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201022 BIA AGD 1 Tillsonburg Business Improvement Area Agenda - Board Meeting of Thursday, October 22nd, 2020 IN PERSON & ZOOM @ CARRIAGE HALL – 25 BROCK ST. W. TILLSONBURG Time: 7:00 AM – Breakfast Meeting: Business Meeting 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM 1. CALL TO ORDER: Time: QUORUM: Count members present Staff present: 2. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA: moved by: ______________ seconded by: _______________ “And resolved that the agenda, as prepared for the BIA Board of Management meeting for October 22nd, 2020 be adopted”. 3. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF: 4. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES from the board meeting of September 23rd, 2020 moved by: _______________ seconded by:________________ “And resolved that the minutes, as prepared for the Tillsonburg BIA Board of Management meeting of September 23rd, 2020 be adopted”. 5. 2021 MARKETING AND ADVERTISING PLAN: The EMC has prepared the draft marketing and advertising plan for 2021. This includes a full-year proposal of activities assuming that there will be pandemic impacts for the full-year. The marketing plan includes a full-year advertising plan with Rogers Media – Country 107.3 and 101.3 Easy. The focus will be to undertake activities to support the resiliency of the downtown core area. Effort will also be shifted when the boundary adjustment takes effect in 2020. (TBD) 2 The marketing plan does not include planning and operations of the Turtlefest event in 2021. If there happens to be festival; the schedule and plan with be updated accordingly. Given the unknowns with the pandemic; there is flexibility in the plan to address needs as they arise. MOTION: moved by: _________________ seconded by:________________ “And resolved that the BIA Board of Management approves the 2021 marketing plan as presented” 6. FINANCIAL REPORT: The ED forecasts that there will be a net surplus in 2020 even with the impacts of the pandemic. There has been limited activity with the FIP given the construction challenges and pandemic impacts. The financial statements for September 2020 and 2020 YTD are attached. The bank balances as of September 30th, 2020 are as follows: FirstOntario: Share capital: $85.00 GIC principle: $67,006.91 GIC accrued interest: $907.62 Total: $67,999.53 CIBC: Chequing account: $67,541.59 Savings account: $40,462.15 Total: $108,003.74 Total cash balances: $176,003.27 The net cash on-hand increased by +$45,892.28 vs. August 2020. There are still some expenses to be paid for the pop-up patio project to be processed. There is also one remaining invoice from Garden Gate for the straw bales and fall décor items including the mums. There are also 2 invoices for patio heaters which will paid for under the pop-up patio project expenses. The ED has sent a registered letter to Dufferin Construction for payment of the damages to the downtown infrastructure from the fall of 2019 since this invoice remains unpaid. There are still some revenue items outstanding including the 4th quarter levy payment and inter-functional transfers with Turtlefest. 3 7. RETAIL & BUSINESS STATUS UPDATE: The ED wants to provide the following update on business openings, closing and downsizing - thus far in 2020. The listings are by category followed by the number in that category in brackets. The ED will update this summary monthly and will also update the file on vacant stores for rent as these metrics are important to track on an ongoing basis. Some businesses may appear twice. New businesses opened in 2020: (9) Paper Suitcase Photography (portrait studio); Flippin’ Mike’s Burgers; Tillsonburg Hobby Central; Lighthouse Treasures; Execulink retail store; Rinconcito Mexican Grocery Store; Flare Technologies (IT consulting); Enchanted Eats Café; Enchanted Eats AirBNB. Business closures in 2020: (5) Mobile Links (Baldwin Street); Corey’s Restaurant (retirement); Handmaiden (lease expiry); Gospel Lighthouse (retirement); Ridout Street barber shop (relocated to London, ON). Businesses downsized or relocated: (4) Anchor Shoppe, Styles on the Go; Tattoo store; Grand Medical (from Washington Grand Ave to Broadway). Business expansion: (2) Needful Things – added space formerly occupied by Mobile Links – (approximately 700 sq. ft.); Jenkins & Gilvesy LLP – under construction. New businesses coming soon (might open between now and Dec. 31st, 2020: (2) Popeye’s Chicken; Cannabis store (200 Broadway) Businesses with ownership changes: (4) Grand Medical; Meyer Chiropractic; Roka Games Store (minus paintball business). Nectar (Van Campen family). Business enquiries: (8) The ED is aware of several proponents who wish to open a number of additional businesses in the downtown core including as follows: a) Higher-end restaurant/bistro (2) b) Intimate apparel & adult toys (1) c) Cannabis store (1) – beyond of which is discussed above d) Potential occupants for a co-working space (3) e) Brew pub (1) 4 8. ONTARIO TRILLIUM FOUNDATION GRANT APPLICATION: The ED is preparing a comprehensive and detailed application which is due before 5 pm on December 2nd, 2020. The OTF has created a new category specifically targeted at “building a resilient community”. The BIA business plan for 2021 matches this funding stream perfectly. The entire application will be submitted around the parameters listed as eligible programs for funding. The application to be submitted will be at the full maximum allowable grant of $150,000. The ED will be working diligently on this file to ensure that it is written for success. Other items for consideration for this grant application: a) Feasibility study for a permanent Farmer’s Market – in conjunction with the Station Arts Centre; b) Re-configuration of the Broadway Plaza in anticipation of the 2022 town anniversary; c) Creation of the pop-up/co-working space at the proposed new BIA offices; d) Public art creation and installation in conjunction with the Station Arts Centre; e) Tourism office funding and infrastructure purchases including a large screen TV for the front mezzanine window at the proposed new BIA offices. 9. ONTARIO RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GRANT PROGRAM: The ED is preparing an additional application to fund part of our strategic objectives for 2021 including downtown revitalization and business retention. Depending upon the funding stream; the BIA would need to fund at least 30 or 50% of the approved project costs. The proposed office move to accommodate business incubation and pop-up retail will also fit the criteria. The Board of Management had previously directed the ED and EMC to be ambassadors for the downtown BIA membership and this too fits with the strategy of building a resilient downtown core. Also, the proposed expansion of the BIA zone to encompass and enlarge shovel-ready projects for the core may also fit the program guidelines. The Board of Management may also want to have a joint meeting with the Station Arts Centre Board to perhaps pursue initiatives such as the development of a permanent and year-round Farmer’s Market. There are also funds for IT infrastructure updates which the ED has had preliminary discussions with Execulink about the downtown WiFi system and also downtown music. Any suggestions and comments from the Board of Management are welcomed. 5 10. OXFORD/BROADWAY PARKETTE: The ED has had discussions with respect to the Christmas tree proposal given the negative reactions from the Town Beautifications Committee. The ED would like to propose that as suggested by Jesse Goosens of Millards; the BIA and neighbours will decorate the existing trees, gates, fence and fountain area with lights instead of installing a temporary tree. The ED and EMC would like feedback from the Board on this strategy. This would be the most cost- effective and operationally simplistic method of effecting a Christmas focal point. 11. FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE UPDATE: There is a vacancy on the FIP committee which needs to be filled. The FIP committee asked me to discuss this with the BIA Board of Management. Are there any interested BIA members who would like to sit on this committee? The FIP committee usually meetings between 4 and 6 times per year. There are a number of projects in the pipeline however given the timing and weather change; it is doubtful that any of the projects will be undertaken in the balance of 2020. There are carryover project invoices to date of $38,477.50 which were paid in 2020 although this work was completed in 2019. There will also be some invoices payable to David Frei, Southridge Rendering, for project design work in 2020. 12. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT: See attached separate report. 13. ITEMS REQUESTED BY BOARD MEMBERS: a) Oxford/Baldwin intersection paint markings follow-up; b) COVID challenges from members not in compliance; c) Review of finalized budget with adjustments. 