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The MSM/DDA accomplished the following projects in the 2008-2009 Fiscal Year:
- Created and published the Downtown Monroe Handbook featuring information about Downtown Monroe relevant to business owners, property owners, investors and residents.
- Provided financial support through the Façade Grant program for the improvement of six downtown building facades and purchased signs to highlight those properties receiving funding.
- Expanded the seasonal flowers, including the purchase of additional planters, and Christmas decorations which has generated additional positive comments.
- The third summer of the MSM/DDA hiring summer seasonal employees rounded out the fiscal year. The employees maintain the flowers and do additional projects to help downtown look its best.
- Had a sub-committee take on the task of downtown parking with several recommendations already being sent to the City Traffic Committee.
- Purchased eleven bicycle racks for use throughout downtown.
- Purchased winter welcome banners for Monroe Street.
- Launched a completely renovated website with more information about downtown businesses, events, available properties, amenities and more.
- Designed and purchased downtown shopping bags and post cards to help expand the downtown brand.
- Aired holiday greetings and a downtown commercial on network television.
- Manned a booth at the 2009 Earth Day Celebration and distributed downtown information and 38 downtown gift certificates.
- Sponsored six downtown events.
- Launched a Downtown Monroe Facebook page.
- Helped the City of Monroe replace eleven downtown trees through cost sharing.
- Produced 10,000 maps to help direct people to and around downtown.
The MSM/DDA accomplished the following projects in the 2007-2008 Fiscal Year:
- Electrical Upgrade for five key service boxes. The upgrade will allow additional seasonal decorations, availability of electricity for public outdoor activities and the ability to operate multiple activities simultaneously.
- Financial support through the Façade Grant program for the improvement of seven downtown building facades. The largest project included the complete renovation of the building which now houses The Hotel Sterling.
- Expansion of the seasonal flowers and Christmas decorations from which the MSM/DDA is receiving increasing positive feedback from businesses, residents, and tourists.
- Employment of two summer seasonal employees to maintain the flowers as well as additional responsibilities to help downtown look its best.
- Financial support for the construction of the decorative brick wall just south of the Monroe Street Bridge. The former fence was deteriorating, and the new wall adds to the historic charm of downtown.
- Production of a commercial highlighting and promoting the activities available in downtown which aired on broadcast and cable television as well as on several websites.
- Organization and production of the 3rd Annual Hoe Down which was held in conjunction with the River Raisin Labor Day BBQ. The Hoe Down featured national and local acts who entertained crowds all day long.
- Organization of a Condominium Conversion workshop which featured information on the process for and benefits of converting downtown residential and commercial spaces into condominiums.
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