2014
Annual Report
DDA Annual Report 2014
Message from Pam Bricker__________________________________
2014 was another great year for Downtown Greeley!
We saw significant growth in almost every area including sales tax increases, new restaurants and
retail, growth in Friday Fests and other events, significant street improvements along 8th Avenue and
some major property sales.
The Downtown area also received certification from the Colorado
Creative Industries as one of eleven certified areas of the state. New
murals, sculptures and art galleries were added to the downtown
landscape. In addition, a major new lighting project was completed
bringing warmth and magic to our Historic core.
The DDA continues to receive significant support from the business
community through direct donations and sponsorships as well as a
grant from the City of Greeley. Due to the year time lapse in County
assessment, the TIF funds have not experienced an increase in several
years, so that funding has been critical to our efforts. Our
Oktobrewfest fundraising event was a big success in 2014 which helped us meet our funding goals.
The DDA has an excellent board to lead us into the future. 2015 will be an exciting year as we look
towards realization of our goal to have a first class hotel and convention center in the heart of
Downtown. We also look towards securing a grocery store for the future after Safeway’s departure
this year.
Downtown Greeley’s future looks bright and has become the “Community Gathering Place” for
much of the area population. We are so grateful to the volunteers, the businesses, the residents
and the supporters who have invested their time and money to make our downtown a very special
place to live, work and play.
Executive Director
Downtown Development Authority
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DDA Annual Report 2014
Vision and Mission Statement____________________
Vision Statement
To create a thriving, urban neighborhood that is a vibrant place to live, work
and play.
Mission Statement
Create an economic redevelopment program for the Greeley central business
district to restore it as the center of cultural, business, governmental,
entertainment, and community life for Greeley, Weld County and
Northeastern Colorado.
Income and Expenditures________________________
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DDA Annual Report 2014
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Economic Development________________________
In 2014, 22 new retail or service businesses opened in the District
14 retail businesses:
 Stuft Burger
 Tilted Kilt
 Lupita’s Mex Express
 Mary’s Mountain Cookies
 Hearne’s Comfort Footwear & Clothing
 1908 Speakeasy
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 Front Porch at Bears
 Vintage Republic
 Fortress of Solitude
 Good Vibe Acoustic Studio
 Reedesign Concepts
 Smokeless CG Vapors
 Gentry Coin Gallery
 357 Nightclub
4 major projects are in the works
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WeldWerks Brewing Company
Brix Taphouse & Brewery
Right Coast Pizza
Quality hotel and convention center
8 service oriented businesses:
 Phil’s Pro Auto
 Martinez Roofing
 Bear Country Welding
 Goodwill Industries Career Connections
 BDR Fire & Water Restoration
 Lucan Technologies
 North Range Behavioral Health Intensive
Services
 Fusion Ministries International
DDA Annual Report 2014
Only 5 ground level vacancies in Historic
Downtown
Sales Tax increased 12% over 2013 in the first 3
Quarters of 2014
There were a couple of significant losses including
the downtown Safeway grocery store and the
Greeley Elevator (long time feed and grain
operation)
50 dues paying members of the Greeley
Downtown Alliance (Merchant Association)
that sponsored a Downtown brochure and
targeted mailing and Holiday Open House on
November 29th
DDA sponsored First Friday with 21 participating locations
DDA supported and managed 21 Friday Fests for the Greeley Promotional
Association
10 Major Property Sales
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822 7th Street (Chase Plaza) - Weld County purchased
800 8th Avenue (Jerome Building)
o Under Contract - Due for renovation
930 8th Avenue - Joe Molina purchased for gallery
719 7th Street - Loomis Law Firm purchased
725 16th Street - Richardson family purchased
809 10th Street - GTC Investments purchased
822 14th Street (former Key Bank) - Resource Center for Pregnancy & Personal Health
1029 8th Avenue (former NAPA Auto Parts) - Ron Smith purchased
982 12th Street - North Range Behavioral Health purchased from NCMC
1015 11th Avenue, 1111 11th Avenue and 1115 11th Street – City purchased for future
consolidation
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DDA Annual Report 2014
Public Realm__________________________________
11 Façade Grant Projects Completed
Moody's American Grill
The Currier Inn
Nelson's Building (West)
The Nerd Store & Nelson's Building (East)
Stuft Burger
Woody Investment
Mad Cow
Bear Country Saloon/The Front Porch
King's Clocks
Accessories with a Flair
Penalty Box/Jager
These 11 projects resulted in a total $57,586.51 DDA funded grants with a total
reinvestment back into the downtown district of $358,908.01. Improvements
ranged from new awnings and a fresh coat of paint to major building
rehabilitation and restoration.
3 new art pieces were painted on/installed in
the alley between the 8th and 9th Street
Plazas. Artists included:
Armando Silva
Zach Keiss
Alex Carmona
Downtown Greeley was selected by Benjamin
Moore “Paint What Matters” campaign (1 of
20 across the U.S.) and resulted in over 20
businesses along 16th Street and 8th Avenue
receiving a façade makeover.
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DDA Annual Report 2014
Lighting in nearly 50 trees on 8th, 9th and 10th Streets was overhauled and
new lights were placed in the trees, alley and walkthrough to create a safer,
inviting atmosphere 365 days a year in the Downtown core.
Over 60 planters were professionally planted and maintained
throughout the summer season.
The DDA supported the City of Greeley’s Urban Art Tree
Project by funding 10 planters bases
for the decorative art trees along 8th
Avenue.
