA (rma.us.com) is proud to announce they have been hired by the City of St. Cloud, Florida for professional consulting services to help execute the CRA 5-Year Strategic Implementation and Financing Plan. Drafted by RMA and approved in February 2022, this plan provides a structured and proactive approach to guide redevelopment in the 706-acre CRA district, with the goal of attracting private investment.

"We are very proud to work with the City of St. Cloud," said Adriane Esteban, Senior Project Manager. "RMA developed a comprehensive and transparent plan that will support smart growth, while maintaining the character of this charming Osceola County community."

The goal of the plan is to increase the tax base by implementing projects that will offer the most positive impact. By defining the investment plan, the CRA is better positioned to market and promote the area, leading to business attraction and redevelopment. The Financing Plan provides the associated funding sources while creating a transparent financial document that clearly demonstrates the investments the CRA intends to make year after year.

Several key projects RMA will be focused on include the development of a new parking garage in the downtown, the creation of civic commons with an enhanced social environment, and CRA land asset analysis, along with the potential for further land acquisitions.

"We are delighted to be working with RMA as we implement the plan that will guide the growth and development of our City," said Bill Sturgeon, St. Cloud City Manager. "We are excited about both the near and long-term vision for St. Cloud, and we will continue to actively work with our stakeholders as we create a vibrant future for our residents and business owners."

About RMA:

Founded in 2009 by Kim Briesemeister and Chris Brown, RMA is comprised of a phenomenal team of leading experts in economic development, real estate for governments, marketing, urban design, and financial analysis. RMA, headquartered in Pompano Beach, Florida is a highly experienced, full-service economic redevelopment consulting and management firm, specializing in revitalizing core areas and corridors for cities, counties, and special districts nationwide. The co-founders are also the authors of one of the definitive books about city redevelopment, Reinventing Your City: 8 Steps to Turn Your City Around.

Learn more: https://rma.us.com/

Related link: https://rma.us.com/

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Apr, 11
2022
Business, Economic Development, Free News Articles, Government, Restaurant, Hotel and Hospitality

Pompano Beach CRA announces RFP: Seeks Restaurant Operator for New Florida Destination

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. -- The Pompano Beach CRA has announced a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a Master Operator to renovate the historic McNab House and garage, construct a new kitchen, improve the surrounding area for outdoor dining, and design the dining program. The nationwide search invites commercial real estate professionals, with their restaurateur partners, and professional restaurant operators to submit proposals.

The solicitation documents can be downloaded for free from the eBid System as a PDF at: https://pompanobeachfl.ionwave.net. The proposal deadline is June 9, 2022 by 2 p.m.

"We are creating a world-class botanical garden which will attract visitors who support the restaurants with traditional dining, in addition to a variety of special events including weddings and educational tours," said Nguyen Tran, CRA Director. "This is a tremendous opportunity for the right operator to work with us in developing a key element of this forthcoming Florida destination."

The McNab House is an iconic 1926 structure that was moved and restored to become the centerpiece of the botanical garden. The CRA will consider proposers that respond to the initial phase ("Phase 1") of the project: the McNab House and garage operations, which include the outdoor patio dining, kitchen annex building, and loading area. Proposers are encouraged to define their vision for all aspects of the project including "Phase 2", which includes the tea house, event facilities, and other amenities. The CRA has divided the project into phases so operations may begin at the restaurant while the remainder of the botanical garden is designed, funded, and built.

The CRA's consultants, Bermello Ajamil, and Partners ("B & A"), produced a Conceptual Master Plan for the entire Botanical Gardens; however, specific uses and locations remain flexible pending involvement of the Master Operator.

About the Pompano Beach CRA:

The City of Pompano Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) was created in 1989, with two independent districts. The Northwest CRA and East CRA were established by City government for the purpose of carrying out redevelopment activities that include reducing or eliminating blight, improving the economic health of an area, and encouraging public and private investments in a CRA district. The Pompano Beach CRA is funded through Tax Increment Financing (TIF).