14. RESTAURANT OWNER’S/MANAGER’S MEETING: The ED has had discussions with a majority of the hospitality stakeholders in the downtown core. All are interested in having a regular dialogue to discuss mutual business interests given the ramifications of the pandemic and upcoming slow winter period. Given the health protocols and guidelines; there will not be Christmas parties and other gatherings and there is a concern about cash-flows in December, January, February and into March. The ED will advise the Board of the meeting dates and times. 6 15. ROUND TABLE: 16. NEXT MEETING: Regular - Thursday, November 19th, 2020 at Carriage Hall AGM – Wednesday, November 25th, 2020 at Tillsonburg Legion – limited to Board Members and Staff with ZOOM interface. 17. MOTION TO ADJOURN: Time of adjournment:_____ a.m. a. moved by:__________________ b. ____________________ 1 Tillsonburg Business Improvement Area MINUTES - Board Meeting of Wednesday, September 23rd, 2020 IN PERSON & ZOOM @ CARRIAGE HALL – 25 BROCK ST. W. TILLSONBURG Time: 7:00 AM – Breakfast Meeting: Business Meeting 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM CLOSED SESSION: 7:30 AM – OPEN SESSION: 8:30 AM 1. CALL TO ORDER: Time: 7:36 a.m. QUORUM: Count members present 7/8: C. Tomico, M. Van Geer Truyde, J. Tilson, M. Tedesco, D. Gilvesy, W. Cameron by e-vote, D. Rasokas by e-vote – C. Tomico left the meeting at 8:40 am. Staff present: C. Pepper; Guests present: S. Lamb Regrets: A. HIcks 2. CLOSED SESSION: (7:36 AM) For the purposes of discussing: a) Human Resources; including identifiable individuals moved by: M. Van Geer Truyde seconded by: D. Gilvesy “And resolved that the Board of Management of the BIA moved into closed session to discuss HR – personnel matters about identifiable individuals including board employees”. “CARRIED” 3. OPEN SESSION: (8:40 am) 4. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA: moved by: M. Van Geer Truyde seconded by: J. Tilson “And resolved that the agenda, as prepared for the BIA Board of Management meeting for September 23rd, 2020 be adopted”. 5. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF: None declared by members present. 2 6. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES from the board meeting of July 23rd, 2020 moved by: M. Van Geer Truyde seconded by: J. Tilson “And resolved that the minutes, as prepared for the Tillsonburg BIA Board of Management meeting of July 23rd, 2020 be adopted”. “CARRIED” 7. BUDGET: The ED reviewed the entire budget and business plan binder. C. Gilvesy spoke about the financial challenges and the possible second wave of the pandemic and how this impacts the membership. The ED confirmed that the 0% levy increase applies to the year-over-year levy not including the proposed new zone. The Board also wants to ensure that there is no program spending in those areas where the offsetting revenues are forecasted – for example the “Business Retention Program – BRP”. The ED spoke to this feedback and confirmed that there will be no spending for either the new levy amount until the boundary adjustment is approved and enacted and second, where grant funding is not secured, the offsetting expenses will be put on hold. In the event a grant application is successful and that the amount received is greater than the budgeted amount; the ED would prepare a report to the board to apprise the board of same and would only spend these surplus funds as approved by the board. Also, the ED reminded the Board that at any time in 2020; the Board may, of its own volition; reduce the budgeted amounts lower. The Board is not able to increase the annual budget without first having same approved by the municipality. The Board also added a 6th condition to budget approval being the adoption of the full-year 2021 marketing plan. The ED also reviewed the staffing plan including FTE requirement. There is no increase in FTE’s for 2021. The ED also reviewed with the Board that the MOU for 2021 still needs to be finalized and approved during the Town of Tillsonburg budget and business plan process. MOTION: moved by: M. Van Geer Truyde seconded by: M. Tedesco 3 “And resolved that the BIA Board of Management approves the 2021 budget as follows*: Existing boundary - $139,450 + New boundary (upon effect) - $24,280 for a total BIA levy of $164,270 resulting in a per member decrease of (-11.7% vs 2020) and Total revenue - $444,829 – Total expense - $444,829 – Deficit - $0; with no funding from reserves, debenture(s) or other borrowing facilities. *Final approval of the budget is subject to the following codicils: 1) Confirmation of the execution of the 2021 MOU with Town of Tillsonburg in the requested amount of $50,645; (CAPEX, operating, tourism); 2) Confirmation of the $31,000 Town of Tillsonburg contribution to the FIP; 3) Approval of the recommendations contained in Board Report HR09-01; 4) Acceptance of the BIA resolution requesting changes to the Town of Tillsonburg BIA levy write-off policy; and 5) Approval by the Council of the Town of Tillsonburg for the proposed BIA boundary expansion plan and 6) Approval of the 2021 marketing plan. “CARRIED” 8. PROPOSED NEW LEVY WRITE-OFF POLICY: The ED presented the background information and policies that have been adopted by other municipalities in Ontario. The ED referenced the telephone call with Kay Matthews, ED of the OBIAA and how there are various policy options throughout the province to deal with this longstanding BIA concern. The impact here is the BIA’s inability to deal with tax levy rebates and write-offs as was the case in 2015 where the BIA was financially pressured to the point of insolvency without having to borrow $43,000 to fund the then current year budget due to multi-year assessment rebates from the 170, 200 and 248 Broadway properties. The Board agreed with the ED’s recommendation. The ED presented the following resolution for consideration of the Board: moved by: M. Van Geer Truyde seconded by: J. Tilson MOTION: “And resolved that the BIA Board of Management requests that the Town of Tillsonburg change the BIA levy write-off policy that all future write-off(s) attributable to the BIA for the levy are absorbed into the Town of Tillsonburg financial statements commencing with January 1st, 2021; and are not passed on to the BIA”. “CARRIED” 4 Note: A “Decision Letter for Action” to the Town Clerk, Administration and Town Council will be sent as formal process and action request to the Town of Tillsonburg. 9. TOWN HALL COMMITTEE: The ED reviewed the situational analysis of the importance of the Town Centre Mall on the financial and operational viability of the downtown core area. The Board was in agreement with the importance of reminding council of the BIA Board of Management position as it relates to keeping the Town Centre Mall as viable as possible given the retail challenges, the impacts of COVID-19 and the importance of this mall as an anchor to the entire town and downtown area. The Board spoke unanimously to recommend that the Town Corporate Offices/Town Hall are to remain at 200 Broadway. The Board provided comment and supports the ED’s recommendation to advise council of the BIA’s known position which remains the same. The ED prepared the following resolution: moved by: M. Tedesco seconded by: J. Tilson MOTION: “And resolved that the Board of Management of the BIA reiterates it’s support that the Town of Tillsonburg Corporate offices to remain at 200 Broadway and that the BIA is consulted throughout the review, decision and implementation process, (if and when applicable). The BIA recognizes that the Tillsonburg Town Centre Mall is the pre-eminent centre of commercial, service and retail activities in the downtown core and as such, must remain an economically feasible, vibrant and operationally successful anchor in the community”. “CARRIED” Note: A “Decision Letter of Action” to the Town Clerk, Administration and Town Council will be sent as formal process and action request to the Town of Tillsonburg. 