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This year looks like it will be a wonderful year for all of us.  Things are going to turn around and the future is looking bright.  DEBA has several events in the works for 2021 along with the new VIBES coming in April (you will see more of that in this newsletter).

Our goal for this year to come together even more and show how amazing our district can be.  We have many new members this year, we have new committee chairpeople, and we have some favorite events returning.

We would like all of your help to make sure that everyone is getting informed on the happenings of Downtown Edmond, so I am asking for some help with a few things:

• Please email me at debaedmondok@gmail.com or text me at 405-471-2348 with the name of your business, contact person for that business and cell phone number and email.  We want to make sure that our records are correct.  This also helps us in case of an emergency.

• Take a little time and go visit a business in our area.  It can be anyone in Downtown Edmond.  We have so many businesses and sometimes it becomes habit to come to work and go home and we have found that some of us don’t know one another.  It only makes us stronger when we know our neighbors and know what they have to offer.

• Share ideas with us.  We are always looking for new ways to make Downtown even better.  You can email or text me anytime.  You can join a committee. You can volunteer during one of our events.  There are so many ways to get involved.

Cheers to a New Year and we hope for Happiness, Health and Prosperity for you all.

Stephanie

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We would like to welcome these new Members to DEBA!

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Join Visit Edmond as we continue to promote experiences, dining, shopping and more in 2021. Here are a few of our favorites:

• The indoor winter Edmond Farmers Market has been extended through March.
• The Eagle Watch at Arcadia Lake will be January 8-10. So far, there are no major changes to the event. 
• The “Ada Trillo: La Caravana Del Diablo Exhibit” will be open at the UCO Melton Gallery January 14-March 4. 
• The International Finals Rodeo will be at the Lazy E Arena January 15-17. 
• January is the last month for viewing of the “Darci Lynne’s Got Talent” exhibit at the Edmond Historical Society & Museum.

What can we all say about 2020?  We have made it to August and we are more than halfway through the year.  It has been challenging to say the least.  The challenges we have all faced as small business owners have been monumental but has also has forced us to take new directions in our businesses that we may have not taken before.  Many of us have made websites or are looking into making websites which helps bring in more sales.  All of us have used social media in a new way and it has become a daily habit to bring attention to your business.  It has also been an easy way to keep your customers and potential customers updated to our ever changing world. Our businesses have never been cleaner or germ free.  And our masks have now become fashion statements. It has also brought our Downtown even closer than it was before.  Friends helping friends, customers supporting Downtown Edmond like never before, strengthening our bond to watch out for one another,  I have never been more proud of DEBA in my life and the way each one of you have contributed to keep Downtown Edmond the best it can be.  Way to go!!!

Survey Results

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Member Spotlight- Angie Clemens Byers

I have been with Back40 Design / Edmond Outlook Magazine since 2019 and the Account Executive for Edmond Outlook, which means I get the privilege of connecting businesses with the local community through advertising and…most importantly…telling their stories! 

Dave Miller started Edmond Outlook 15 years ago and his heart and the “why” behind this publication are what make it so successful! When you’re heart is in the right place, you can’t help but GROW!

I love the way downtown Edmond embraces history and encourages modernization simultaneously. Enjoying downtown brings a connection with the past, a present worth savoring and the invigorating feeling that you’re part of a very special future.

Connecting with people and building relationships is what I am meant to do. My job isn’t necessarily about “sales”…it’s about seeing into the hearts of people and finding ways to build up, encourage and support them in their endeavors. Having a career that allows me to do this is a dream come true! 

I grew up in Terlton, OK way out in the country. I moved to Edmond in the 90’s…just one month after I graduated high school…to go to UCO where I had received a minority achievement scholarship. I had so much clarity and conviction that this was where I was supposed to be. I knew absolutely no one here, but this was my path and I’ve always known that Edmond is “home”. I now get to raise my two boys here who are 12 and 9. As a family of three, we love all things outdoorsy and actively enjoy the Scouting community along with pretty much every sport imaginable. Our sweet little dog Cookie keeps us all in line. 

Giving back to the community and contributing to the world around you is so important! I enjoy being an Ambassador for the Edmond Chamber and am looking forward to taking part of  Leadership Edmond Class XXXVI. I’ve also been a member of Edmond Women’s Club for a few years and serve on the Membership committee. Being in leadership with Crossings Women’s Ministry has also brought joy over the past 12 years. 

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Your Business is on Route 66

With road trips on the rise, Visit Edmond has seen increased traffic along Route 66. Downtown Edmond is one of our main attractions along this popular and historic Mother Road. Let’s work together to encourage visitors to cruise through Edmond on a Route 66 road trip. Here are some sites and attractions on and just off our stretch of Route 66:

Edmond Historical Society & Museum
Arcadia Lake
“Touch The Clouds” art
“Statue of Liberty” art
Rodkey House
1889 Territorial Schoolhouse
Pops
Festival Market Place
Downtown Edmond
“Blue Hippo” art

See more in Visit Edmond’s online guide: https://issuu.com/cityofedmond/docs/edmond_visitors_guide_20191216_web_mid/50.

