Funding Request By Carlsbad VIP Goes To City Council Tonight

The following prepared remarks were presented by Craig Kirk, board member of the Carlsbad Village Improvement Partnership, before the Carlsbad City Council during the course of its annual budget deliberation. At the conclusion of Kirk's three-minute statement, Council was presented with four options by staff to consider. However, before any decision can be made on the options offered, Council Members want more information about the organization's tax status and how, if proposed, funds would be administered if a temporary fiduciary agent was employed while the Carlsbad VIP awaits approval of its filing as a 501(c)(3) non-profit.

It is anticipated that the Carlsbad VIP board will soon meet to compile additional information that will likely satisfy requests by Council Members.

June 24, 2008
CVIP address to the City Council
- Follow-up Request for Funding -

Good evening Mayor Lewis and honorable City Council members. My name is Craig Kirk, I reside at 1140 Camino del Sol Circle. I am here this evening as a member of our community and as a member of the BOARD OF DIRECTOR for the CARLSBAD VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT PARTNERSHIP in support of our request for seed funding presented to the city council at the meeting of April 22nd.

I would first like to acknowledge the extensive contributions and commitment of the City of Carlsbad to the Village over the last 25 plus years:
From the development of the Carlsbad Inn
- The Village Fair
- The creation of public parking areas
- Streetscape infrastructure projects
- The development of ‘The Village By The Sea’
- Redevelopment of the Lutheran Home
- Mixed use property on State Street
- Development of the Roosevelt Center
- Façade Improvements
- Beautification Projects
- Senior Care and Affordable Housing.

In Village Public Projects alone you have committed approximately $26 million to date. Since that time the private investment has been approximately 10 fold of the city’s investment.

You have taken the Village from the seedy bars and rundown establishments of the early 80s to the assortment of shops, businesses and restaurants that we have today.

The goal of the Carlsbad Village Improvement Partnership is to see those investments prosper and to see the Village flourish. Over time, a short term investment in the CARLSBAD VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT PARTNERSHIP will return long term revenues to the City through increased property values and sales tax revenues. This is especially important given the sun setting of Redevelopment in 2009. The excellent work that the city had done to-date needs to continue. An investment in the in the CARLSBAD VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT PARTNERSHIP is an investment in the future of Village.

At the City Council meeting of April 22nd the CARLSBAD VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT PARTNERSHIP requested $500,000 over a 3-year period for operating expenses, promotions costs and salaries. We have carefully considering the mayor’s constructive feedback of ‘helping ourselves’ and the council’s overall input from the meeting. We are acting on those recommendations by seeking to attain very low cost or free office space and furnishings, donated office equipment (computer hardware and software), donated professional services and holding the headcount to one FTE, the Executive Director, until such time that our business and revenues necessitate the addition of administrative support.

We cannot start-up the organization without the support of the city’s and thecity’s seed money.Our goal is to move as quickly as possible to a self-funded business model. Our research of other like organizations coupled with our best effort estimate is that it will take 3 years to reach that goal. That being said we are also evaluating opportunities to advance that timeline by leveraging other organizations in the Village.

2008 objectives:
- Implementing a ‘Preferred Shopping Card’ program to draw tourists into the Village,
- Using the talents of some our marquee retailers to educate other Village retailers on ‘window merchandising, buying and product placement’
- Working with Village neighborhoods to preserve and promote
- Working with the City and other downtown organizations on programs that stimulating economic development of our community

The CARLSBAD VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT PARTNERSHIP Board of Directors is a dedicated team of volunteers: some with a vested interest in the success of the PARTNERSHIP and some with a vested interest in the success of our community, like myself. In either case, the city and citizens of Carlsbad have much to gain by success of the CARLSBAD VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT PARTNERSHIP. Our board meetings are open to the public and additional information about the Carlsbad VIP can be found at:
http://www.friendsofthevillage.blogspot.com/

Thank you for your time this evening.

