Downtown Association launches new partnership program

The Downtown Association has launched a new partnership program for businesses that would see local proprietors access a number of the association’s services for $100.  

“It’s a way of getting firm numbers on who associates with us, which is helpful, and also it’s a way to give back to businesses who participate and get on board,” said Downtown Association Executive Director Josh Ingram. 

Perks of the partnership program include:

• free access to tables and/or shared tents at Downtown Association events
• 10-day advance access to sponsorship packages
• discounted fees on the graffiti removal program
• free access to the Destination Development Association membership
• electronic newsletter access
• all Business Improvement Area and Downtown Association communications
• directory listing (when launched)
• consultation on all City of Sault Ste. Marie grant programs
• opportunity to sit on the board of directors and/or subcommittees
• invites to all social events, webinars, lunch and learns
• advertising of events and promo materials via Downtown Association social media platforms
• Downtown Association ‘partner’ window decal
• free rental of the DTA board room facilities
• use of new ‘360 camera tour’ equipment

“This is basically a way to get people on board and participating with our content a little bit more - with a cheaper price,” Ingram told SooToday. 

Ingram says the Downtown Association will use most of the partnership program revenues to keep the program itself up and running. 

“We’re going to try and invest those dollars right back into the partners and the programming, and the things that our members get, and our partnership members will get,” he said. 

Ingram tells SooToday there are a couple new developments in store for the Sault’s downtown core in the new year, including a corn festival in the fall, a planned expansion of the Moonlight Magic and Rotary Santa Claus Parade weekend and an extended, five-day Poutine Feast in the summer.

It generally costs businesses $50 to rent a table for Downtown Association events, but under the newly-launched partnership program, participating businesses would see those fees waived upon paying into the program.  

“When you support the Downtown Association, you immediately unlock some services that we can offer, which is pretty cool I think,” Ingram said. 

Businesses interested in the partnership program can contact the Downtown Association by phone (705) 942-2919, by email at [email protected] or by stopping by the association office, located at 496 Queen St. E.