Use these tags when you promote Edmond on social media: #visitedmond #edmondok #oklahoma #route66 #travelok #okherewego

Inaugural Cycle 66 Ride is rolling through Edmond

What – A combination rural/urban bicycling tour beginning and ending in Edmond and leading riders SAFELY through 66 miles of beautiful roads including Route 66.

Who – A partnership between Oklahoma Route 66 Association, Visit Edmond, the State of Oklahoma and OU Medical Center

Where – Inaugural Cycle 66 Tour will begin and end at 8 a.m. on Sunday, November 8 at Festival Marketplace in Edmond

Why – Nov. 11, 1926 is the day Route 66 was established – this bike ride will celebrate the anniversary every year. Capitalizing on the renewed focus on Route 66 tourism brought about by Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell, Cycle 66 will highlight Central Oklahoma communities and businesses along the Mother Road while promoting adventure, exercise and a healthy lifestyle.

Jennifer Seaton Director, Visit Edmond

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EEDA Loan Program

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Four Ways to Connect

It can take awhile to find your place in your community and often it takes trying different things to figure out where your passion lies. Below are four foolproof ways to get connected in Edmond.

1. Leadership Edmond: You’ve likely heard us talk about Leadership Edmond (LE) before. We love talking about this program because we feel that it is the #1 way to get plugged into Edmond. The nine-month program takes those who are already interested in being involved in the community and equips them with the knowledge, connections and resources to be the ultimate civil servant. We’re currently taking applications for LE Class XXXVI (36), contact the chamber to learn more.
2. Join a City Committee: Did you know the City of Edmond has more than two dozen committees for citizens to join? From the Visual Arts Commission to the Bicycle Committee, there are many ways to be a part of the betterment of our community. Visit the city website to apply!
3. Diversity and Inclusion Series: New in 2020, the Edmond Chamber originally had the series scheduled to kick off in March, but COVID-19 had other plans for us. The series will now kick off virtually on June 30th and will continue monthly after that. We’ve partnered with the city to make sure this event remains free and accessible for all community members. Learn more and register on the Edmond Chamber website.
4. Edmond Young Professionals: Chances are you or someone you know is a young professional living and/or working in Edmond. We can’t recommend our Edmond Young Professionals (EYP) program enough. The group meets several times a month (currently virtual) and provides opportunities to network, volunteer and learn something new. This fun, casual group is always finding ways to support the community. Check it out at edmondchamber.com/EYP.

As your local chamber, our passion is to help you connect. We’re here to be a resource to you and we’re eager to get you plugged in. If you have questions, give us a call!

Sherry Jordan, President and CEO

Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce

(405) 341-2808

We would like to wish everyone a Happy 4th of July. Hopefully everyone got to spend some quality time with friends and family over the weekend.

Krazy Daze

I cannot believe I am saying this but it is already July and already time to start planning your Krazy Daze Specials. The official date for this year is July 25th, but as you know you can hold your event for several days or just the one day.

This year is going to be a lot different than years past. We will not be holding a large gathering type of event but instead focus on each business individually. The focus on our end will be promoting you ALOT on social media. So we will need your help by emailing me what dates you plan on having your sale, what discounts or specials you will be offering, giveaways you might be having, etc. Please text those to me at 405-471-2348, email to info@downtownedmondok.com or messaging me on social media.

Some creative ideas for this event-

If you are a restaurant or bar- offer a special appetizer or drink special that day. Give away a couple of t-shirts or hats.

If you are a business that is still limiting the amount of customers in at one time- do social media sales events. List sale items with limited quantities on social media, days before the event. I bet they are gone before the end of the day. Hold a Facebook Live shopping event. Really fun and your customers will love it.

Extend your Krazy Daze Sale for several days so your customers will be spaced out to control social distancing.

Set up outside your store to promote outdoor shopping.

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New Members

A big welcome to our newest members- Edmond Outlook.

Edmond Outlook has always be great supporters of Downtown Edmond so we are so happy ot have them as a part of the group.

We are getting updates from the city, getting advice and information from the Chamber, EEDA and Visit Edmond daily.  Here is what we know and what we are doing at this time.  This will change hour by hour I am sure but we will keep you as up to date as possible.

• The City will be holding an emergency city council meeting at 5pm today.  We should know after that time what their recommendations will be for our city.
• DEBA is updating and posting often on the Downtown Edmond Business Member Facebook page.  If you are not a member, we suggest that you join the group so you can share your information easily as well as get information easily.
• DEBA is sharing your business information on all of our social media formats.  We need your help though, if you make changes, please email us or post on the group page so we can help spread the word.
• The Chamber, EEDA, Visit Edmond, Citizens Bank and the city have been sending us recommendations and information that we are sharing with the group.  Things like Small Business loans, ways to keep your business social media relevant, cleaning techniques, ways to help your employees, etc.  I am sharing those on the group page as well.  If you have an idea, feel free to email us at info@downtownedmondok.com and we will share this with the group.

We want you to know that we are there for you and will try our best to keep everyone informed.  Stay Safe, Stay Healthy and Stay Positive.