Village Development Seminar Draws Wide Business Interests

The City of Carlsbad, together with the U.S. Small Business Administration, Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, Carlsbad Village Improvement Partnership, and the Carlsbad Village Business Association, sponsored the first Village Business Development Seminar at the Carlsbad Village Theater.

Although a relatively small number of individuals came to learn about how to do business in the Village, presentations were rich in content. Debbie Fountain, Housing & Redevelopment Director for the City of Carlsbad welcomed the audience and gave a comprehensive overview of all things business in the Village. When the 90-minute seminar ended, many of those who came remained to ask further questions of the presenters. All in all, it was a great opportunity, and we hope that this will only be the first of many such opportunities in for those interested in bringing their business (or expanding existing businesses) in the Village!

Carlsbad City's Mayor Pro Tem, Ann Kulchin, kicked-off the morning with a few comments and pointed observations about the Village and the City's fiscal standing.

Andrea Korogi, Director of Small Business Development for the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, went through a check-list of 10 critical areas that should be considered during the initial stage of planning to start a business.

Fairen Del owner, Irina Rachow, shares some of her secrets to success, conveying both passion for her business and commitment to the customers who stop to shop at her store.

Carlsbad Village Business Association Executive Director, Robin Young, highlights her organization and what they can do to assist businesses in the Village.

In addition to those mentioned, the audience also heard from Maria Hughes, Business Development Specialist for the U.S. Small Business Association; Richard Zall, owner of Ragz; Julie Baker, president of the Carlsbad Village Improvement Partnership.

Carlsbad VIP Gives Nod to Baker, Young

The Carlsbad VIP Board of Directors elected Julie Baker to succeed Frank Hutchins as President, and Robin Young, Exectuive Director for the Carlsbad Village Business Association, as Vice President.

Congratulations, ladies!

Grant Request Now Before San Diego Board of Supervisors for Village Preferred Shopper Card Program

The following prepared remarks were given by Julie Baker, acting president of the Carlsbad VIP, before the San Diego County Board of Supervisors on Monday morning, June 9. The VIP is requesting $35,000 through the County Enhancement Grant Program to support a discount shopper card initiative for businesses within the Village of Carlsbad.

Good morning, Chairman Cox and members of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors.

My name is Julie Baker, and I come before you today representing the members of the Carlsbad Village Improvement Partnership.

Our newly created organization is a first-time applicant under this process, and what we have proposed is a program that will provide direct and immediate economic stimulus to businesses located in the Village of Carlsbad.

With concerns about where the economy is headed, The Carlsbad Village Preferred Shopper Program will allow participating businesses to provide significant point of purchase discounts to patrons who use the preferred shopper card.

We fully anticipate that, with funding from the County, at least fifty percent of qualified businesses will participate.

The program is simple. Guests at each of Carlsbad’s thirty-seven hotels will receive a card that will entitle them to a minimum of fifteen percent savings on items purchased.

Participating merchants will have a window decal that will identify their place of business as one that honors the card.

You may be asking, “Why should we fund this program?”

My answer is simple: Doing so creates added commerce that not only sustains jobs, but provides for job growth in our area, as well.

Also, people with jobs provide the buying power that is so essential to a healthy County economy, which we all support.

In short, we know that creating and keeping jobs is good for all of us, and through this Shopper Program, we believe that increased revenue from the point of purchase is the key to maintaining a healthy community.

Your support will provide our young organization with the very first program that will give us the traction needed to shore up funding from the City of Carlsbad and eventually, from the very merchants we’re advocating for.

Therefore, whatever financial assistance you can provide the Carlsbad VIP in this first year request for funding will be greatly appreciated by local property and business owners as well as residents in the Village.

On behalf of the Carlsbad Village Improvement Partnership, thank you.

Julie Baker, at the podium, presents the Village Shopper Card program to the San Diego County Board of Supevisors

Business Development Seminar

SMALL BUSINESSES & ENTREPRENEURS WANTED!!

