An effort to create a directory of businesses in the Midtown area is underway. “When the city offered financial assistance following last year’s storms, we had difficulty getting the word out to business owners. The Midtown Redevelopment Board and staff requested the development of a business directory so we can easily and effectively share information with them and in turn, help grow their businesses,” said Ken Thomas, redevelopment and neighborhood services director. Once the database of Midtown businesses is completed, Thomas said he would also like to expand the effort to the Main Street area. There is already an established directory for businesses in the downtown area.
Gold Marketing Communications, an advertisement agency with a long history of working with the city’s Downtown Development Authority, is leading the canvassing effort, which will be done in two phases over a 12-week period. The first phase involves door-to-door visits to businesses along Orange Avenue, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard with a goal to obtain basic contact information including business name, owner’s name, address, phone number, email address, website and type of business. Once a database is populated, businesses can be contacted regularly via email regarding the development of a strategic marketing plan, branding and promotional programs for the Midtown area. If a business is closed or owners aren't available, a perforated door hanger will be left, which can be mailed to the city.