For more information http://www.pompanobeachfl.gov/pages/cra

Related link: http://pompanobeachfl.gov/index.php/pages/cra/cra

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Mar, 22
2022
Advertising and Marketing, Business, e-Commerce, Economic Development, Free News Articles, Government

115 Sponsors Step Up to Engage Communities in Shop Local Campaigns

MENLO PARK, Calif. -- In pandemic years 2020 and 2021, more than 100 of Yiftee's almost 400 communities who use its Community eGift Card platform ran dedicated gift card grant or bonus programs to benefit their small businesses, helping them stay afloat. Who were the "hometown heroes" that sponsored these programs during tough times, and continue to do so?

Yiftee surveyed its communities and found some expected and some surprising results when they asked, "What was the source of funding for your community gift card bonus and grant programs?"

1 -- City governments were the first to step up: 26.3%

2 -- Individuals in the community chipped in: 23.7%

3 -- Local banks and other employers contributed: 15.8%

4 -- ARPA and CARES federal programs were used: 13.2%

5 -- Other sources included tourist and hotel tax reserves, Chamber of Commerce/Downtown Association/Main Street budgets, and other county and state funding.

Over the two years, Sponsors contributed $2.7 million for bonus cards, incentivizing additional Community eGift card purchases by town residents of $4.1 million. Grant and employee reward programs added up to an additional $5.4 million. Gift cards and bonus cards can only be spent at local merchants in the Sponsors' communities. These purchases often replaced national brand gift card purchases as Sponsors redirected their budgets to "shop local."

Local financial institutions and employers support their communities

"Both Prudential Financial, Inc. and Audible are strong supporters of the community in which their employees live and work," said Tamara Remedios, Owner of Xplore Communications, who organized the Newark, NJ Community Card program. "When I approached Prudential with the idea of sponsoring a bonus program, they were all in, contributing $25k. They especially appreciated that their contributions incentivized additional purchases by Newark residents of 2.5x more. Plus, the bonus cards get residents into the 100+ shops and restaurants who are participating in the program before they expire - so it's a quick boost to our local economy when our businesses needed it the most. Audible also jumped on board to give $10k to support marketing and special programs for the Newark Gift Card. Both institutions are the benchmark of being true community partners."

Towns multiply their federal grant monies by engaging residents in shopping local

Last month, Yiftee hosted a webinar featuring two live community case studies where CARES and ARPA funds were used as sponsorships. Like Newark NJ, Concord CA hosted 3 bonus program campaigns at the holiday seasons of both 2020 and 2021, and a mid-year summer 2021 program as well. The $40,000 in federal grants were complemented by $80,000 in resident purchases for a total benefit of $120,000 going to 65 local businesses.

Cutler Bay, FL took a different approach with their CARES funding. They distributed $500 Community eGift cards to 300 residents in need, and the cards could only be spent at qualified small businesses in Cutler Bay. They saw 97.3% of the value redeemed within 3 months - a double win for the residents and businesses with the same funding.

The Yiftee survey documented some great advice for other communities considering similar programs, such as "Give them [Sponsors] as many perks as possible! Put their logo on all marketing materials, spotlight them on social media and encourage them to buy gift cards for their employees or raffle them off as prizes throughout the year" and "Have a sign at their [merchants'] cash registers to remind purchasers to use their e-gift card at that establishment."

The Bemidji, MN Chamber of Commerce promotes a locally owned bank, grocery store and telephone cooperative as Sponsors, celebrating their community spirit with logos on the website, and recognition in local press and marketing materials. This way, the community knows and can appreciate that these Sponsors are covering program costs for people who purchase their Community eGift Cards. Their card works at 49 different shops and restaurants in the area, and the program is free for the merchants to participate.

About Yiftee, Keep Local Dollars Local

Yiftee serves almost 400 communities and 13,000 local businesses with simple, secure, PoS-independent eGift Cards that keep local dollars local - more than $27M in pandemic years 2020 and 2021. The company works with Chambers of Commerce, Downtowns, Main Streets, Business Improvement Districts, city governments and other local organizations to create "Community Cards," branded for the community and redeemable at 10s to 100s of local businesses. Organizations and individuals purchase them online and send them via email, text or print to friends, family and co-workers to support their local businesses. There is no cost to the organizers or merchants for the program and it can be set up in just a few days. Yiftee also provides custom-branded cards for individual merchants, franchises, and chains.

