Howell Downtown Development Authority News

Downtown Howell submits Team Halo Downtowns Gone Wild competition video

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Pull out your video cameras... it's time to build the next generation of web content and build some buzz for your downtown.

It doesn't have to be professional or even serious. But it does have to be video... about your downtown.

Concise, buzz-worthy, insider scoop. What the world doesn't know - but should know - about your district. Fun, funny, or even a negative spoof - grab the world's attention and think like your customer. Make us look twice, but keep it clean if you know what we mean.

Team Halo Downtowns Gone Wild Competition

Free Property and Business Owner Workshops Announced

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Workshop #1
Howell Main Street/DDA Design Assistance and Incentive Programs
November 12, 2009 - 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Howell Area Chamber of Commerce, 123 W. Washington Street

Come learn about incentive programs available for historic buildings through Howell Main Street and Downtown Development Authority, like the Sign Incentive and Facade Grant programs. Howell Main Street/DDA Director, Nathan Voght, will give an overview of available incentive programs, and also explain how historic preservation is being used as an economic development tool through the Main Street Program.

Workshop #2
Painting for Long-Lasting Results
December 3, 2009 - 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Cleary's Banquet Room, 117 E. Grand River

Learn from an expert how to prepare historic surfaces for painting, such as wood, brick or other materials. Participants will also hear about cleaning and patching techniques necessary prior to repainting, and will learn and practice painting methods using the most appropriate tools.

Light food will be provided for both workshops. RSVP preferred, but not required, to Howell Main Street/DDA at 517-545-4240 or info@downtownhowell.org.

City of Howell adopts Abandoned Sign Ordinance

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

The Howell City Council recently passed an ordinance related to abandoned signs (download copy at right). The new sections are underlined.

The new ordinance is intended to prevent businesses from leaving their signs behind when they change locations. Specifically, the new ordinance includes the following:

Definition of an “abandoned sign” and criteria for how a sign is determined to be abandoned
Prohibition on abandoned signs in the City
Requirement that the business owner remove any abandoned sign within 30 days, including the sign structure (if it is a freestanding sign).
Procedures by which the City can remove an abandoned sign if the owner does not
Exceptions for historically significant signs that can be granted by the Planning Commission

Please keep these provisions in mind if/when your business changes locations. If you have any questions, concerns, or would like more information please feel free to contact Erin Perdu at (517) 546-3861 (office hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 8:30-5:00) or via email at eperdu@ci.howell.mi.us.

2009 Pink Party Receives National Coverage

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

The 2009 Downtown Howell Pink Party was covered in the August 2009 issue of Main Street News, a publication of the National Trust Main Street Center. Download a PDF of the issue to the right.

Annual Business Retention Survey

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

The 2009 Downtown Howell Business Retention Survey has been released. This survey is a valuable tool used by Howell Main Street/DDA to evaluate various marketing campaigns, business support programs, and special events. It also provides an opportunity to report current business challenges, areas of success, and future trends. This enables us to determine areas on which to focus our program to help your business succeed in Downtown Howell.

We ask that all Downtown Howell business owners take a few moments to complete the 2009 survey no later than November 30, 2009. Please follow this link to complete the survey:

2009 Downtown Howell Business Retention Survey

If you prefer a paper copy, please contact 517-545-4240.

2009 Winter / Fall Newsletter Available

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800

You can now download the 2009 Winter / Fall newsletter from our DDA Info section on the website. Be sure to have a look to catch up on all the latest development and news regarding downtown Howell.

Holiday Window Display Contest Winners Announced!

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800

The Howell Main Street and Downtown Development Authority invited merchants to create their best window display for the holiday season. Three independent judges were tasked with finding the top three best-decorated windows in downtown Howell, and according to the judges, this was no easy feat. A total of 13 stores entered the contest, and we would like to congratulate all of these, and other businesses, for making Howell a beautiful place to shop and dine. The winners of the contest are:

Award Winners:

1^st Place: Carriage House Designs, 119 N. Michigan Ave. Business owner: Kim Wilson 517-545-3130

2^nd Place: Le Boutique, Upscale Resale, 115 E. Grand River. Business Owner: Mary Ann McCray 517-545-2442

3^rd Place: Down Home Interiors, 110 W. Grand River Ave. Business Owner: Denise Down 517-545-5955

Downtown Sidewalk Snow Removal

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Just a reminder that the City of Howell has an ordinance (1022.07) that requires snow removal from all sidewalks. The Ordinance requires removal within 24 hours after a snow fall. Thank you for helping make Downtown Howell a walkable, safe, and pedestrian-friendly shopping district.