Date: Thursday, June 12th
Time: 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Location: Carlsbad Village Theatre, 2822 State Street

At the seminar you will:

• Review the business market strategies
• Hear small business success stories
• Learn how to navigate through the City when starting a business
• Discover where to find business assistance
• Hear about different loan programs available
• Introduce networking opportunties to businesses & entrepreneurs

Participating organizations: U.S. Small Business Administration, Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, Carlsbad Village Improvement Partnership, Carlsbad Village Business Association, and the Carlsbad Redevelopment Agency

For more Information:

Debbie Fountain

City of Carlsbad- Housing and Redevelopment Director

760.434.2815 or dfoun@ci.carlsbad.ca.us

Council Candidate Farrah Douglas Meets CVBA Members

Carlsbad City Planning Commissioner and City Council Candidate, Farrah Douglas, today appeared before members of the Carlsbad Village Business Association at it's May membership meeting, held at the New Village Arts Theater. The hour-long presentation gave Ms. Douglas the opportunity to share her vision for the Village and to answer questions from the audience.

Farrah fielded many questions from members.

Supervisor Bill Horn Welcomes Carlsbad VIP to San Diego

San Diego County Fifth District Supervisor, Bill Horn, welcomed three members of the Carlsbad Village Improvement Partnership's board of directors to his office this afternoon to discuss and better understand the group's mission, desires and goals.

In addition to Supervisor Horn, the meeting included Chief of Staff, Joan Wonsley, and Policy Advisor, Chris Champine.

The VIP trio also had the opportunity to explain to Horn and his staff the rationale for wanting to create the Carlsbad Village Preferred Shopper Program, and how this would have a direct economic impact in the Village, especially at a time when some of those federal rebate dollars are likely to come into Carlsbad with out-of-town visitors.

If the County approves the group's Community Enhancement Funding application for the next fiscal year, the Carlsbad VIP will have the opportunity in June to appear before the San Diego County Board of Supervisors to officially seek funding to support the Carlsbad Village Preferred Shopper Program.

Pictured left to right, Frank Hutchins, Carlsbad VIP President; Supervisor Bill Horn; Robin Young, VIP board member and executive director of the Carlsbad Village Business Association; Kurt Burkhart, VIP board member and executive director of the Carlsbad Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Village Faire Brings Tens of Thousands to Carlsbad Village For One-Day Event

Days before tens of thousands descend on the Village of Carlsbad for the bi-annual Village Street Faire, work got underway to spruce up a side wall next to the vacant lot at the corner of State Street and Carlsbad Village Drive.

Faire Day brought out all types, and one that was enjoyed by all who heard him was this fiddler, sitting curbside on Madison Street, leisurely playing his favorite tunes.

The day was simply perfect. The heat was kept at bay, sun and blue sky prevailed through most of the afternoon, and everyone seemed to enjoy what has been dubbed, America's Largest One Day Street Fair!

Local sculpting artist, Lynn Forbes, was on hand, doing what she does best! Lynn and her husband have opened a sculpting gallery in the Village Faire Shopping Centre.

And, what's a Village Faire without the food? There was plenty in the food court, which is in the same location as the Carlsbad Farmers' Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The tri-tip barbecue sandwiches have become nearly tradition for anyone who regularly attends the twice yearly event.

For more on the Village Faire, see CARLSBAD: Throngs flock to downtown street fair

Carlsbad VIP Pitches Carlsbad City Council For Support

Tonight, the Carlsbad VIP was formally introduced to the Carlsbad City Council, as the organization's president, Frank Hutchins, led the mayor and council members through a presentation that detailed both the challenges and opportunities for partnership opportunities with the City. All board members and many from the original working committee were on hand to show their support.

After considerable discussion, the council agreed to have staff prepare a white paper and return for further consideration in the future. Hutchins assured the mayor and council that he would work with the acting city manager and staff to provide assistance, where needed.

Frank Hutchins explains the VIP's mission to the Carlsbad City Council.