More info at https://www.yiftee.com/ and/or email: sales@yiftee.com

Twitter: @Yiftee, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yiftee/

MULTIMEDIA:

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/9qhm8D2NPaI

Related link: https://yiftee.com/

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Mar, 16
2022
Business, Economic Development, Free News Articles, Government

Scottsdale Mayor Ortega Welcomes Minority Business Accelerator participants during Spring kickoff event

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- With a welcome from Scottsdale Mayor David Ortega and President of the Black Chamber of Commerce Arizona Robin Reed, the Minority Business Accelerator Program, in collaboration with the Millionaire Mastermind Academy, kicked off on March 8, welcoming more than 40 women-owned small businesses, Thinkzilla Consulting Group announced today.

The 2022 program is sponsored by American Landmark; one of the fastest-growing multifamily owner-operators in the United States and Blaylock Van, LLC, the oldest and continuously operating African American-owned banking firm in the United States.

With a focus on minority business growth, the Millionaire Mastermind Academy has already helped more than 7,000 women across the country conquer poverty through entrepreneurship. With a forward-focused mission of developing economic growth initiatives for minority- and women-owned businesses to encourage job creation and business expansion, the organization focuses its work in the Arizona, Florida, and Georgia markets. A $500,000 scholarship fund for the program was launched by Dr. Velma Trayham in February to help small businesses owned by African American women.

"While Arizona continues to grow its commitment to diverse business ownership, institutional barriers to success such as lack of access to capital and access to quality business training are still a reality. That's what we're here to change," said Thinkzilla Consulting Group founder Dr. Velma Trayham. "This unique program invites more voices to the table and more support in developing and realizing entrepreneurial goals."

While Arizona is home to more than 600,000 small businesses, only about 11 percent are helmed by racial minorities, according to the Arizona Small Business Economic Profile.

The 15-week Minority Business Accelerator engages entrepreneurs with a proprietary curriculum, including startup tools, access to a diverse local and national mentor network, funding opportunities to rapidly grow and scale operations, and support in learning how to do business with the government and corporations. The economic goals of the program include supporting the launch of more than 500 new companies while empowering a minimum of 50,000 entrepreneurs.

Program participants represent industries including counseling and mental health, consulting, spa/beauty, IT, restaurants, and education, among others.

2022 Spring Cohort Participating businesses are:

Black HMU, UnitedABowens Drug and Alcohol Counseling, Southern Roots Vegan, Nursing Apparel & ThangZ, Waters Cover Senior Living Community, Simply Celeste's, Shaping Minds Therapeutic Services, Divine Vision Enterprises, Permananet Management MakeUP, Maxim Wellness Centers, New Phoenix, Powerfuel Bites, Her Sisu, Kream's Kreations, Riley-Jones, Walking in Wellness, Ms. Martha's Caribbean Kitchen, Holistic Pathwayz, Nikki L. Sims, Healthier New You, Limitless Scholars, Purpose-Driven Therapeutic Services, Aylee Consulting, Positive Vibes, Foxy Holdings, The Martin Walsh Realty Group, Above the Curve Design Co. and Vuvoi.

The Entrepreneur Accelerator program is offered twice a year, will begin accepting applicants for its upcoming fall program in July. Past alumni's boast acceleration of business growth, click here for past testimonials - https://millionairemastermindacademy.org/success-stories/

About Thinkzilla Consulting Group

Thinkzilla offers DEI Programming that focuses on economic, strategic growth initiatives for minority and women-owned small businesses. Our Award-Winning team helps our clients increase supplier diversity across their supply chains and assist in launching programs to engage communities across the globe. For more information, please visit https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/

About Millionaire Mastermind Academy

Millionaire Mastermind Academy is a 501(c)(3) organization that addresses the barriers to economic mobility for women who have been systemically and historically underserved and excluded. The mission is to educate and support the growth of women-owned businesses, thereby strengthening their impact on the economy and mitigating the problems presented by poverty.

