Recap from our November 21st Meeting
Agenda
12:00 p.m.
Welcome
Jessica Gutowski-Slaydon, Swift Printing, SBA President. Thank you for coming! Food was provided by El Granjero and it was so delicious and drinks you could purchase from Eden Cafe.
12:05 p.m.
Introductions
(Round robin: Introduce yourself and what is your favorite Christmas/holiday tradition?)
Sidebar: These icebreaker questions have been such a fun way to learn little tidbits about everyone! If anyone is willing to be the record keeper at our next meeting, I’d love to have all the responses documented in the minutes.
12:12 p.m.
Our Host
Ryan Waalkes from Bridge Street Ministries shared about their work with high-potential youth, helping them recognize and reach their potential. Ryan is well-connected with local non-profits and schools. If you’re interested in learning more or getting involved with BSM, he’s a great person to reach out to!
Mitch Cook returned for what was likely his last meeting after recently receiving a promotion to Meijer Corporate Offices. He’s been an outstanding leader, and we presented him with the map created under his leadership as a token of appreciation. We wish him all the best in his next chapter! Mitch was our president from May 2021 - October 2024.
12:20 p.m.
Presentation
Anne DiVitto, Word Out Influence
Anne is a local influencer who specializes in campaigns targeting micro-influencers. Essentially, this means she works with a network of well-respected partners who share reels or photos online to promote specific places. It’s an innovative way to advertise.
The DDA has hired her to run campaigns downtown, focusing on the Monroe Center and Division area. We were considering whether it might make sense for us to subsidize this opportunity. We’ll discuss it more at the next meeting, but in the meantime, would your business be interested?
12:30 p.m.
Presentation
Archie Smith Grand Action 2.0
This was a very basic overview of what Grand Action 2.0 has done and is doing. Here is his slide deck.
Remember, our organization is all about building relationships with neighboring businesses and nonprofits. Our programming is designed to help you meet people and learn about their projects, but don’t stop there—schedule a coffee or lunch meeting and deepen those connections. After all, a rising tide lifts all boats!
12:40 p.m.
Neighborhood Updates
Plug in with WGNO (Annette, Monica, and Chi) and JBAN (Eva and Margo)—they’re doing so much for our community!
Wayfinding Maps: WGNO has created 20 wayfinding maps placed around the WestSide.
Google Map: They’ve also developed a Google map featuring all WestSide businesses.
Be sure to add the Google map link to your websites and promotional pieces. It’s a fantastic resource that deserves to be shared widely!
12:45 p.m.
Police Report
Captain P.J. Baker said our area is doing pretty well and soon we are going to get a community officer back!
Then we took a group photo with Mitch!
1:00 p.m.
Thank you for coming!