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Recommendation:
That the 2005 Annual Report and Audited Financial Statements of the Beverly Business Association, as attached to the October 17, 2006, Beverly Business Association report 2006CBZB01, be received for information.

Report Summary

The Beverly Business Association has submitted their 2005 Annual Report and Audited Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2005.

Report

  • Under Bylaw 11083, the Beverly Business Revitalization Zone Association is required to annually submit to Council an activity report and audited financial statements. Under the Procedures and Committees Bylaw 12300, the Association reports to Council through Executive Committee.
  • All documents have been reviewed by the Planning and Development Department to ensure conformance with all applicable provincial and municipal requirements for ongoing maintenance of Business Revitalization Zones in Edmonton.

Background Information Attached

  1. Beverly Business Association 2005 Annual Report
  2. Beverly Business Revitalization Zone Association Revised Financial Statements for the year ended December31, 2005

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Attachment 1

Beverly Business Association 2005 Annual Report


Annual Report

2005

History

The Beverly Business Association (BBA) was incorporated on September 12, 1995 under the authority of the Municipal Government Act of Alberta and The City of Edmonton Bylaw #11083, by the establishing of the Beverly Business Revitalization Zone (BRZ). The Beverly BRZ represents approximately 140 businesses members on 118th Avenue between 32nd and 51ststreet, who fund the activities of the BBA through a special business levy.

Mission Statement

To revitalize the Olde Towne Beverly Business District, (‘The Avenue’) featuring its’ small town atmosphere and historical roots, marketed to strengthen existing businesses, attract new businesses, shoppers and tourists.

Goals and Objectives

The Board of Directors of the BBA have established a three year strategic plan which includes the following goals, objectives and action plans to guide its’ activities during 2005-2007.

  1. Enhance Commerce on The Avenue By Creating A Safe, Clean and Attractive Business Area.
  2. Improve partnership with Edmonton Police Service and the Community toward improving safety on the Avenue for businesses and their customers.
  3. Encourage businesses to maintain a safe, clean and inviting ‘store front’.
  4. Beautify the Avenue with a flower planting program.
  5. Attract new desired businesses to the Avenue.
  6. Establish a special events site and sponsor special events to encourage residents to come, feel safe and enjoy the Avenue.
  7. Develop a shop local campaign.
  8. Continue street improvements within the business area.
  1. Plan Communication Strategies Which Market the Avenue, the BBA and its Activities.
  2. Increase the profile of the Avenue businesses with improved Highway 16, Yellowhead, entrance to OldeTowneBeverly and neighborhood signage.
  3. Produce a Beverly business directory.
  4. Monitor media coverage of Beverly and encourage positive feature reporting.
  5. Increase the name recognition of the BBA and its’ activities.
  1. Improve Connections Between the Businesses, Community and the Beverly Business Association.
  1. Promote Continuity Within the BBA and its’ Activities

2005 In Review

While similar issues faced the BBA in 2005 as in the past, crime and safety issues were the primary concern for businesses and customers. For businesses and residents adjoining 118 Avenue, street prostitution and related drug activity has become extremely frustrating as they do not understand why they should accept a lesser quality of life than any other part of the city. Prostitutes soliciting in business entrances or on business property is discouraging customers from shopping at these businesses. Many businesses are employing security to discourage this activity however it is an additional cost that adds to their overheads that places at risk, their existence as a viable business

To aggravate the situation, frustration is compounded by the plans related to the Alberta Avenue Initiative. Their fear is that the initiative will push the problem east to Highlands, Newton and Beverly neighborhoods. While the initiative is long over due, logically it should include all of 118 Avenue from 32 St. to NAIT.

As one example, the initiative recommended improved lighting for 118 Avenue in the Alberta Avenue district. Street lighting, on both sides of 118 Avenue was considered too low to encourage pedestrian traffic and as such, safety issues were identified. In OldeTowneBeverly, street lighting is only on one side of the street, the sidewalks are poorly illuminated and desperately requires upgrading to address pedestrian traffic safety.

Beverly and 118 Avenue east has not been a highway entrance for in excess of 30 years and it is time to remove the one sided highway lighting and install typical commercial road and pedestrian lighting. Infrastructure issues such as these can not be borne by the business or property owners but must be financed by Municipal, Provincial and Federal infrastructure funding.

With the above issues, it is a challenge to make progress in revitalizing this business district. We however continue to fight the fight and address the issues through the channels provided for us.

In 2005, considerable time was spent working with Edmonton Police Service (EPS) to identify the businesses concerns and proposed solutions relating to street prostitution and crime. The EPS Beat Patrol Officers attend the monthly Board meetings to hear the businesses concerns first hand and offer suggestions in dealing with them. A new initiative, implemented in 2004 and continued in 2005, where E.P.S personnel spend their training days patrolling 118 Avenue and the adjoining alley ways, was received with enthusiasm by the businesses. In addition, the EPS MAC, parked at strategic points on the Avenue increased the EPS visibility was well received by all businesses in the Beverly Business district.

We must continue to be diligent with this issue to ensure that pressure is maintained to discourage street prostitution, which risk existing businesses, discourages new businesses from developing and discourages shoppers from supporting them.

The BBA continued to partner with the Communities in Bloom project where flower barrels were strategically placed along the Avenue. Although a costly project, this initiative is one of the many well received efforts undertaken by the BBA. Businesses and Customers are very complimentary of how the planters bring the Avenue alive. In addition, the BBA partnered with the Community Development Office in sponsoring various flower beds to further enhance the Avenue. Businesses are also encouraged to plant flower beds or barrels and in 2005, an increase of store front beautification occurred.