RELATED LINKS:
https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/minoritybusiness/

https://millionairemastermindacademy.org/

https://cdn.advocacy.sba.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/30141144/Small-Business-Economic-Profile-AZ.pdf

Related link: https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/

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Feb, 09
2022
Advertising and Marketing, Business, Economic Development, Free News Articles, Government, Real Estate

RMA Hired by Wilton Manors for Real Estate / Market Analysis and Branding Strategy

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. -- The award-winning economic development firm, RMA (rma.us.com) is proud to announce they have been hired by the City of Wilton Manors for the WiltonNext project, a real estate / market analysis and branding strategy for the commercial corridors in the city. The purpose of the study is to analyze real estate and market conditions, support market positioning, develop marketing and branding strategy, and engage community stakeholders to enhance economic development along its major commercial corridors.

"RMA is honored to be working with this vibrant and nationally acclaimed city," said Sharon McCormick, Director of Business Attraction and Marketing. "The municipal leaders of Wilton Manors understand the tremendous potential of their community, and RMA is looking forward to crafting the best strategies for maximizing opportunities while maintaining the character of this special 'island city'."

RMA's study will focus on Wilton Manor's five main commercial corridors including Oakland Park Boulevard, Andrews Avenue, Wilton Drive, 26th Street, and Dixie Highway. Key items RMA will be analyzing include community retail needs, optimal retail mix, consumer spending, industry sectors, market positioning and development opportunities. In addition, the firm will create a marketing strategy, brand positioning and messaging for the major corridors and develop a strong, reliable identity for each commercial district, including all supporting materials. Once completed, RMA will develop an action plan with a tentative implementation timeline.

"We are excited to be partnering with the RMA team as we build upon Wilton Manors' vast achievements and usher in the next wave of economic progress in our city," said Leigh Ann Henderson, City Manager.

The City and RMA recently held the official public kick-off meeting, which was attended by over 80 residents, business and property owners. After the presentation, there was an engaging discussion about the future opportunities for the Wilton Manor's commercial corridors.

About RMA:

Founded in 2009 by Kim Briesemeister and Chris Brown, RMA is comprised of a phenomenal team of leading experts in economic development, real estate for governments, marketing, urban design, and financial analysis. RMA, headquartered in Pompano Beach, Florida is a highly experienced, full-service economic redevelopment consulting and management firm, specializing in revitalizing core areas and corridors for cities, counties, and special districts nationwide. The co-founders are also the authors of one of the definitive books about city redevelopment, Reinventing Your City: 8 Steps to Turn Your City Around.

Learn more: https://rma.us.com/

Related link: https://rma.us.com/

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Sep, 22
2021
Business, Economic Development, Free News Articles

United Diversity Business Summit Connects Top Valley Leaders with Minority Entrepreneurs

PHOENIX, Ariz. -- Thinkzilla Consulting today announced that As Scottsdale Mayor David D. Ortega proclaimed Sept. 15 "United Diversity Business Summit Day," diverse business leaders and entrepreneurs from across Arizona came together to share ideas and innovations at the first United Diversity Business Summit, which was livestreamed by the City of Scottsdale. The proclamation was presented to Dr. Velma Trayham, organizer of the summit and founder of Thinkzilla Consulting Group. The 2022 summit will be held on Sept. 14, with registration forthcoming.

Highlighting the importance of "opportunity for everyone," Mayor Ortega shared his initial foray into business at age 14, when his dad announced that "I spent your college fund today" on a local business. Mayor Ortega also proudly shared two key accomplishments: establishing an anti-discrimination ordinance within his first two months in office and formalizing an agreement with the local school district and Scottsdale Community College to support educational health and attainment.