Howell Happenings Live -Rescheduled for March 10, 2010

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0800

HOWELL HAPPENINGS LIVE HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED TO MARCH 10, 2010.

Howell Happenings Live is a downtown community business forum, hosted by Howell Main Street and Downtown Development Authority, where you can learn the latest about Downtown Howell, meet other business owners, and introduce new ones. You'll also hear about upcoming events from the Opera House, Chamber of Commerce, Recreation Authority, and Carnegie District Library. Get the latest contruction updates from the City of Howell, too!

Don't miss this opportunity to join the forum and find out what's going on in Downtown Howell!

HOT TOPIC: Results of the Downtown Howell Annual Business Survey!

WHAT: Howell Happenings Live Business Forum

WHEN: March 10, 2010

TIME: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

WHERE: Howell Theater

FOOD: Light Breakfast and coffee provided

RSVP: Preferred, but not required, to the DDA at 517-545-4240.

Howell Main Street wins 2009 Michigan Main Street Program of the Year

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0800

The Howell Main Street Program is happy to announce that it received the 2009 Michigan Main Street Program of the year. This prestigious award is given to the Michigan Main Street Program that has shown significant growth and accomplishments, and demonstrates advanced adherence to the Main Street principles. The award was given by the Michigan Downtown Conference Committee. Main Street is a program developed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation for revitalization of traditional, historic downtowns using the patented Four Point approach.

Howell Area Historical Society and Depot Museum Announces "Buy a Brick" fundraiser!

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0800

The Howell Area Historical Society and Depot Museum has announced a "This Place Matters, Buy a Brick" fundraiser. The fundraiser will replace the cement surrounding the historic Howell Depot, and place bricks with YOUR name or business name as a donor, to create a lasting tribute to those that gave. Download sponsorship information here. Don't miss this opportunity to be a part of history!

Consumers Energy Work - March 22nd

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0800

Consumers Energy will be working within the public alley between South Court and South Michigan Avenue, beginning March 22nd, until approximately April 1st. This will require closure of the alley, and some inconvenience for customer and apartment access, and deliveries. This work is being done in preparation for full reconstruction of the entire adjoining parking lot starting mid-April until November 1st, 2010. Please contact the City of Howell for more information - 517-546-3861. Download an informational flyer HERE.

2010 Pink Party Date Announced

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0800

Kim Wilson of Carriage House Designs and the Pink Party committee have announced the date for the 2010 Downtown Howell Pink Party, June 17th. Leadership positions for various planning committees are still needed. If you would like to be involved or volunteer in any way, please contact Kim Wilson at 517-545-3130. For more information, go to howellspinkparty

Merchandising for Main Street Retailers Workshop-April 13th

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Howell Main Street and Downtown Development Authority and the Michigan Main Street Center are bringing Scott Day from Urban Development Services to present a FREE Retail Merchandising and window display workshop on Tuesday, April 13th, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The workshop will be held in the First National Bank Community Room at 101 E. Grand River, in Downtown Howell. DOWNLOAD A WORKSHOP OUTLINE HERE.

BONUS: Howell Main Street is inviting Scott Day to spend the entire next day, Wed. April 14th giving one-on-one personalized visits to merchants' stores to assist with merchandising layout and window display. DON'T MISS THIS FREE OPPORTUNITY to learn expert tips on store inventory, merchandising, maximizing sales with great store layout, and increasing sales with great window displays. These personalized visits are FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED.

Pre-Registration is required. DOWNLOAD A BROCHURE AND REGISTRATION FORM HERE. REGISTRATION IS DUE APRIL 9th to the Howell Main Street/DDA office at 122 State Street, fax #548-1068.

