Economic Restructuring- George Bell, Chair

The last few months have seen some new steps in Main Street Martinez' efforts to help develop downtown into a stronger business destination.

Unforeseen events and schedule conflicts have interfered with the most visible aspect of the ER Committee's work -- the monthly "Merchant Meetings" for downtown businesses of all types -- in recent months But the behind-the-scenes, long-range efforts that are the core of economic restructuring and business development have been moving into important new stages.

Work on recruiting new businesses for the downtown area has taken form, for instance. This is involving research trips to selected Northern California communities, both to research their business mixes and to actively target businesses that meet the defined profile of enterprises that can best succeed in downtown Martinez climate. These efforts are running parallel with the similar efforts of City Manager Philip Vince and Assistant City Manager Karen Majors.

Also -- and equally in concert with the City's top management -- the ER Committee has been involved in helping find potential solutions to the dilemmas involved in retrofitting un reinforced masonry buildings for seismic safety. Efforts are underway to bring together the downtown property owners, financial institutions, engineers, architects, and various state and federal programs to find options that can make these retrofits economically viable.

Obviously, none of these efforts are made any easier by today's harsh economic climate -- and even in the best of times, neither falls into the "quick and easy fix" category. Both are endeavors in which a long-term strategic view, professionalism, patience & perseverance; and the understanding that these
undertakings are processes, not events; are foundations.

A special thanks has to go, again, to Philip Vince, Karen Majors and the City staff for their support and active involvement in these efforts. And even more so, perhaps, to the handful of volunteers who are investing their time, their personal expenses and lost income from time off work, and their professional skills to enhance the longer-range prospects of downtown Martinez.

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Promotions Committee- Arna Morse, Chair

The Holiday Frolic & Snow Park Dec. 5, 6, & 7! Dust off your ice skates and pull out your mittens - it’s winter in Martinez! The event will again feature 25 tons of snow for sledding, the City's Holiday Light Parade, The arrival of Santa, and many activities along Main and in the surrounding areas. New features this year include;

• An extra sledding ramp on the snow hill. We'll increase from two ramps to three in order to accommodate more sledders.
• A third day of sledding this year. Sunday the park will be open (weather and snow permitting)
• Ice Rink! We're adding a synthetic ice rink to the event this year. The 30'x60' rink will be located on the 700 block of Main St. on Friday, Dec. 5th. Hours for skating will be 11am-9pm. $5 for kids, $10 for adults (includes skate rental.)

Before you know it will be New Years and time to celebrate First Night with us downtown in our 11th annual alcohol free celebration. This year one feature will be the very entertaining Jack Sparerib for all you pirate lovers. There will a full evening of activities stay tuned for more or check out
http://firstnightmartinez.org

We are very excited about our upcoming holiday tab. Twenty spaces were available and were sold out within two days of announcing the opportunity. Look for the 4-page, process color piece in the Contra Costa Times in Martinez, Pleasant Hill and most of Concord on Fri., Dec. 28. More well be available during the December events and at downtown businesses. Thanks to all who participated. We hope to do this again soon!

Two new retail events have been added for December to help you get foot traffic into your business.
Win the Holiday Window - Dec. 5-20
Participants visit a window display with items from participating businesses. Then they visit those businesses to find out the price of the item in the window. Once the form is completed, they are entered into a drawing to win everything in the window. Bonus prizes for getting all the items correct and additional drawings will be held for gift certificates.

Let's Wine about Winter - Dec. 13, 2-6pm
A winter wine stroll. Tickets are $15 and include a tasting glass, tasting tickets and a map of participating businesses. To host a wine tasting location call (925) 228-3577

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Design Committee - John Willson, Chair

Projects - past and present:

• Main Street Martinez Design Committee• Design Guidelines – Eileen Thompson, a local architect, heads a subcommittee that is developing design guidelines for the Main Street Martinez Downtown Commercial District. The guidelines goals are to help protect and enhance the unique qualities that exist in the historic commercial district, discourage demolition of historic structures, and encourage good design and thoughtful development that will encourage and sustain a unique, healthy and robust business district.

• Informational Kiosks – The Design committee obtained four directional kiosks from a local shopping center. Valued at over $65,000 each the directories will be placed in the downtown at the Main Street Plaza, in front of the Amtrak station and across from the old train station. A fourth directory will eventually be installed at the corner of Court and Main St.

• Clean-Up Day – The Design Committee has organized and sponsored annual clean-up days in the downtown business district since 2001. Barbara Kapsalis heads the subcommittee that has been responsible for the success of the program since its inception.
This year the Clean–Up Day was held twice. Once in May and again in September with the help of over 50 volunteers each time.

• Amtrak Station Signage to Business District – Debra Dodson of Treasure Trove has lead the effort to provide signage directing travelers entering Martinez from the Amtrak Station to the downtown shopping area.
The design and placement of the signage was installed in mid 2008 helping everyone find their way to downtown.

• Main Street Tree Lighting - The Main Street Design Committee, spent $16,000 for the installation of commercial, low power consumption, clear, permanent LCD lighting on all trees on Main Street.
The permanent lighting was installed in late October 2007 and is maintained to keep them in working order. The Main Street organization anticipates spending $4,000 to maintain the lights this year.

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Having a Holiday Party?
Consider JT La Beau's!
In the heart of downtown Martinez, JT La Beau's offers an extensive catering menu to fit every budget. We will work with you to make your holiday party one to remember.

Katie and Jason are available to help make your party a success. We do all the work so you can relax and enjoy the food and be with your guests.

We specialize in everything from small gatherings to parties up to 150 people, formal affairs or casual buffet style parties.

To reserve your party, call Katie at (925) 229-9232
JT La Beau's
436 Ferry St