The programming for the summit was presented by Thinkzilla Consulting Group fulfilling its mission to help organizations create positive economic impact through cultural diversity. The only firm in the state of Arizona that combines program management resources with deep DE&I expertise, a network of thousands of minority-led business suppliers, and full service marketing capabilities. The theme of the all-day summit was "Enhancing the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem," and it was designed as a recovery mechanism to grow small and medium businesses and provide opportunities to support diversification and inclusion initiatives.

"The first annual United Diversity Business Summit was a transformative day filled with innovative and dynamic programming, purpose-driven and vision-oriented entrepreneurs and business owners and illuminating and inspiring keynote speakers. We couldn't have asked for more," said Dr. Velma Trayham, CEO of Thinkzilla Consulting Group. "We look forward to introducing even more programs that enhance the ecosystem for small businesses and diverse entrepreneurs."

At the United Diversity Business Summit, Thinkzilla launched a new diversity, equity and inclusion assessment for businesses: https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/dei-assessment/. The assessment was developed to help more organizations evaluate their efforts to create a sustainable diverse, equitable and inclusive culture, gathering data-driven insights and then identifying new opportunities and strategic planning around DE&I. Trayham invited companies of all sizes interested in making diversity, equity and inclusion "the core of your business values" to move forward with the assessment.

The event programming addressed critical topics that directly impact minority business owners and entrepreneurs. Chris Camacho, president and CEO, Greater Phoenix Economic Council, led a conversation on "The Road to Economic Recovery" that shared innovative business practices and pivot techniques that empower innovation in entrepreneurship. Marcy Tibbs, financial specialist with Country Financial, hosted, "Taking Control: Financial Challenges Women Face," addressing the importance of credit and maximizing social security benefits to help women strengthen their financial futures. Robin Reed, president, and CEO of the Black Chamber of Arizona delivered a powerful keynote presentation on scaling a successful business venture. Through these workshops, speakers highlighted innovative approaches and best practices that corporations and entrepreneurs could employ to enhance economic diversity.

The esteemed speakers included: David Ortega, Mayor of Scottsdale; Art Hamilton, founder of Art Hamilton Group, Kaley O"Kelley, News Anchor for ABC 15 Arizona, Eric Standifer, president and CEO of Blaylock Van; Dr. Velma Trayham, CEO of Thinkzilla; Robin Reed, president and CEO of the Black Chamber of Arizona; Chris Camacho, president and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council; Monica Villalabos, president & CEO of Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Tye Hayes, former Chief Information Officer for the City of Atlanta; Gia Rutledge, DE&I expert with Thinkzilla and more.

Sponsors for the event were: Blaylock Van, Arizona State University, Scottdale Art Center, Country Financial, Millionaire Mastermind Academy, SRP, and the City of Scottsdale. Additional community supporters were: GPEC, Black Chamber of Arizona, Arizona Informant, Herozona Foundation, and Maricopa Corporate College.

The United Diversity Business Summit can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBOUmrz4HrM.

Related link: https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/

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Sep, 17
2021
Business, Economic Development, Free News Articles, Regional Events

Chelsea Groton Bank, in Partnership with NCDC and GNACC, Offers Free Business Seminars for Local Entrepreneurs

GROTON, Conn. -- Chelsea Groton Bank kicks off their 5-week "Cultivating Great Business: Small Business Bootcamp" on October 5, 2021. The FREE small business series, designed for aspiring and established entrepreneurs, is offered through the Bank's financial education program, Chelsea University, in partnership with the Norwich Community Development Corporation (NCDC) and the Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce (GNACC). Participants will walk away with a wealth of knowledge and a strong foundation for starting or growing a business.

"Chelsea Groton Bank is passionate about helping turn dreams into realities for businesses of all types. In addition to providing custom financial solutions, we proudly offer informational programs throughout the year to arm business owners with the tools they need to be successful," shared Miria Gray, AS, Community Education Officer at Chelsea Groton Bank. "As so many business owners learned in 2020, it is critical for businesses to have their financial house in order and to be able to market their services. We'll discuss these topics and more throughout the series."

The instructor-led curriculum was developed jointly by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Each class will be delivered by Chelsea Groton Bank team members and local professionals to provide aspiring or current small business owners a practical introduction to aspects of starting and managing a business.