Projects still in the works:
Public restrooms
Restoration of 2 historic kiosks
Parking strategies
Art Alley
Safety and Cleanliness_____________________________________
The introduction of “SmartRides” to the
downtown nightlife has done a great deal in
increasing the safety of the community as bar
patrons and pedestrians leave the downtown area
late at night.
The City Parks Department has dedicated two
employees to regular and consistent maintenance of the downtown core.
The concept of a “Downtown Ambassador” program will be discussed with
Greeley Downtown Alliance (GDA) members in 2015.
Additional cameras were added and have been useful to law enforcement.
Several minor cases were solved in part from footage review.
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DDA Annual Report 2014
Experience____________________________________
2014 was another great year for creating that special downtown “experience.”
Estimated total 2014 event attendance: 56,000
 Includes estimated attendance from all twenty
Friday Fests, Blarney on the Block, Bike to Work
Day, Oktobrewfest, Trick or Treat Street,
AgriCULTURE Fest & Feast, Holiday Open House,
Greeley Lights the Night Parade, and others.
20% increase in Friday Fest attendance plus added
street entertainment (i.e. fire eaters, balloon artists,
face painters, etc.)
Oktobrewfest broke all previous records for
attendance and income from beer sales. Income
from event= $55,675 plus sponsors totaling $18,200
First Friday gallery participation increased by 30%
Experience: Looking Forward: 2015 and Beyond
In keeping with the goals set by our 2011 Plan of
Development Investment Strategy, we continue adding
new events. 2015 may see the addition of an Easter Egg
Hunt, Arbor Day Event, Color Run, and more! We
continue to communicate with local clubs and
organizations looking to bring their event ideas
downtown.
A stronger focus will be given to securing sponsorships and donors to increase
funding for events. Funding will go towards increasing and improving
entertainment, maintenance and security and other event needs.
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DDA Annual Report 2014
Connections__________________________________
Awards:
DCI Governor’s Award—“Colorful Colorado” for
overall activity and accomplishments
Colorado State Tourism Governor’s Award—
“Outstanding Community Tourism Initiative” for
Agriculture Fest and Feast
Greeley’s Tribune Reader’s Choice—Second Place
“Best Family Event” for Friday Fests
Media:
Greeley Tribune Downtown Page - 12 times a year
Other Greeley Tribune event advertising
UNC Visitor‘s Guide
First Friday: A Night of Art Brochure
Greeley Unexpected Brochure (collaborative effort)
Bear Biz publications (collaborative effort)
Greeley Self-Guided Tour (collaborative effort)
GDA Greeley Downtown guide
KUNC advertising - Holiday Open House
Clear Channel Radio – sponsor of Friday Fest
Restaurant Guide
Chamber event guide - Tribune wrap
Rocky Mountain Spirit magazine
Bandwagon Magazine
Social Media:
Twice a week eBlasts with 2,084 subscribers
Daily Facebook posts – 85% increase in “Likes”
Online:
Downtown Greeley.com - 82,952 Sessions,
59,012 users, 219,233 Page Views
Discover Greeley Creative District website
Presentations:
Rotary
Exchange Club
UNC classes
UNC recruitment department
UNC Community Engagement Symposium
CML Conference
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DDA Annual Report 2014
Collaborations_________________________________
Creative District - a cooperative effort between the City of Greeley, DDA and UNC
Performing and Visual Arts Department
Wayfinding system
Agriculture Fest & Feast (also Greeley Tribune partner)
UNC
Greeley Unexpected New Student flier
Walking Tours
Intern Training
Bear Biz
Classroom Presentations
Art Commission
Urban Trees
Murals
Art Alley
Sculptures on Loan
Greeley Downtown Promotional Association
Manage Friday Fest Go-Cup
Greeley Downtown Alliance - Downtown business group which is a committee of the
DDA for which we provide administrative support
Greeley Chamber/Visit Greeley
Sit on the Visit Greeley Committee
Joint advertising opportunities
Greeley’s Great Group
To identify and connect champions for Greeley
City of Greeley
8th Avenue Redesign
Parking Committee
Hotel Development
Museum
Historic Preservation
Union Colony Civic Center
Farmer’s Market
Moriya Sister City project
Greeley Unexpected
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DDA Annual Report 2014
Smart Rides
Testified in court to help obtain approval for new ride service
Event partners
Greeley Blues Jam kickoff
Greeley Independence Stampede kickoff
Arts Picnic kickoff – with City of Greeley
Greeley Lights the Night Parade and Lighting Ceremony - with Greeley Chamber
Greeley Unexpected kickoff – with City Of Greeley
Bike to Work Day
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DDA Annual Report 2014
DDA Board Members
Bob Tointon
Chairman; Phelps Tointon
Tom Grant
Grant, Hoffman & Kamada
Ken Schultz
NCMC, Inc
Matt Anderson
AnCon Constructors
Logan Richardson
Mineral Resources
Phil Grizzle
Vice Chairman; Zoe's Cafe
Travis Gillmore
Treasurer; Phelps Tointon
Randy Sleight
City Council Representative
Charles Archibeque
City Council Representative
Mary Roberts
Lincoln Park Emporium
Drew Notestine
Thomas & Tyler
Janine Reid
High Plains Library District
Mike Ketterling
KBN Engineers
DDA Staff Members
Pam Bricker
Executive Director
Bianca Fisher
Associate Director
Alison Hamling
Director Of Downtown
Experience
Karen Baumgartner
Administrative Assistant
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