10. BIA BOUNDARY EXPANSION: The ED presented a report to the Board about the importance of being proactive with expansion of the downtown BIA zone given that it is currently built-out. The ED highlighted the risk of developers who might argue and use the Town’s Official Plan against both the BIA and Town of Tillsonburg to rebuke or litigate that since there is no room for box or other stores; including a potential hotel etc.; that development might accelerate at either of the North Broadway retail node or the Norfolk Mall retail node in neighbouring Norfolk County. The ED also reviewed the history of the current BIA boundary which has only been modified once since 5 inception in 1978. The only minor boundary change occurred with the new Canadian Tire development in 2003. The ED also informed the Board that there are several interested parties, box-style national retailers, who are interested in the Tillsonburg market area. The ED indicated that these stores are at risk of not being built or may have to be located elsewhere since there is currently no designated or “shovel-ready” site(s) for location in the BIA zone/Central Business District (CBD). The BIA boundaries have largely remained the same for 42 years while the town population has increased from 10,487 in the 1981 census to a September 2020 population estimate of 18,005. This translates into population growth of 71.7% during the last 40 years. The board supported the analysis. Questions surrounded the process and what happens next. The ED reviewed that this is the first step in the process which asks Town Council and Administration, via a report to Council from the Town Clerk – Michelle Smibert; to ask for approval to move forward with the legislated requirements of the Municipal Act. If so approved by Town Council; there is a prescribed and detailed process for BIA zone expansion which must be followed. The final boundaries would be subject to public consultation and feedback. *Note: No boundary expansion would occur without support of the membership. There is also a threshold for rejection of the proposed boundaries. The ED has reached out to several of the property owners in the proposed expansion area and the feedback has been very favourable thus far. The BIA will need to create a positive and impactful communication strategy to explain the rationale for the expansion and the importance of moved by: M. Van Geer Truyde seconded by: J. Tilson MOTION: “And resolved that the Board of Management of the BIA adopts the proposed map for the expansion of the BIA boundaries effective on or about January 1st, 2021; and further requests the Administration & Council of the Town of Tillsonburg to outline the public process for public engagement with all stakeholders in accordance with the provisions for BIA’s under the Ontario Municipal Act”. “CARRIED” 6 Note: A “Decision Letter of Action” to the Town Clerk, Administration and Town Council will be sent as formal process and action request to the Town of Tillsonburg. 11. PROPOSED CANNABIS CLINIC: The ED met with property owner at 69 Broadway, (Carlos Oliveira) on September 16th and it was discussed that a proposed tenant has been secured for the empty premises (vacant unit to the north of the 69 Broadway municipal address). The applicant/prospective tenant is currently operating a cannabis store in City of Toronto and the proposed Tillsonburg site would be a 2nd location. The ED suggested to Mr. Oliveira that this proposal would be presented to the board for consideration of a resolution in support. The ED has researched the cannabis legislation and recommends to the Board that perhaps a positive resolution be sent to the appropriate authorities in support of the application for BIA member Mr. Oliveira. The ED has prepared a resolution for consideration of the Board as follows: moved by: M. Van Geer Truyde seconded by: J. Tilson MOTION: “And resolved that the Board of Management of the BIA supports the proposed occupancy of the North unit of 69 Broadway (next to Tillsonburg Wine & Beer Studio); in downtown Tillsonburg for the location of a cannabis retail outlet”. 12. PROPOSED GROUND LEVEL APARTMENTS: The ED has previously sent out the application for zone change regarding the addition of 2 ground-level apartments to the Sammy Krenshaw’s/bowling alley property located at municipal address 47-49 Broadway in downtown Tillsonburg. It is unusual to have ground floor residential units in a downtown core area and especially on the primary retail arterial road. These proposed apartments would consume what would otherwise be street-level retail space. This would potentially set a dangerous precedent for the downtown core area. The Board put forth the following motion as follows: moved by: M. Van Geer Truyde seconded by: J. Tilson MOTION: “And resolved that the Board of Management of the BIA objects to the zone change application to create 2 at-street level apartment units at 47-49 Broadway”. “CARRIED” 7 13. FINANCIAL REPORT: The ED presented the financial report to the Board. There were no questions about the current bank balances/investments. The ED highlighted that there are significant inflows of cash for September 30th as outlined here. There is one aged receivable from Dufferin Construction which will be resolved forthwith. Funds on deposit at CIBC: as at 08/31/2020: $62,375.80. Funds on deposit at FirstOntario: as at 08/31/2020: $67,735.18. Total funds on hand as of 08/31/2020: $130,110.99. The net change from the previous month (-$20,360.86). There are a number of revenue & cash flow items in process which will be received on or about September 30th, 2020. The year-to-date expenses are higher than planned due to variances with the pop-up patio project and part-time labour costs as the MOU and CFDC projects were not originally planned for in the 2020 budget. The ED expects that due to timing; there will be a net surplus for 2020. The pandemic also impacted the completion of the Façade Improvement Program projects for 2020 and expect that there will reduced costs for the 2020 fiscal year. 14. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT: One item. Marcel Rosehart of Carriage Hall at 25 Brock Street West, has submitted a request to be appointed to the Board of Management of the BIA. The ED prepared a resolution for consideration of the Board as follows: moved by: M. Tedesco seconded by: J. Tilson MOTION: “And resolved that the Board of Management of the BIA formally requests that Marcel Rosehart, landlord and business-owner of Carriage Hall located at municipal address 25 Brock Street West, Tillsonburg be appointed to the BIA Board of Management”. “CARRIED” 15. ROUND TABLE: No comments. 16. NEXT MEETING: Thursday, October 22nd, 2020 at Carriage Hall 17. MOTION TO ADJOURN: Time of adjournment: 10:03 am a. moved by: J. Tilson b. seconded by: M. Van Geer Truyde Strategic Communication Plan Downtown Tillsonburg Business Improvement Area (BIA) Prepared by: Karlee Slattery Submitted: Fri Oct 9 11am Formative Research 2 1. Analyzing the Situation 2 2. Analyzing the Organization 3 2a. Internal Environment 3 2b. Public Perception 4 2c. External Environment 5 3. Analyzing the Publics 6 3a. Identifying Publics 6 3b. Key Publics:7 3c. Analysis of Key Characteristics 8 Strategy 10 4. Establishing Goals and Objectives 10 4a. Goals:10 4b. Objectives:11 5. Formulating Action and Response Strategies 11 Public Relations Action 11 Public Relations Communication 12 6. Developing the Message Strategy 13 6a. Selecting Message Sources 13 6b. Determining Message Appeals 13 6c. Verbal and Nonverbal Communication 14 Tactics 15 7. Selecting Communication Tactics 15 7a. Interpersonal Communication Tactics 15 7b. Organizational Media Tactics 15 7c. News Media Tactics 16 7d. Advertising and Promotional Tactics 16 7e. Packaging Communication Tactics 16 8. Implementing the Strategic Plan 18 Measurement and Evaluation 19 Downtown Tillsonburg BIA - Strategic Communication Plan ​1 Formative Research 1. Analyzing the Situation What is the situation facing the organization? BIA Members and the greater community are facing unprecedented challenges as they navigate through a worldwide pandemic. As the 6 month mark is met of this situation, many in the community are worried for their health while another large group have anti-mask sentiments or believe the situation is blown out of proportion. Local laws are in place to deal with the pandemic and government (and other) services are being rolled out again to combat the impact of a second wave. The relationship of the BIA with the BIA Members is important as they navigate confusing and stressful times. This time is confusing and stressful for the greater community as well and they want to know that they will be safe when coming to Downtown Tillsonburg. What is the background of the situation? The BIA created a Rent Relief Program to help members during the first 6 months of the pandemic. Many members were in fight or flight mode initially, not knowing the outcome of the situation and expecting two weeks of impact. The program was heavily marketed upon its creation but educating members throughout the pandemic on this opportunity could have been more visible to make sure members felt the support and were encouraged to take action. Each BIA Member entered into the pandemic with their unique challenges and assets. These factors include: ●Whether they own or rent their space ●How much savings they have/financial situation ●How much digital infrastructure they have in place/ability to manage this ●Had incoming merchandise for biggest retail day of year, Mother’s Day Some businesses have adapted their product/services to the situation and are booming while others are closing their doors. What is the significance or importance of the situation? The pandemic has completely changed everything about doing business in Tillsonburg and all over the world. This situation has impacted every single business and organization of our membership and local partners. Although the BIA cannot find a solution for the coronavirus pandemic, the organization can be a support for the members, allowing them to succeed and contribute to a surviving and thriving community. Downtown Tillsonburg BIA - Strategic Communication Plan ​2 2. Analyzing the Organization 2a. Internal Environment What is the quality of your organization’s performance? The main mission of the BIA is to beautify and promote the downtown core with the added layer of navigating business during a pandemic to ensure we have a resilient