Mayor Lewis, together with Council Members Ann Kulchin and Julie Nygaard, listen to the ten minute presentation by the Carlsbad VIP. Robin Young, Executive Director of the Carlsbad Village Business Association, provides support in Hutchins' presentation.

Carlsbad resident and former Carlsbad City Planning Commissioner, Jeff Segall, speaks in support of the Carlsbad VIP. While as Chairman of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, Segall initiated the Downtown Enhancement Task Force, which helped lead the way for the eventual creation of the Carlsbad VIP.

Michael Burg, staff writer for the San Diego Union-Tribune, provided coverage on the evening's presentation, "Downtown business group wants $500,000 'seed money' from city."

(Council Members Matt Hall and Mark Packard voluntarily recused themselves from the presentation and discussion, due to property interests each has in the Village.)

Carlsbad VIP Unveils Plan to Enthusiastic Public Audience

As a prelude to an upcoming presentation by the Carlsbad VIP before the Carlsbad City Council, an early morning audience of 63 people listened to Frank Hutchins, Carlsbad VIP President, explain the organization's strategic goals.

The audience engaged and one participant offered a motion that was unanimously approved and accepted to give thumbs up to the Carlsbad VIP's plan that will be heard by the Carlsbad City Council on April 22.

The questions were many as Hutchins fielded one after another. Suypport for the Carlsbad VIP was in the air!

Carlsbad VIP Kick-off Meeting

Join the Revitalization Efforts
for Carlsbad Village

Meet the new Board of Directors of the
Carlsbad Village Improvement Partnership
known as
Carlsbad VIP

Friday, April 11, 2008
7:30 - 9:00 a.m.
New Village Arts Theatre
2787 B State Street, Carlsbad

• Share your ideas for the Village
• Review the recently completed business plan that will be
presented to the City Council on April 15th
• Learn about the new Carlsbad VIP committees that you can join to get involved
• Find out about new developments and opportunities in the Village

Please RSVP to
Andrea Korogi , akorogi@carlsbad.org, (760) 931-8400

3 of the Rare Kind Spied in the Village

What's the possibility, other than in a collector's club or car show, that 3 DeLoreans would be parked side-by-side, at the Village Faire shopping center? All three looked to be in great condition. Just one of those rare occurances that was worth taking note of. And, lunch was at Gregario's was a treat, as always!

Carlsbad VIP Submits Grant Funding Request to San Diego County

Today the Carlsbad VIP filed its first grant funding application with the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. If approved, the Carlsbad VIP will have funds needed to roll out the Carlsbad Preferred Shopper Program, where up to one-half million shopper discount cards will be distributed over a 12-month period to create direct economic stimulation in the Village.

The amount requested is $35,000, and the Carlsbad VIP is hopeful that Supervisor Bill Horn and his colleagues will approve this first year funding request for the organization. The San Diego County Board of Supervisors will review all submissions under the Community Enhancement Grant Program and notify applicants sometime this summer as to whether they have been approved for funding.

In the meantime, the Carlsbad VIP continues to fine tune its business plan in preparation of its appearance before the Carlsbad City Council in the coming months.

(Carlsbad VIP board member, Robin Young (r), submits grant funding application to the Clerk's Office on Monday)

Poll Indicates Top Objective for Carlsbad VIP

When asked the question in our first of several blog polls, "What Do You Believe Is The Most Important Objective For the Carlsbad Village Improvement Partnership?" this is how you responded:

0% - Provide Village leadership
33% - Create synergy for change
66% - Recruit new businesses

Thanks for taking the time to give us your opinion!

Happy New Year

Welcome to 2008, a New Year that brings a tremendous sense of anticipation for what will occur in the Village. There are some new projects currently underway and some new ones yet to get started. Check out what's going on across the street from Pizza Port ... just down a few yards from Beach Smoothies.

There's also a city council election in November. With candidates already lined up to fill one open seat, this guarantees to be a long campaign season that will give Carlsbad voters some excellent opportunities to meet and get to know who each of the candidates are.

Make it a great year in 2008!