To Establish monthly networking events for Downtown businesses to meet and greet and share information; hear brief presentations on relevant topics resulting in camaraderie and group cohesiveness.  To create a brochure/map rack card (trifold or multiple page) that can be placed in retail stores and restaurants.  Also a "Welcome to Rochester" package for new businesses - not to compete with the Chamber's relocation package.

 A total of 107 businesses were visited and a comprehensive survey was conducted which included questions ranging from business size and hours of operation to questions regarding complementary businesses and perceived challenges to downtown business.  Overall, the areas that most concerned downtown businesses related to parking and traffic, while most businesses expressed satisfaction with municipal services such as Police, Fire, Code Enforcement and snow removal.

A sub-committee was formed to develop “action steps” resultant from the survey responses.  One of the first and most time critical steps undertaken was a presentation by CORE during the City’s most recent budget hearings.  CORE President, Mary-Jo Monusky, addressed the City Council and pleaded on behalf of downtown businesses in the areas of economic development, parking, and aesthetics.  

Other action steps include the recruitment of particular types of businesses for downtown, being worked on by the Economic Enhancement Committee in conjunction with Economic Development Manager, Karen Pollard.  The general appearance of downtown is being addressed by Janet Pelley’s Design Committee and the appealing “bump-out” sitting area was added to downtown this past summer.  Plans are in place for city owned land in the downtown to be upgraded as additional downtown parking.  All of CORE’s committees and sub-committees have been tapped to respond in some manner to issues raised by the downtown survey results and they continue to work to positively address each issue of importance to downtown businesses, residents, and patrons.

Detailed results here.