downtown. Anecdotal evidence from members and the greater community, number of empty storefronts/incoming or outgoing businesses, and digital media metrics have been the criteria for knowing if the BIA is achieving this mission and performing. The reputation of the BIA has grown greatly in the past 3 years and has regained trust with many members as an organization to rely on. Consistency of communication and organization of follow ups are areas to improve on to ensure the members feel connected and supported. Organizational leadership is satisfied with the growth overall but sees room for improvement and a need to build a resilient downtown. The BIA offers support and guidance to the membership with solutions or by connecting the member with someone with a solution. This is crucial amid the pandemic as businesses have to work to adapt and change to customers while balancing their own unique needs. Some of the disadvantages include that business/property owners taxes fund BIA projects. If a member doesn’t see the direct impact on their business, they may not see the value of being a BIA Member. Frustrations can occur when someone is not getting the perceived value or feels left out. In the next year and beyond the BIA must show its value and adjust as the realities of the pandemic change. It must be resilient as an organization in order to build a resilient downtown core. The organization must be flexible and open to hearing from the membership to understand how to best serve them as they face new challenges. The organization and board recognize this and are committed to understanding member needs and adjusting. What communications resources, including budget, are available? The purpose of the organization related to this issue is to offer support and solutions to allow business to continue no matter how the pandemic second wave unfolds. This goes hand in hand with our mission to promote and beautify the downtown core, making a destination to EAT, SHOP, LIVE, and EXPLORE. Communications resources available include computer and complete adobe suite, sponsorship agreement with Rogers Radio, and others. Budget is available for the upcoming year to acquire professional video equipment. Communication resources such as personnel and time are not as readily available as above resources. Due to the pandemic and inability to hold the signature events as planned, there is the opportunity to move resources around to solve this. Challenges may arise as the Downtown Tillsonburg BIA - Strategic Communication Plan ​3 Communications Strategy and plan relies heavily on personnel/human resources to plan and execute. How supportive is the organization of public relations activity? The organizational leadership (internal environment) is extremely supportive of public relations activity. Structure and guidance will be key to ensuring public relations activities can be accomplished. A clear understanding of the strategies, tactics, and projects that leadership expects will ensure success and accountability between all parties involved. Some impediments can come from the internal public of the Town of Tillsonburg and Tillsonburg Council. These can be managed by a clear understanding of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and regular presentations to council. 2b. Public Perception How well known is your organization? The Downtown Tillsonburg BIA is not very visible to the public as they think about the individual businesses they interact with instead of the downtown as a whole. Although people may enjoy the downtown core and programs provided by the BIA, they are not aware of the organization. Those that know of the BIA and what Business Improvement Areas are built for in general, recognize the hard work and impact. The general public confuses our programs and efforts with the Town of Tillsonburg and often believe their tax dollars are spent on BIA projects. The public doesn’t understand the BIA Levy and funding structure or the benefits they receive because of the members’ tax contributions. Without understanding the BIA’s hand in projects, the public generally appreciates and uses BIA programs/assets (Seating Areas with florals, Pop-Up Patios, Free Parking, etc.) What is the reputation of your organization? The organization’s reputation overall has improved and that is proven by the community’s increase in spending more time downtown for shopping, services, and leisure. Confusion between the Town of Tillsonburg and BIA can tie us to the reputation of the Town which can be a positive and a negative. How do you want to affect this reputation? The BIA needs to educate the public on the mission and funding structure in order to change the public perception. This needs to happen online and physically, as people are in the core and experiencing the Downtown Tillsonburg lifestyle. Downtown Tillsonburg BIA - Strategic Communication Plan ​4 2c. External Environment What is the major competition for your organization? There are no major competitors as far as providing the specific beautification and promotional efforts for these businesses. There are Small Business Centres and resources available that the BIA works with to help our members succeed. We are able to use their great reputations and resources to further our mission. Since our goal is to get the public to spend their money downtown at member’s businesses, online retailers are a large competitor. In a pandemic, many are relying on these larger online retailers that have adjusted so you can order from home, receive delivery or curbside pickup etc. Members need to be able to provide similar services and we must promote these local options. What significant opposition exists? The organization has members of the BIA and of the public that haven’t seen value in past years and oppose BIA efforts today. With the growth of social media and ability to broadcast personal opinions, some opposition have been effective in sharing negative comments about the BIA. Often these are conversations online that can be mediated by the official BIA page sharing the facts/shedding a light on the situation. This tactic will be important for righting the reputation in a community that is so heavily involved in local Facebook Groups. Is anything happening in the environment that can limit the effectiveness of the public relations program? The main external impediment to the BIA operating is the ongoing, unprecedented pandemic. We can expect change on a whim and constant adjustments must be made. A great risk is that businesses would be forced to close again with the second wave. We need to do all we can to help businesses reach customers and lobby to allow businesses to stay open for business. There are financial and political elements at play here so we need to be flexible and adjust. We must also recognize the reality that our society has a continued concern for health during the pandemic and some groups of people believe it is a conspiracy theory. Downtown Tillsonburg BIA - Strategic Communication Plan ​5 3. Analyzing the Publics 3a. Identifying Publics Who are the major publics for your organization? Customers​ include BIA Members (business owners and property owners), Tillsonburg and Area residents. Producers​ include BIA Staff, Town of Tillsonburg Staff, Sponsor Partners, BIA Board, and volunteers. Enablers​ include Tillsonburg Town Council, Norfolk & Tillsonburg News media, Economic Development Committee, Businesses outside the core that want to be part of membership. Limiters​ include some BIA Members who have differing opinions on the approach the BIA has taken. The Tillsonburg Town Council and Town of Tillsonburg staff can also be limiters at times and must be approached carefully. The primary ‘customer’ for the BIA are the BIA Members who are property owners and business owners in the downtown core. The secondary ‘customer’ would be the Tillsonburg and area residents that purchase products, use services, and experience Downtown Tillsonburg life. A large amount of the BIA Membership has stayed the same in the past few years although the environment they exist in has improved incrementally. Membership has grown and new businesses have been opened in the core. The beautification efforts have made a very physical and obvious difference leading business owners to make the move to downtown. In the past two years businesses have seen the need to get digital and the current pandemic has made many take action. Customers are going to continue to face hardships and the unknowns of a pandemic and will need increased support from the BIA. Who are the key publics for this situation? As we deal with a worldwide pandemic and aim to build a resilient downtown core, the key public is BIA Members. BIA Members fall into three categories: Property Owners, Business Owners, and those that own both the property and business. Each of these publics has unique challenges and factors to deal with and those vary case by case. Who are the intercessory publics or major opinion leaders? The publics that are in a position of influence with our key publics are Federal, Provincial, and Municipal government. In a pandemic, the laws have a huge impact on how BIA Members can do business. In March, members were forced to halt everything and close up shop. Municipal government (Tillsonburg Town Council) sees the need to keep these businesses open and support shopping locally. The BIA Downtown Tillsonburg BIA - Strategic Communication Plan ​6 Board Members have influence on Council and in other circles which will become a key part in speaking for the BIA’s position on keeping downtown open for business and resilient. Other opinion leaders can be found in local Facebook Groups. These have a large following and certain vocal members/topics garner a lot of interaction. Working with these vocal members and platforms would help to get the factual information to the public. 