Parking Lot #1 Construction Begins

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0700

The reconstruction of Parking Lot #1, located between S. Michigan and S. Court, adjacent to E. Sibley, has begun on Monday, April 12th. A limited number of parking spaces will be available within the parking lot during construction, however, 2-hour time limits will still be enforced. All surrounding parking lots will still be available during construction, including McCarthy Street, South Walnut, and S. Michigan/W. Sibley. Please consider using one of the many other available parking lots for doing business in Downtown Howell. Get the latest construction updates at www.cityofhowell.org.

Proposed Parking Lot CONCEPT Drawing

Small Business Webinar Series Announced

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0700

The Michigan Main Street center announces a small business webinar series for businesses in Michigan Main Street communities. The Michigan Main Street Center has partnered with Team Halo Business Advisors to produce a series of small business webinars covering a range of topics:

April 29: Thrive! Don't Just Survive. Your Path to Success in this Economy
May 12: Cheap or Free: Best Promotional Ideas Using Marketing Technology
June 16: Fresh Ideas for Effective E-Mail Marketing Campaigns
July 21: Using Web Video to Marketing Your Business (It's easier than you could imagine!)
August 26: Web Site Basics You Must Know Before Starting a *New* Web Site Project
September 23: How to Work with Other Businesses (Cooperative Marketing Ideas)
October 13: Creating Holiday Windows & Displays that Sell

Howell Main Street and Downtown Development Authority is a Nationally-Accredited Main Street Program, and won the 2009 Michigan Main Street Program of the Year. This is a free service provided to Downtown Howell small business owners as a Michigan Main Street Community. Contact Howell Main Street/DDA for more information on logging on to view these webinars at 517-545-4240 or email info@downtownhowell.org.

Download the flyer HERE.

Download the press release HERE.

Smoke-Free Law in Effect May 1

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0700

The State of Michigan's new Smoke-Free Law goes into effect this Saturday, May 1st. This law effects ALL places of employment, not just bars and restaurants. A sign or window decal indicating the premises is smoke-free must be placed at the entrways to all buildings. The Livingston County Health Department has distributed these window decals to City Hall, the DDA, and the Chamber for distribution to local businesses. Please contact one of these organizations to get your window decals.

For more information go to: www.lchd.org

2010 Downtown Howell Pink Party a Success!

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0700

The 2010 Downtown Howell Pink Party was held on Thursday, June 17th, and by all accounts the event was a success. Early estimates are that over $35,000 was raised for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure!

The Pink Party Committee, the scores of volunteers, sponsors and business supporters pulled the community together and made this event an incredible success. And, of course, Kim and Matt Wilson of Carriage House Designs deserve special recognition for inspiring all of us to unite behind an important cause and reminding us that we're all in this together! Congratulations!

Visit www.howellspinkparty.com for more information.

For the Community ~~ By the Community

3-on-3 Basketball Tournament comes to Downtown Howell

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0700

The Howell Area Chamber of Commerce and Michigan Challenge Balloonfest in Howell brings the Red Hacker 3-on-3 basketball tournament to Downtown Howell on Saturday, June 26th, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Teams of all ages and both male and female are welcome. Early registration is by June 13th. Final registration is due no later than June 20th. Drawings for gift certificates and prizes from Downtown Howell merchants will be available.

Go to: www.redhackerusa.com for more information.

Download your team registration form HERE.

Watch Different....Watch Downtown Howell!

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Check Out Our New Video

Living up to our "Shop Different" image, we're out to show folks that Downtown Howell is far from the ‘normal' Michigan downtown. In fact, our New Video is downright ‘paranormal!'

The video is the second in an ongoing saga that features our intrepid man on the street reporting on the various features and businesses that make our downtown different. If you haven't seen the first video, click here.

The video's producers at Touch Integrated Communications maintain that the appearance of missing heiress Karla Von Impe throughout the video was unplanned and a total surprise. Hmmm.

2010 Vote 4 The Best

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Once again, WDIV Local 4 has launched the Vote 4 The Best contest! Numerous Downtown Howell businesses have been nominated, so vote for your favorite local Howell business and help them win!

