One of the things we are all encouraged to do is have an annual physical and dental exam. In doing this, we keep on top of any problems which might occur. Our doctor or dentist will notice any changes and work with us to take appropriate action so we can address any health issue that arises. We keep ourselves in better shape.
The same goes for a business or organization. It is important to take time each year to evaluate what has been done and determine the impact the organization’s actions have had. Using that information, a governing board can determine the goals for the coming year that will improve overall performance and share this information during the annual meeting.
That is exactly what the Superior Business Improvement District (SBID) has recently done – reflect on the past year and chart a plan of action to move forward.
Covering an 89-block area, the Superior Business District is one of the largest in Wisconsin. It holds an eclectic blend of more than 300 businesses. The SBID advocates on behalf of its stakeholders to address needs and connect them with resources. SBID also has Stakeholder Grants available, encouraging businesses to apply for them in a timely manner.
The following businesses were awarded grants this year:
• Center for Personal Fitness
• Holden Insurance
• EmFATic
• Duluth’s Best Bread
• Northwest Outlet
• Serenity Salon and Posh Boutique
• Twin Ports BID
• Life Infusions
•Outdoor North.
We also help businesses connect with other granting opportunities from the City of Superior Small Grants, State of Wisconsin grants, WEDC, Northwest Regional Planning and the Douglas County Revolving Loan Fund.
SBID also represents its stakeholders by participating in community events and initiatives: Superior Days, Douglas County Extension/UW Superior Leadership, BIPOC Entrepreneurial Development Summit, WEDC Economic Summit, Lt. Governor’s Small Business Academy, Connect Communities, RECON/Development Association, editorial partner for Positively Superior, Superior Telegram, Homegrown Music Festival, Superior Night and Chamber of Commerce Events.
Promoting the district is of utmost importance. SBID offered a wide variety of events to entice people to discover what the district has to offer: Farmer’s Market, Earth Day Sustainable Business Showcase, Make Music Day, Sidewalk Sales in the District, supporting sponsorship for the Pride at The Lot – Superior Parade, Superior Spooktacular, Poltergeist Music Festival and Pub Crawl, Holiday Tree Lighting, Lake Superior Ice Festival, Trick or Treat in the District, Pink Friday, Shop Small Superior, Surprise Santa, Share the Love/Galentine’s Day (Valentine’s Day), St. Urho’s and St. Patrick’s Day events, and Where in the BID is Kelly Peterson.
SBID also offers BID Bucks, gift certificates that can be used at participating businesses within the district. Two special initiatives that were begun under Kelly Peterson’s leadership are the Women in Business program and the Twin Ports Business Alliance, which was born out of the need for Superior and Duluth to work together in planning for the impact of building the new bridge.
New blood was added to the Superior Business Improvement District with the addition of these new businesses:
• Outdoor North
• Northern Aura Aesthetics
• Superior Tan and Wellness
• Frandsen Bank and Trust
• Tiny Riot
• Midwest Mama’s LLC
• Noodles and Co
• Laundry Fresh
• CW Transportation
• Jade Fountain (Boston Block)
• Pet Fresh Dog Wash
Other businesses that moved within the district or expanded were Kindred Stone, Superior Med Spa by Life Infusions and Uffda Kombucha’s storefront move and expansion of products.
Goals for the coming year include an educational lunch and learn-style series; upgrading the SBID website to improve business listings, as well as a stakeholder section and improved access for site visitors; expanded marketing opportunities to include short stakeholder videos, brochures and rack cards targeted by category highlighting stakeholder businesses; ongoing organization evaluation; and creating opportunities with the Twin Ports Business Alliance.
Other new events include Bike Safety/Maintenance with Outdoor North, Superior Bikes the BID, Summer Sale-A-Bration, activities at The Lot – Superior, a Wine Walk in September, and a Hot Chocolate Walk the first weekend in October.
“As the board and I looked at what we were able to accomplish during the past year,” Peterson added, “we find that, indeed, the Superior Business Improvement District is a healthy and vibrant place that plays a significant role in promoting its businesses and the City of Superior.”
Looks like the annual physical went well!
Gary Banker is a member of the Superior Business Improvement District Board of Directors.