3b. Key Publics: BIA Members are a Key Public that fall between the classification of an ‘aware public’ and an ‘active public’ with a few members falling into the ‘apathetic public’ (​Smith, 2009). In Ronald Smith’s Strategic Planning for Public Relations, these are defined as: Aware Public - Stage of development in which a public recognizes that it shares an issue with an organization and perceived consequences as being relevant, but is not yet organized to discuss or act on the issue. Active Public - Stage of development in which a public recognizes that it shares an issue with an organization, perceives consequences as being relevant, and is organized to discuss or act. Apathetic Public: Stage of development in which a public is aware of an issue involving an organization but is nevertheless unconcerned about this issue or its potential consequences Smith, R. D. (2009). ​Strategic planning for public relations​ (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Routledge. The key public has varying stages of development when it comes to the issue at hand. The best way to reach and work with each stage, according to Smith, is: Aware Public​ - Initiate a communication process to present the issue, explain its significance to the public, and present the BIA’s opinion or intended action Active Public ​- Now is the time to engage with these members to see how they’ve taken action and how we can work together toward the shared goal of a resilient core. Apathetic Public​ - Monitor situation, looking for any opportunity to change perceptions on the relevance of the issue while creating a communication process to provide information about the issue, its significance to this group, and BIA’s opinion and intended action. Downtown Tillsonburg BIA - Strategic Communication Plan ​7 3c. Analysis of Key Characteristics Issue: BIA members are facing unprecedented challenges as they do business amidst a worldwide pandemic. Businesses are frustrated, concerned, and exhausted with the situation as well as how federal/provincial governments are coping. Each business owner has their own set of unique challenges and customer needs to meet. Business owners want to know that they are not alone and are supported as they navigate uncharted waters. This public wants solutions on how to safely operate for customers and clients, staying open for business and contributing to a resilient downtown core. Some of the unique challenges include: ●Making rent payments ●Covering costs of merchandise/inventory with fewer physical customers ●Ensuring they are following the changing laws and regulations ●Getting logistics in place for operating during pandemic ●Promoting out what they offer/changes to service ●Supporting staff/providing wage ●Adapting technology to provide products and services in a COVID-safe manner BIA Members have an expectation that the organization will communicate regularly and provide support for each member. This support is often defined by finding business solutions or connecting members with others to help find a solution while promoting and beautifying the downtown core. This public sees itself as free to act on this issue, but may not know where to begin. Organization:​ The BIA’s mission is to beautify and promote this public and as such, the BIA members’ needs affect how the organization functions. Many members are aware of the BIA’s mission and renewed sense of purpose in the past two years. There is a large group of members that are not as informed and don’t know the organization, the mission or how the organization is funded. This confusion may come from some members being Business Owners, Property Owners, or both. There is great need for education on the aim and efforts of the BIA in order to work more efficiently to serve members and get buy in. The BIA wants to position itself as a ‘helper’ and many see the organization as this. The BIA team’s position of ‘helper’ as they approach each member has helped members see value and build loyalty. With such a large membership, ensuring the team is available to all members and communicating unique needs within the organization has been a challenge. Following through and tracking solutions is key for ensuring the reputation of ‘helper’ grows and all members can rely on the BIA in these uncertain times. Communication:​ It is crucial that the BIA meets the members where they are when it comes to communication while also providing new communication opportunities. BIA Downtown Tillsonburg BIA - Strategic Communication Plan ​8 Members vary in their communication methods. While some are more traditional without email and relying on Traditional Marketing tactics, others are on the pulse with technology, using Instagram Stories to interact. When it comes to coping with the worldwide pandemic, members are relying on communication from Federal, Provincial, and Municipal leaders as well as organizations like the Southwestern Public Health who have created posters, fact sheets, hotlines, and various other materials. Often they are seeking this information out and because this is such a widespread concern, finding the updated information is easy. Tourism Oxford has been another credible source for members as they cope, especially through the summer months. Demographics/Psychographics:​ BIA Members have a wide range of demographics. The unifying demographic is that all BIA members (business owners/property owners) are located in the same geographic area. Average age, level of education, and socioeconomic status vary. Some businesses have the extra stability that comes from owning the property. The membership is becoming more diverse when it comes to cultural/ethnic/religious traits as is the community as a whole. BIA Members often live a similar lifestyle when it comes to staffing and running their business. Many own and operate these businesses which can mean a few things: ●No such thing as a weekend - Might close on Mondays to give themselves a day ●Sometimes close up early to be there for family/life responsibilities (or the family is present at the shop) ●When times are tough, they might not take a wage to get by. When times are great, they are busy in their shop ●Day to day demands can make it difficult to step back, reevaluate, or go over and above This public is motivated by both appeals to the past and appeals to the future. Showing proven results and track record, and inspiring by showing the ease of execution helps businesses trust their efforts are worthwhile. They want to see that the extra efforts they put in (and may take from time with family) is going to bring results. Benefit Statement:​ The Downtown Tillsonburg BIA can provide guidance during this uncertain time and be a source of credible information. The BIA can serve its Membership as a ‘helper’ providing solutions to unique challenges as they beautify and promote the downtown core. Downtown Tillsonburg BIA - Strategic Communication Plan ​9 Strategy 4. Establishing Goals and Objectives 4a. Goals: The BIA’s ​reputation management goals​ are to repair the reputation as a reliable and valuable organization with solutions and resources to build community and attract people to the core. Also, to enhance the reputation of the BIA with Tillsonburg citizens and educate them on the funding structure. The BIA’s ​relationship management goals​ are to enhance the relationship between the organization and the individual BIA Members leading to member engagement (property owners and business owners). The BIA’s ​task management goals​ are to enhance communication and educate Tillsonburg citizens on the organization’s mission, funding, and relations to the Town of Tillsonburg. Each of these goals go hand-in-hand with one another and contribute to ​Building a Resilient Downtown Core​. The organization sees the need to tackle these communication goals but has limited resources to put toward reaching success. Limited budget as a not-for-profit has been a challenge that has brought out the BIA team’s ability to build sponsorship opportunities and generate revenue in creative ways (outside of the levy). Position: The key public for the Downtown Tillsonburg BIA, as an organization, are the BIA Members (Property Owners and Business Owners). The BIA wants to be known as the community organization that serves its membership as a ‘helper’ with creative solutions and support as it builds a resilient downtown core. As an organization with the sole mission of helping promote and beautify the downtown core, the BIA is not in competition with any other organizations. Downtown Tillsonburg BIA - Strategic Communication Plan ​10 4b. Objectives: Objective A:​ To have an effect on awareness; specifically to generate comprehension of BIA’s mission and funding structure with Tillsonburg Community (25% of Tillsonburg citizens and 75% of BIA Membership within two years) Objective B:​ To have an effect on action; specifically to increase meaningful, two-way communications between organization and BIA Membership (50% of membership engaged within a year) (Engagement will be defined as participating in 1 or more BIA programs/events, active online and tagging the BIA in posts, responses/submissions for eblast, and/or being receptive to conversations with team) Objective C:​ To have an effect on awareness; specifically to reinforce urgency of supporting local businesses and to foster a positive attitude around ‘Shopping Local First’ with Tillsonburg citizens (25% increase over Winter/Spring). 