Link to WDIV Local 4 2010 Vote 4 The Best Contest (Just SEARCH for "Howell" or your favorite business)

The list of Downtown Howell Businesses:

Club Canine

Cleary's Pub

The Opera House

Eclectic Twyst

The Stitchery Sewing Center

LeBoutique, Upscale Resale

Uptown Coffeehouse

Wally's Bridal Studio

Bark Town USA

The Spinning Loft (soon to be moving Downtown!)

Pur-Se

The Copper Pickle

Melon Festival Online Merchandise Sales

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0700

The Howell Melon Festival announces the launch of a new online sales feature for all official Melon Festival Merchandise at www.howellmelonfestival.com. Official event T-Shirts, Hats, Lapel Pins, Shop Club Buttons, and the newly re-printed"A Walk Through Time: Seven Walking Tours of Howell." Tickets are also available for pre-event purchase at discounted rates for many new special events as part of the Melon Festival, like The Festival Tent, with Michigan Micro-Brew tasting at the Opera House, Historic Trolley Tours, the Melon Ball, and Classic Diesel Train rides! Go to: www.howellmelonfestival.com and click on "Merchandise" to get your merchandise and tickets NOW, and take advantage of many DISCOUNTED rates!

Scoop up Downtown Savings during Melon Festival

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Scoop up great savings, discounts and specials from downtown merchants during the Melon Festival, August 20, 21 and 22. Join this exclusive savings club and wear the button Melon Festival weekend for special deals! Buy your button online now, and pick it up starting August 16th at the DDA office, 122 State Street. Also buy your button in Anniversary Alley (Peanut Row Alley off of State Street) beginning at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, August 20th, and start saving! Here is the GROWING list of participating merchants!

Razmatazz Toys - 10% off everything; Used Book Sale at Howell Carnegie Library - $1 off purchase; $5 off any class registration at the Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority; 20% off regular price items at Eclectic Twyst; 30% off storewide at Antiques on the River; Free piece of gourmet chocolate at Pur-Se; 10% off storewide at Where the Wild Things Grow; Free order of breadsticks with purchase of entree at Cleary's Pub; Take an extra 5% off already reduced merchandise at Down Home Interiors; Buy any regular-sized frozen, iced, or hot latte or mocha, and get 50% off a baked good at Uptown Coffeehouse; 20% any one item and a free gift at LeBoutique, Upscale Resale; 10% off your purchase at Sunny J's Lingerie and Leisure; 10% with 2 bottle purchase or more, or 15% off 12 bottles/1 case, and complimentary sample of Melon Wine at Howell's Mainstreet Winery; Take an additional 5% off Lady Rebecca's Choice "Humungo Offa" Sale Items; 20% off everything in store and name entered into a drawing for free class at Bead Gallery 2 (114 State St.); Free envelope printing for all Christmas cards at Livingston Business Forms; 20% off all purchases and take an extra 10% off clearance items at Carriage House Designs;

Volunteer for the 2010 Melon Festival!

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0700

If you’re free for a few hours next weekend,
so is this really cool T-shirt.

Come join us as a volunteer at the Howell Melon Festival (Aug 20-22)!

We’re out to make this year’s Melon Festival the best ever, and to do so we still need volunteers. If you have a little time to help, we’d love to have you on board. And hey – giving isn’t a one-way-street here in Howell! There’s something in it for you, too! Your volunteer perks include:

The uber-cool special, limited edition 50^th Melon Festival volunteer T-shirt
The deep feeling of satisfaction that comes with knowing you’ve helped your community – especially if you had fun doing it. And you will!!!
Special invitation to a River Boat Cruise with refreshments on Thompson Lake Tuesday, Aug. 17th, at 7:30 p.m.
We have other stuff planned, but you have to attend a volunteer meeting on the morning of August 17^th, or join us for the river boat cruise at 7:30 p.m. to find out. You in?

Volunteering is easy! Visit www.howellmelonfestival.com and click on the “Volunteer Application” link. But hurry! It’s almost showtime, and you’re up for a starring role!

Aug. 25th DDA Board Mtg. Cancelled

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0700

The regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Downtown Development Authority and Main Street Program on August 25th, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers, has been cancelled.