In 2005 meetings and private tours were held with real estate agents and prospective business operators offering details of available business space and the types of businesses that would be supported by residents. It was made apparent that we are open for business and that the local community will support the family businesses they desire.

During 2005, the BBA special events site and office was well used by both business and residents. Residents are now aware of the many business sponsored activities and are appreciative of their efforts. Goodwill has definitely been established between our customers and businesses.

In 2005, the BBA sponsored and hosted a 20 consecutive week Farmers’ Market, a Klondike Pancake Breakfast and Horse Drawn Carriage rides during Historic Edmonton Week. In addition, every Friday & Saturday, the BBA hosted weekly ‘Cruise Nights’, where classic cars can gather and display their restored cars to local and touring car buffs. Cruise Nights has become a major weekly attraction during the spring, summer and fall months. The new site permits the ease of hosting these and other events in a ‘business community center’ which in total attracts in excess of 10,000 people to the Avenue on an annual basis.

In 2005, in addition to the above, the BBA partnered with our two local MLA’s to host a Centennial BBQ and Awards day with in excess of 1,000 people attending. As well, sample Farmers’ Market Vendors and Classic Car displays marketed their events. The BBA site permitted Beverly to strut their stuff as no other community could, with excellent press coverage.

The BBA participates actively in the Farmers’ Market Board and the History Committee of Olde Towne Beverly. OldeTowneBeverly has a rich history of mining and this committee was originally set up and responsible for the publishing a history book entitled ‘Built On Coal’. It is believed by the BBA that this history should be developed into an attraction within the business district. At the encouragement and motion of the BBA, the Committee has established itself as a historical society with the goal of fundraising toward acquiring historic mining and related artifacts and the establishing of a museum. This initiative would preserve our history and provide an attraction for citizens of Edmonton and tourists.

Each year the BBA partners with the Norwood Legion to host Remembrance Day Services, parade to the Cenotaph and ceremonies. This event grows larger each year as local residents and people from around the City attend the outdoor ceremonies. In addition to the above, the BBA hosted the annual golf tournament for business owners and their customers. This event is designed to afford business owners and customers to get to know each other, share ideas and in general to strengthen relationships.

Partnering with the neighboring Community Leagues, the BBA sponsors the annual Christmas decorating contest where businesses are encouraged to glitz up their storefronts and light up the Avenue.

It is important to recognize community events that draw potential shoppers to the Avenue. In 2005, the Beverly Business Association supported the Beverly Heights Variety Show (4,000 people). Attendees and participants can see first hand that this business area has a lot to offer and that this business district is evolving into a charming urban village. Events such as these, that are sponsored, hosted and supported by the BBA bring positive awareness and publicity to all of Edmonton and rural communities.

With the increased signage installed on the Yellowhead on late 2003, funds were dedicated in 2005 for event signage that would attract travelers to our business district. Large vertical banners were placed at the west bound exit ramp of the Yellowhead and at the entrance to OldeTowneBeverly welcoming travelers to ‘Farm Fair International’ and ‘Canadian Finals Rodeo’. Many positive comments about the banners were heard by merchants. Future plans are to use this form of media for additional major Edmonton and OldeTowneBeverly special events.

The Beverly Business Association Board of Directors are pleased with their accomplishments during 2005 and look forward to further initiatives that will enhance the business district and community. With continued strong partnership with all involved, it will be accomplished.

Meetings

The BBA held one general meeting and 11 Board meetings during 2005.

Beverly Business Association Board of Directors – 2005

(Elected Business Member Board of Directors)

DickKrolChairman / Director

Jon Werbicki, McKee & Co.Vice Chairman / Director

JudyMartin, CIBCTreasurer / Director

LaurieReay, The Medicine ShoppeSecretary / Director

EarlBolichowski, Drake HotelDirector

TimHayduk, CapitalCity SavingsDirector

Edie Rains, Balloons, Bears & BouquetsDirector

DaleSchmidt, Boston PizzaDirector

MarkStephenson, Apollo PropaneDirector

LarryLake, Travelodge, BeverlyCrestDirector

Executive Director

Cornel Rusnak

Community Partners

GeorgeKarbonik, BeverlyHeights Community League

WendyYakimishyn, BeaconHeights Community League

Lawrence Husieff, BeverlyHistory Committee

ColleenFidler, BeverlyTowneCommunity Development Society

EdGibbons, Councillor, Ward 3

JaniceMelnychuk, Councillor, Ward 3

BradleyJones, Edmonton Police Service

NadineFugger, Edmonton Police Service

DarrellNordell, Community Recreation Coordinator

ChrisBiensch, ACT/Rundle Park

Executive

Due his sudden passing, ErnieMekechuk’s position on the Board was filled by LarryLake of the Travelodge, BeverlyCrest. It is important to note here, the long standing contribution of Ernie Mekechuk toward the Beverly Business Association and BeverlyCommunity as a whole. Ernie was a Board member on the BBA since inception in 1995. His contribution will be missed.

We are very grateful for the creativity and hard work put forth by our volunteer Executive, the support of our partners from within the Community and the members of the BRZ. We would like to thank the two Ward 3 City Councillors for their assistance and diligence during 2005. As well, we would like to thank the remaining City Council members, City Administration, MLA’s and our MP for their support and professionalism.

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Cornel E. Rusnak, Executive Director

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MarkStephenson, Chairman

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