5. Formulating Action and Response Strategies Proactive Public Relations Strategies: Public Relations Action Organization Performance - Membership needs to know BIA is there for them right when they need it, BIA needs to be able to track their needs and follow ups. Audience Participation - Membership needs to understand that their cooperation with the BIA and fellow downtown businesses can result in a vibrant, resilient downtown. Tillsonburg citizens need to understand that local businesses rely on them to succeed and contribute to the quality of life/economic success of Tillsonburg. Two-way communication tactics and engaging the audiences in communication activities is key. The COVID-19 Pandemic has been a triggering event and presents many communication opportunities. The main one is to listen to our membership to see what challenges they are facing and to listen to the Tillsonburg citizens to understand how consumer needs are changing. Social listening and the use of surveys will help the BIA understand the environment and give both audiences buy-in to our process and programs. Audience participation on social media is a key strategy. For both members and Tillsonburg citizens, spotlighting User Generated Content (UGC) is a way to get buy-in for the BIA while serving the need to promote BIA businesses. Creating member benefits for businesses and their teams throughout downtown businesses would be a way to give them benefits while keeping them informed on what is offered Downtown Tillsonburg BIA - Strategic Communication Plan ​11 downtown. Proper marketing of member benefits can contribute to a growing and resilient BIA as businesses aim to be in the core and Tillsonburg residents will want to apply to work for a business in the core. Activism - The BIA needs to advocate for local businesses as they face the unique challenge of providing quality products and services to consumers in a safe, healthy manner. For example, the BIA has taken many issues to local governments to advocate in the name of downtown businesses, specifically using parking spots to create outdoor patios in order to safely serve restaurant patrons. Public Relations Communication Publicity ​is the attention given by the media (news and social) to an organization, person, event, product, or idea. The BIA as an organization benefits from the good publicity of its programs/outputs, business members, member’s accomplishments, product/service quality and innovation, and more. On the flip side, the BIA can be impacted by poor publicity from any of the aforementioned. The BIA has the opportunity to highlight newsworthy events in the core in order to garner publicity in traditional news and on social media. For example: ●New business opening ●Business milestone ●Product/Service innovation ●Unique stories from Downtown folks (ex. Nectar owners moving to Canada, sharing bit of home with Dutch/Canadian community in Tillsonburg) Sharing these stories as they organically arise is important as is planning ahead and seeking out unique stories to tell that are ‘shareworthy’ on social media. Transparent Communication ​is expected in a world where people have the ability to research and dig online for truth. Transparent communication is the notion that open and observable activity by an organization helps the publics understand the organization and support its actions. There is confusion from some members and the Tillsonburg community at large around what the BIA is and its mission. The execution of some projects has led to confusion on the purpose, who is responsible, and whether citizens’ tax dollars are funding them. Transparency from within the organization paired with clear communication tactics educating the publics on organization mission/funding will alleviate the confusion. Downtown Tillsonburg BIA - Strategic Communication Plan ​12 6. Developing the Message Strategy 6a. Selecting Message Sources When selecting message sources and spokespeople, communication effectiveness is the place to start. Communication effectiveness is based on ​credibility​ (status, expertise, honesty, competence), ​charisma​ (familiarity, likeability, similarity), exercising some type of control ​(power, authority, scrutiny). Each organizational spokesperson must have the power to inspire trust and rally the troops. The organization’s Executive Director and Board Chair both stand out as potential spokespeople. They have the experience, skills, and networks to be able to empower the publics. Their ability to look at a situation, step back and consider other factors, and speak candidly/calmly are key. There is also the opportunity to connect with members that participate in BIA programs/initiatives and support the organization currently. There are a handful of downtown businesses that are always engaged on social media, part of events, and willing to get behind the BIA at any chance. These members could serve as spokespeople for the BIA when communicating with the membership. The BIA membership will view them as credible since they themselves are business owners and understand the challenges. The use of micro-influencers as spokespeople when communicating with Tillsonburg citizens is an emerging strategy that can help reach an engaged audience in a specific niche. For example; foodies in Oxford County, quilt and craft enthusiasts, local fitness groups, etc. [​Micro​-​influencer​ is someone who has between 1,000 to 100,000 followers. Micro-influencers focus on a specific niche or area and are generally regarded as an industry expert or topic specialist.They are highly trusted by followers who feel a personal connection to these online personalities.​] 6b. Determining Message Appeals The BIA will present both rational and emotional message appeals. Rational Appeal The BIA will present rational propositions: ●A factual proposition about the urgency of supporting restaurant/hospitality members to ensure a resilient core ●A value proposition stating the impact of supporting local (support local business>more employment opportunities>stimulates economy>better sense of community etc.) Downtown Tillsonburg BIA - Strategic Communication Plan ​13 ●A conjecture proposition stating that life looks different and how we support local has changed with there being even more need for support to build a resilient core These messages will include statistics, testimonials from members illustrating need and BIA’s part in success, and visual elements such as photo and video. Emotional Appeal Appeals to loyalty and altruism around supporting local businesses. (Tillsonburg citizens) Appeals to uneasy emotions/fear around changing consumer needs and operating mid-pandemic (BIA Members) 6c. Verbal and Nonverbal Communication Verbal Communication Message Structure - One point of view will be presented: the BIA is here to support businesses in coming together to build a resilient downtown core. Clarity - The education level of our publics vary. For this reason it is important to be deliberate with language so the message is clear, simple, and understandable. Using a Fog Index Level of 8 (meaning those with a grade 8 education level should be able to understand the English used) will aid in this. Power Words - Words like resiliency, pride, support, and struggles are used in this communication program to evoke feeling. These and other power words will help the publics understand the gravity of the issue and feel empowered to have an impact. Ethical Language - Messages will avoid any exaggeration and will rely on facts and anecdotal information rather than empty claims. Nonverbal Communication ●The new BIA logo(s) will be featured in messages ●Uplifting/encouraging music will be used in video content ●BIA team uniform will be created with BIA branding to show BIA’s presence and open up dialogue ●Continued use of new colours and branding to show movement away from BIA’s old way of operating/reputation ●Use of BIA Circles logo to illustrate the downtown lifestyle (EAT, SHOP, LIVE, EXPLORE) Downtown Tillsonburg BIA - Strategic Communication Plan ​14 Tactics 7. Selecting Communication Tactics 7a.