All classes will be offered in person and via Zoom on Tuesdays from 12-1 PM at Chelsea Groton's Westside Branch, 444 West Main Street, Norwich, and Thursdays from 6-8 PM at Foundry 66, 66 Franklin Street, Norwich, from October 5 - November 4.

Class topics are: Is Owning a Business Right for You?, Banking Services, Business Plans, Time Management, Organizational Types, Tax Planning and Reporting, Record Keeping, Small Business Insurance, Risk Management, Social Media Marketing, Financial Management and Cash Flow, and an opportunity to Chat with the Experts.

Community members are invited to register for individual classes or the entire series. Registration is required in order to have accurate in-person headcounts and to receive log-in credentials if attending via Zoom.

To learn more and to register, visit http://www.chelseagroton.com/ChelseaUniversity.

About Chelsea Groton Bank

Based in Groton, Conn., Chelsea Groton Bank is a full-service mutually owned bank with over $1.5 billion in assets. Chelsea Groton Bank's products and services include consumer banking, business banking, mortgage and business lending, cash management, financial and investment planning and financial education programming. With 14 branch locations throughout New London County and a Loan Production Office in Hartford County, Chelsea Groton Bank also provides online and mobile banking, 24-hour telephone banking, video banking, and nationwide ATM banking for individuals, families and businesses.

To learn more, please visit http://www.chelseagroton.com/. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS Institution ID 402928.

Related link: https://www.chelseagroton.com/

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Sep, 17
2021
Aerospace and Aviation, Business, Economic Development, Free News Articles, Government, Travel and Tourism

Southwest Airlines Adds Daily Austin Flight: Expanded Service at Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport to Begin in March

AMARILLO, Texas -- Amarillo travelers will soon have extra options that feature the state capital as Southwest Airlines, in conjunction with Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport, has announced new daily non-stop service to Austin.

The new expanded service to Austin begins March 10, 2022 to Austin Bergstrom International Airport. On Sundays through Mondays, the Austin flight will depart Amarillo at 6:10 a.m. and arrive in Austin at 7:30 a.m. The return flight will depart Austin at 7:55 p.m. and arrive in Amarillo at 9:20 p.m. On Saturdays, the flight will depart Amarillo at 11:05 a.m. and arrive in Austin at 12:23 p.m. The return flight will depart Austin at 12:25 p.m. and arrive in Amarillo at 1:50 p.m.

In addition to the new Austin non-stop service, Southwest Airlines is adding a fourth daily non-stop flight from Amarillo to Dallas Love Field beginning March 10, 2022. This additional flight returns Southwest's number of non-stops to Dallas Love Field to pre-pandemic levels.

"This is exciting for Amarillo, and a reason for celebration as the travel, business and entertainment opportunities for the city and the Texas Panhandle continue to grow," said Amarillo Mayor Ginger Nelson. "As the Amarillo economy continues to expand, diversify and strengthen, we value working with partners like Southwest Airlines to expand their opportunities and service in Amarillo."

"I can't tell you how excited we are to not only get the daily direct flight back between Amarillo and Austin, but on a non-stop basis," said Amarillo Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jason Harrison. "Austin is such a valuable destination, not only from a business standpoint and with our legislators convening there, but for personal travel into the heart of Texas and all that has to offer those from the Panhandle and the Tri-State area.

"Southwest Airlines continues to be an irreplaceable partner with our Taking Flight - Amarillo Initiative. We appreciate their continuing dedication in maintaining and returning flights to and from Amarillo back to pre-pandemic levels, and now beyond, with the new Austin service."

"We are looking forward to continuing to strengthen our intra-Texas routes, giving more Texans access to key destinations throughout the state and bringing more access to our growing network," said Dave Harvey, Vice President of Southwest Business for Southwest Airlines. "Whether traveling for business or leisure, the expanded service from Amarillo will allow travelers to more quickly reach the people and places important in their lives, while experiencing Southwest's famous hospitality."

Learn more about Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport: https://www.fly-ama.com/

For more information, contact City of Amarillo Communications Manager Dave Henry at (806) 378-5219 or by email at David.Henry@amarillo.gov.

