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Hastings Crossing BIA 2011 Executive Director’s Report

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Hastings Crossing BIA

+History and general makeup

Hastings Crossing BIA founded 2010 - process began in 2009

Began operations April 2011

600 + businesses and property owners in BIA geography majority of which are SMEs

with 10 employees or less. Wide array of retail, professional services, restaurants, and social enterprises.

+Who is Hastings Crossing BIA?

Socially inclusive, supporting revitalization

Sees business as a force for positive social change and likewise sees the low income community as a partner and asset for business community through social enterprises and non-profits who employ residents through BIA programming

Identifying and building on community assets, contributing to an increasing of community capacity through BIA programming, promoting a healthy and diverse mixed commercial district

Edgy, urban, artistic, gritty, creative, entrepreneurial, innovative, controversial, daring, unique, historic, fascinating

+Amazing historyAmazing potential

+ The Work Plan 2011-2012: Public Realm, Safety and Well Being

+Marketing Promotion and Networking: Building our Rolodex

+Networking:creating opportunities for BIA members Climate Smart, in partnership with the City of

Vancouver, Metro Vancouver and HxBIA has offered 10 spaces to HXBIA members at no cost (Yep…Free!) for the Climate Smart program’s November 16th intake

https://climatesmartbusiness.com/case-studies/frogbox/

+ Marketing and Promotion:Brand and Message

+Branding and Messaging

Creation of Scoping Document (May)

Two months of brand alignment outreach to businesses, property owners, community members, shoppers and workers including corresponding surveys which were cross referenced (June-July)

Foundation laid for a genuine and effective brand

RFP for comprehensive website, logo and branding

Chose comprehensive design/web dev team and brand is in development (August-September)

+ Community assets we are reflecting in the HXBIA brand: Diversity and Creativity

+Heritage: colorful and fascinating history and beautiful historic architecture

+ HxBIA is located in an area known for social and political activism: Many progressive and innovative non-profits, social enterprises and local businesses reflect this

+ Urban: Embracing this grit and edginess as assets to compliment our innovative entrepreneurial business culture and strong community voice within the Association

+Branding: Logo and intellectual properties in process

+The Year Ahead

Next year several events will bring thousands of people here to the area that Hastings Crossing BIA calls home. Some of these events are currently in conceptual-discussion stages

We encourage all our local businesses to become involved in the planning and implementation of these events if they are interested. We hope that all members of the BIA are able to fully capitalize on these opportunities and the energy, activity and interest that they bring to the area.

Issues of public space, infrastructure, regulatory and policy issues too. If there’s something you want addressed the BIA is a great vehicle to work through

+We’re still just getting started

AND WE COULDN’T BE HAPPIER THAT YOU ARE HERE WITH US TO KEEP THE MOMENTUM GOING!

Committees have been formed and if you would like to be involved with one (or more) we are excited to have your ideas, skills and experience. YOU are this BIA. In its identity, in its local economy, its actions, values and aims.

+Questions?

Hastings Crossing Business Improvement Association (HXBIA)Wesley Regan, Executive DirectorP.O. Box 88188418 Main StreetVancouver, BC V6A 4A5T: 604.805.3591wes.regan@hxbia.com