​ ​Interpersonal Communication Tactics ●Member Meeting Hybrid Events (in-person and zoom) ○Key public, hands-on, low cost, relationship management ●Downtown Walkthrough Tour (in-person and digital) ○Key publics, hands-on, zero cost, enhance communication and educate publics on mission/funding ●Business Outreach by BIA Team ○Key public, hands-on, low cost, relationship management ●Training Sessions/Coaching ○Key public, hands-on, little addition cost, member engagement ●Annual General Meeting/Awards ○Key internal and external publics, high cost, relationship management/member engagement 7b. Organizational Media Tactics ●Annual Report ○Key internal and external publics, low cost, relationship management/education on mission and funding ●BIA Boundary Map (versions for potential members, parking map, EAT locations, SHOP locations, LIVE locations, and EXPLORE locations) ○Key internal and external publics, moderate cost, educate on mission/funding ●User Kit/Fact Sheets ○Key public, low cost, member engagement/educate publics on mission/funding ●Direct Mail (Postcards, BIA Maps, Pamphlets) ○Key internal and external public, high cost, educate publics on mission/funding, attract people to core ●Video (Business Spotlights, Campaign Videos, Walkthroughs) ○Key internal and external publics, moderate cost, used for all objectives ●Email Newsletters (Member Newsletter, External Newsletter) ○Key internal and external publics, low cost, used for all objectives ●Website ○Key internal and external publics, moderate cost, used for all objectives ●Social Media ○Key internal and external publics, low cost/high time investment, used for all objectives Downtown Tillsonburg BIA - Strategic Communication Plan ​15 7c. News Media Tactics ●Event Listing/Community Calendar (Norfolk & Tillsonburg News, Snap’d) ○External publics, no cost, attract people to core ●News Release/Fact Sheet/Media Advisory ○Key publics, low cost, all objectives ●Video Interview (Norwich & Tillsonburg News) ○Key internal and external publics, low cost, used for all objectives 7d. Advertising and Promotional Tactics ●Norfolk & Tillsonburg News ads (traditional +digital) ○Key internal and external publics, high cost, used for all objectives ●Country 107/Easy 101 Radio Advertising and Promotional Support ○Key internal and external publics, high cost, used for all objectives ●Facebook/Instagram Advertising ○Key internal and external publics, moderate cost, used for all objectives ●Light Pole Banners/Large Scale Window Signage ○External publics, high cost, attract people to the core, educate Tillsonburg citizens ●Transit Advertising (T:Go Saturday Holiday Bus Sponsorship recognition includes advertising on bus) ○External publics, high cost, attract people to the core ●BIA Team Uniforms (our team becomes a walking ad and advocate for BIA) ○Key publics, low cost, educate publics/enhance relationship with members 7e. Packaging Communication Tactics The best way to package these communication tactics for the Downtown Tillsonburg BIA would be to organize them by objectives, as laid out in ​Establishing Goals and Objectives​. Objective A: To have an effect on awareness; specifically to generate comprehension of BIA’s mission and funding structure with Tillsonburg Community (25% of Tillsonburg citizens and 75% of BIA Membership within two years) Tactics: ●Member Meeting Hybrid Events (in-person and zoom) ●Downtown Walkthrough Tour (in-person and digital) ●Business Outreach by BIA Team ●Training Sessions/Coaching ●Annual General Meeting/Awards ●Annual Report Downtown Tillsonburg BIA - Strategic Communication Plan ​16 ●BIA Boundary Map (versions for potential members, parking map, EAT locations, SHOP locations, LIVE locations, and EXPLORE locations) ●User Kit/Fact Sheets ●Direct Mail (Postcards, BIA Maps, Pamphlets) ●Video (Business Spotlights, Campaign Videos, Walkthroughs) ●Email Newsletters (Member Newsletter, External Newsletter) ●Website ●Social Media ●News Release/Fact Sheet/Media Advisory ●Video Interview (Norwich & Tillsonburg News) ●Norfolk & Tillsonburg News ads (traditional +digital) ●Country 107/Easy 101 Radio Advertising and Promotional Support ●Facebook/Instagram Advertising ●Light Pole Banners/Large Scale Window Signage ●BIA Team Uniforms (our team becomes a walking ad and advocate for BIA) Objective B: To have an effect on action; specifically to increase meaningful, two-way communications between organization and BIA Membership (50% of membership engaged within a year) ●Member Meeting Hybrid Events (in-person and zoom) ●Downtown Walkthrough Tour (in-person and digital) ●Business Outreach by BIA Team ●Training Sessions/Coaching ●Annual General Meeting/Awards ●Annual Report ●User Kit/Fact Sheets ●Direct Mail (Postcards, BIA Maps, Pamphlets) ●Video (Business Spotlights, Campaign Videos, Walkthroughs) ●Email Newsletters (Member Newsletter, External Newsletter) ●Website ●Social Media ●Norfolk & Tillsonburg News ads (traditional +digital) ●Country 107/Easy 101 Radio Advertising and Promotional Support ●Facebook/Instagram Advertising ●BIA Team Uniforms (our team becomes a walking ad and advocate for BIA) Objective C: To have an effect on awareness; specifically to reinforce urgency of supporting local businesses and to foster a positive attitude around ‘Shopping Local First’ with Tillsonburg citizens (25% increase over Winter/Spring). ●Downtown Walkthrough Tour (in-person and digital) ●BIA Boundary Map (versions for potential members, parking map, EAT locations, SHOP locations, LIVE locations, and EXPLORE locations) Downtown Tillsonburg BIA - Strategic Communication Plan ​17 ●User Kit/Fact Sheets ○Key public, low cost, member engagement/educate publics on mission/funding ●Direct Mail (Postcards, BIA Maps, Pamphlets) ●Video (Business Spotlights, Campaign Videos, Walkthroughs) ●Email Newsletters (Member Newsletter, External Newsletter) ●Website ●Social Media ●Event Listing/Community Calendar (Norfolk & Tillsonburg News, Snap’d) ●News Release/Fact Sheet/Media Advisory ●Video Interview (Norwich & Tillsonburg News) ●Norfolk & Tillsonburg News ads (traditional +digital) ●Embrace Oxford publication ad ●Ontario Highway signs ●Country 107/Easy 101 Radio Advertising and Promotional Support ●Facebook/Instagram Advertising ●Light Pole Banners/Large Scale Window Signage ●Transit Advertising (T:Go Saturday Holiday Bus Sponsorship recognition includes advertising on bus) ●BIA Team Uniforms (our team becomes a walking ad and advocate for BIA) 8. Implementing the Strategic Plan Please see detailed ​Campaign Plan for Implementation of the Strategic Plan Measurement and Evaluation Objective A: To have an effect on awareness; specifically to generate comprehension of BIA’s mission and funding structure with Tillsonburg Community​ (25% of Tillsonburg citizens and 75% of BIA Membership within two years) Downtown Tillsonburg BIA - Strategic Communication Plan ​18 ●Member focused and external focused surveys to gauge understanding of BIA efforts/mission/funding (physical in core, member locations, and digitally) ●Tracking and gathering of social media statistics analysis and social listening throughout 2021 is important to see where the BIA is for awareness ●Tracking the amount of businesses and Tillsonburg citizens that tag the Downtown Tillsonburg BIA accounts on social media Objective B: To have an effect on action; specifically to increase meaningful, two-way communications between organization and BIA Membership​ (50% of membership engaged within a year) Engagement will be measured by/defined as: ●Participating in 1 or more BIA programs/events ●Active online and tagging the BIA in posts ●Responses and submissions of offers/news for email newsletters ●Receptive to conversations with team/BIA ambassadors ●User Kit Distribution Tracking/Tracking of members that post assets Objective C: To have an effect on awareness; specifically to reinforce urgency of supporting local businesses and to foster a positive attitude around ‘Shopping Local First’ with Tillsonburg citizens ​(25% increase over Winter/Spring). ●Tracking of External Email List (aim for 1000 contacts in 2021) ●Seasonal check-ins/tracking of sales/services provided and anecdotal feedback from members ●Tracking of membership roster and understanding reasons for growth/loss ●Tracking of social media metrics/interaction on content with ‘Support Local First’ messaging ●Inclusion of coupon in direct mail campaigns/coordination with members to collect coupons to track action taken from Shop Local direct mail efforts ●Rogers Radio contest campaign’s built-in survey feature throughout year will show changing awareness Downtown Tillsonburg BIA - Strategic Communication Plan ​19 BIA 2021 Marketing Campaign Schedule JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Ongoing Support Local First BIA Boundary Map x User Kit/Fact Sheets x x x x x x x x x x x x Direct Mail x x Video x x x x x x x x x x x x Email Newsletters x x x x x x x x x x x x Website x x x x x x x x x x x x Event Listing/Community Calendar x x x x x x x x x x x x Social Media x x x x x x x x x x x x News Release/Fact Sheet/Media Advisoryx Rogers Radio advertising x x x x x Norfolk and Tillsonburg News advertising x x x Facebook/Instagram advertising x x x x x