Related link: https://www.fly-ama.com/

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Sep, 14
2021
Economic Development, Entertainment, Free News Articles, Government, Regional Events

Malcolm-Jamal Warner Joins Exit 36 Slam Poetry Festival as Celebrity Judge

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. -- Pompano Beach Arts is proud to announce that television icon Malcolm-Jamal Warner is joining the fourth annual "Exit 36 Slam Poetry Festival" as a celebrity judge. The famed star of "The Cosby Show" and current hit "The Resident" will also be performing his poetry at the festival and sharing thoughts about his career during an Artist Talk.

The three-day event attracts the premier spoken word artists in the country and will take place December 9-11, 2021 at the City's cultural venues. Event details and tickets are available at https://www.pompanobeacharts.org/exit36.

"We are honored that actor and poet Malcolm-Jamal Warner will be a judge at this year's festival. His participation will shine the national spotlight on an event that is growing in prestige every year," said Phyllis Korab, Director, Cultural Affair Department. "Warner stole our hearts as a lovable Huxtable kid in the 80s and is now gaining raves as Dr. Andre Jeremiah Austin on the hit show 'The Resident.' But many do not realize the acclaimed actor is also a leading voice in the spoken word realm."

Warner, who is a Grammy(R) Award-winner, has tackled many important issues with his spoken word performances including problems with the penal system and in 2020 he chronicled life as a black man with his film "Word Warriors III."

Warner has said, "Poetry had always been a huge part of my life. My father went to Lincoln University with Gil Scott-Heron and Brian Jackson, so I literally came out of the womb listening to Gil Scott-Heron. So, poetry's always been a huge part of the expression of self."

The Exit 36 Slam Poetry Festival was founded by Eccentrich, one of the top-ranking female poets in the country. She developed the platform to serve the community through educational, theatrical, and literary performances. The festival showcases local, regional, and nationally recognized poets, while educating and encouraging self-expression in local youth.

"Now more than ever, spoken word artists are shaping the cultural and social dialogue in our country," said Eccentrich. "This form of expression empowers those who have felt unheard, providing platform to address both deeply personal situations and larger global issues. We are excited to return for our fourth year, and we look forward working with a dynamic group of participants."

TICKET AND SCHEDULE INFORMATION:

Tickets are $10 a day or $25 for a festival pass, available at https://www.pompanobeacharts.org/exit36

* Thursday, December 9, 2021

Bailey Contemporary Arts Center

Artist Talk & Happy Hour 6p to 7p (In-person and virtually via zoom)

Prelim bout - 7p to 8p (In-person and virtually via zoom)

Artist Market & pop-up poetry - 8p to 9p

* Friday, December 10, 2021

Blanche Ely House Museum

Lunch Time Story Slam - 12p to 1p (In-person and virtually via zoom)

Pompano Beach Cultural Center

Artist Talk - 6p to 7p (In-person and virtually via zoom)

Prelim bout 7p to 8p (In-person and virtually via zoom)

Artist Market & Cyphers - 8p to 9p

* Saturday, December 11, 2021

Pompano Beach Cultural Center

Final Stage - 7p to 10p (In-person and virtually via zoom)

About the City of Pompano Beach Cultural Affairs Department

The mission of the Cultural Affairs Department is to provide cultural programming that includes visual arts, digital media, music, film, theater, dance and public art for the enjoyment and enrichment of residents and visitors to Pompano Beach, Broward County, and the greater South Florida area. The department programs and manages the City's premiere cultural arts venues including the Pompano Beach Cultural Center, Ali Cultural Arts Center, Bailey Contemporary Arts Center, and the Blanche Ely House Museum. The department also oversees the City's Public Art Program and the prestigious National Endowment for the Arts' Our Town grant awarded to the Pompano Beach Crossroads place-making arts initiative.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Kay Renz

Kay@KRPRMediaGroup.com

Related link: https://www.pompanobeacharts.org/

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Aug, 30
2021
Advertising and Marketing, Business, Economic Development, Free News Articles

New Yiftee White Paper ‘Coming Back Stronger’ Illustrates Communities Banding Together to Support Local Business

MENLO PARK, Calif. -- Today Yiftee published a new white paper based on its experience with more than 300 Community eGift Card programs across the country, 90% of which were started during the pandemic. The paper uses 16 short case studies to describe different chamber of commerce, main street, downtown and city programs all centered around simple digital gift cards. The case studies reflect the diversity of the communities themselves, all with the objective of helping residents and local businesses weather the pandemic storm and come back stronger.

