Business & Tech

New London Main Street Sets Goals For 2011-2012

Seasonal ice rink on Parade Plaza tops list

An ice skating rink on Parade Plaza will be one of a series of goals will pursue in 2011-2012, the organization declared at their annual meeting on Thursday.

The meeting, held at , discussed the accomplishments of the organization over the past year and their hopes for the future. The rink aims to bring more pedestrian traffic downtown to enjoy the activity and take part in shopping and dining. It would be open from Thanksgiving to February and include classes, practices, and private parties. New London Main Street has received $23,000 in grant funds for the project so far.

Penny Parsekian, chief executive officer of New London Main Street, outlined other initiatives the organization plans to pursue. These include improving the business climate and image of the city in neighboring communities, resolving parking issues, increasing the number of children’s and family events, collaborating retail-oriented events with a , coordinating an advertising campaign, and promoting merchant organized events such as the .

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“Our time has come to seize the moment and that’s what we hope to accomplish,” she said.

Don Gibson, president of New London Main Street, said the organization’s accomplishments for the 2010-2011 year included an improved website, monthly merchant meetings to discuss concerns and ideas, an expanded map and guide, and mixer events for specific industries. He said the Connecticut Main Street Center awarded New London Main Street with three awards for excellence for their “Previews on Parade” lunchtime performances showcasing upcoming events on the plaza, a social media campaign, and improvement to the appearance of city gateways. Connecticut Main Street Center also named Kim Pettey, owner of , the Business Owner of the Year.

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Treasurer Bill Craig said the organization has seen increases in revenue, including an annual appeal campaign which raised $12,000, 66 percent higher than the previous year. Craig said other events showed similar increases, with revenue from membership dues increasing 36 percent and food strolls 18 percent.

“We’ve exceeded or met many of our revenue goals, and kept our expenses in line,” he said.

Craig said the previous year’s operating expenses amounted to $398,000. The upcoming year’s budget is estimated at $470,000, including the costs to install the seasonal skating rink.


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