Local partners drive creative community engagement

Community eGift Cards give people tens to hundreds of choices where to spend them while guaranteeing that the money stays local. Yiftee enables the cards, and the Company's local partners - the chambers of commerce, downtowns, main streets and city governments - come up with the creative programs to engage their communities. The "Coming Back Stronger" white paper describes diverse programs from scavenger hunts; to after-school activity programs for at-risk kids; to essential worker and employee appreciation; to large CARES Act-, American Recovery Plan- and tourism tax-funded bonus programs. There is virtually no limit on how Community Cards can be used to enhance the local economy.

Community Cards benefit the shop local movement

In most cases, these programs and Community Card sales in general represent new revenue sources to the local businesses in an area. While COVID-19 has drawn a focus on small business, the white paper shows that Community Cards are becoming entrenched in employee rewards programs, restaurant weeks, farmers markets and thoughtful everyday gifting among consumers. No doubt, some of this new downtown business would have previously gone to national brand gift cards, but much of it is from new growth in the gift card industry.

"We are excited to bring more of the $171 billion US gift card industry to Main Street shops and restaurants," said Donna Novitsky, Yiftee CEO. "The power of the Community is far greater than any one store. For example, we see 51% of Community Card holders try new places. With digital gift cards driving much of the 8-9% per year increase in US gift card sales, Community Cards are a huge growth opportunity for the shop local movement." (*Citations: see notes 1 and 2.)

The 17-page white paper covers city partnerships, designed to jumpstart pandemic recovery; unique gifting programs that generate increased revenue for local businesses; and how some groups have recruited local sponsors who have gained recognition for their generosity and community spirit.

You can download the free white paper here (PDF): https://yifteeutil.com/yiftee_coming_back_stronger.pdf

About Yiftee, Keep Local Dollars Local

Yiftee (Yiftee.com) serves more than 300 communities and 10,000 local businesses with simple, secure, point-of-sale system-independent eGift Cards that keep millions of local dollars local. The company works with Chambers of Commerce, Downtowns, Main Streets, Business Improvement Districts, city governments and other local organizations to create "Community Cards," branded for the community and redeemable at 10s to 100s of local businesses. Organizations and individuals purchase them online and send them via email, text or print to friends, family and co-workers to support their local businesses.

There is no cost to the organizers or merchants for the program and it can be set up in just a few days. Yiftee also provides custom-branded cards for individual merchants, franchises, and chains.

More info at https://yiftee.com/, email: sales@yiftee.com, Twitter: @Yiftee, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yiftee/.

Works Cited:

[*Note 1] ResearchAndMarkets.com. (January 2021). The "United States Gift Card and Incentive Card Market Intelligence and Future Growth Dynamics (Databook) - Spend Analysis by Digital / e-Gift Card, Retail and Corporate Consumers, Top Retailers, Distribution Channel, Occasions, and Demographics. Dublin, Ireland: ResearchAndMarkets.com.

[*Note 2] Claremont Consulting Group Survey of Yiftee Customers. (April, 2021). Customer and Community Analysis and Recommendations. Claremont, CA: Yiftee, Inc.

MULTIMEDIA:

*Image link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0831s2p-yiftee-wpaper-300dpi.jpg

*Caption: New Yiftee white paper "Coming Back Stronger" illustrates many creative Community eGift Card programs led by local organizations to help their small businesses thrive.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Donna Novitsky, CEO, Yiftee.com

donna@yiftee.com 650-533-0938

Related link: https://yiftee.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

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