About your BIA Member Meeting x x x x x x x x x x x x Downtown Walkthrough Tour x x x x x x BIA Boundary Map x x x User Kit/Fact Sheets x x x x x x x x x x x x Direct Mail x x Video x x x x x x x x x x x x Email Newsletters x x x x x x x x x x x x Website x x x x x x x x x x x x Social Media x x x x x x x x x x x x Light Pole Banners/Window Signagex Team Uniforms x Embrace Oxford guide ad x Seasonal EAT BIA Map - EAT x Email Newsletters x x x Website x x x Social Media x x x News Release/Fact Sheet/Media Advisoryx Rogers Radio advertising x Facebook/Instagram advertising x SHOP Email Newsletters x x Website x x Social Media x x News Release/Fact Sheet/Media Advisory x Rogers Radio advertising x Facebook/Instagram advertising x EXPLORE (Tourism in Town) Email Newsletters x x x Website x x x Social Media x x x News Release/Fact Sheet/Media Advisory x Rogers Radio advertising x Facebook/Instagram advertising x EAT BIA Map - EAT x Email Newsletters x x Website x x Social Media x x News Release/Fact Sheet/Media Advisory x Rogers Radio advertising x Facebook/Instagram advertising x SHOP Holiday Email Newsletters x x x Website x x x Social Media x x x News Release/Fact Sheet/Media Advisory x Transit Advertising (T:Go)x x Rogers Radio advertising x Facebook/Instagram advertising x Public Relations Campaign Plan Downtown Tillsonburg Business Improvement Area Prepared by: Karlee Slattery, Events & Marketing Coordinator Submitted: Fri Oct 9 5pm Executive Summary The purpose of this document is to analyze the Downtown Tillsonburg Business Improvement Area (BIA) and the environment it exists in. It takes the information compiled in the Strategic Communication Plan and creates an intentional campaign plan that suits the unique needs of the organization. The plan takes into consideration the alternatives and justifies decisions to ensure key publics are a part of ​Building a Resilient Downtown Core​. 1 Table of Contents Executive Summary 1 Table of Contents 2 Situation Analysis 3 Recommendations 4 Schedule 4 Budget 5 Evaluation Plan 7 2 Situation Analysis For over 30 years, the Downtown Tillsonburg BIA has operated as a non-profit organization responsible for the promotion and beautification of Downtown Tillsonburg. With the goal of making the downtown core the destination of choice for shopping and daily needs, the BIA has had a refresh in approach and impact in the past couple of years. This fresh approach has led to an improved reputation as a solution-focused ‘helper’ to the membership of over 230 businesses. This approach comes at a time of great struggle for many businesses as they navigate a world-wide pandemic, COVID-19. Needs are ever-changing as businesses and consumers adjust to federal, provincial, and municipal legislation surrounding public health. The BIA must continue to support businesses as a ‘helper’ with an emphasis on relationship management, that will lead to higher member engagement. The BIA must also spotlight the many unique businesses to Tillsonburg citizens while educating them on the BIA’s mission/funding and how the BIA supports the community as a whole. Publics Publics Characteristics BIA Members ●3 categories: Property Owner, Business Owner, Property & Business Owner ●250 unique businesses within membership/located in core ●Varying levels of engagement with BIA ○Engaged members are valuable allies/advocates ●Varying levels of technology/PR skills Tillsonburg Citizens ●Varying levels of educational background ●Active on social media, specifically Facebook ●Large population of seniors and those who are vulnerable to illness ●Small but vocal population of anti-maskers and conspiracy theorists ●Largely unaware of BIA’s mission/funding and confuse efforts with Town of Tillsonburg 3 Recommendations The BIA is urged to invest resources into accomplishing the following objectives in order to reach the goal of ​Building a Resilient Downtown Core​. Objective A: ​To have an effect on awareness; specifically to generate comprehension of BIA’s mission and funding structure with Tillsonburg Community (25% of Tillsonburg citizens and 75% of BIA Membership within two years) Objective B:​ To have an effect on action; specifically to increase meaningful, two-way communications between organization and BIA Membership (50% of membership engaged within a year) Objective C: ​To have an effect on awareness; specifically to reinforce urgency of supporting local businesses and to foster a positive attitude around ‘Shopping Local First’ with Tillsonburg citizens (25% increase over Winter/Spring). Schedule Ongoing Campaigns for 2021 Seasonal Campaigns for 2021 ●Support Local FIRST Campaign ●About your BIA Campaign Winter ●EAT Campaign Spring ●SHOP Campaign (focus on Mother’s Day as it is largest sales opportunity for retailers) Summer ●EXPLORE Campaign (Tourism in Town) Fall ●EAT Campaign Winter ●SHOP Holiday Campaign Please refer to Schedule Chart (file name: BIA_2021_Mktg_Schedule Chart) ​here​. 4 Budget Tactic Cost Notes/Other Resources Member Meeting Hybrid Events (in-person and zoom) $0 Please note: Additional Human and Capital Resources are required to complete all listed tactics Downtown Walkthrough Tour (in-person and digital) $0 BIA Boundary Map -General Map for potential members -Parking map (including fact member levy pays for parking) -EAT locations -SHOP locations -LIVE locations -EXPLORE locations $0 for Digital Asset $200 for 500 copies Letter Size User Kit/Fact Sheets $0 for Digital Asset $200 for 500 copies Letter Size Direct Mail (Postcards, BIA Maps, Pamphlets) $150 for Postage to Businesses + Printing Video (Business Spotlights, Campaign Videos, Walkthroughs) $1500 for professional video camera $50/year for Premiere Pro Editing Software Email Newsletters (Member Newsletter, External Newsletter) $26/month Constant Contact Website $216 USD/month Squarespace Hosting/Domains Social Media $29/month Hootsuite Hootsuite is a social media management platform that helps organize messaging/ 5 campaigns among different accounts Tactic Cost Notes/Other Resources Event Listing/Community Calendar (Norfolk & Tillsonburg News, Snap’d) $0 Digital and Print News Release/Fact Sheet/Media Advisory $0 Video Interview (Norwich & Tillsonburg News) $0 Norfolk & Tillsonburg News ads (traditional +digital) Embrace Oxford ad Ontario Highway Signs $1000/year $400/year $905/year Used throughout the year for Support Local First messaging and additional campaigns Summer EXPLORE Campaign Country 107/Easy 101 Radio Advertising and Promotional Support $1500/4wk Advertising Run Ongoing Support Local First Campaign Rogers Media Partnership Agreement + Additional Advertising Support Facebook/Instagram Advertising $50/month Light Pole Banners Large Scale Window Signage $10,000 $1500 Potential for grant and sponsorship to cover cost Transit Advertising (T:Go Saturday Holiday Bus Sponsorship) $800/Saturday Run Recognition includes advertising on bus, social media shoutouts, and logo on all marketing pieces from T:Go on service BIA Team Uniforms (our team becomes a walking ad and advocate for BIA) $400/15 regular t shirts with colour logo Please note, although some items state $0, it is important to consider the BIA resources that go toward accomplishing the tactic (human and capital resources). 6 Evaluation Plan Objective A: To have an effect on awareness; specifically to generate comprehension of BIA’s mission and funding structure with Tillsonburg Community​ (25% of Tillsonburg citizens and 75% of BIA Membership within two years) ●Member focused and external focused surveys to gauge understanding of BIA efforts/mission/funding (physical in core, member locations, and digitally) ●Tracking and gathering of social media statistics and social listening throughout 2021 is important to see where the BIA is for awareness ●Tracking the amount of businesses and Tillsonburg citizens that tag the Downtown Tillsonburg BIA accounts on social media Objective B: To have an effect on action; specifically to increase meaningful, two-way communications between organization and BIA Membership​ (50% of membership engaged within a year) Engagement will be measured by/defined as: ●Participating in 1 or more BIA programs/events ●Active online and tagging the BIA in posts ●Responses and submissions of offers/news for email newsletters ●Receptive to conversations with team/BIA ambassadors ●User Kit Distribution Tracking/Tracking of members that post assets Objective C: To have an effect on awareness; specifically to reinforce urgency of supporting local businesses and to foster a positive attitude around ‘Shopping Local First’ with Tillsonburg citizens ​(25% increase over Winter/Spring). ●Tracking of External Email List (aim for 1000 contacts in 2021) ●Seasonal check-ins/tracking of sales/services provided and anecdotal feedback from members ●Tracking of membership roster and understanding reasons for growth/loss ●Tracking of social media metrics/interaction on content with ‘Support Local First’ messaging ●Inclusion of coupon in direct mail campaigns/coordination with members to collect coupons to track action taken from Shop Local direct mail efforts ●Rogers Radio contest campaign’s built-in survey feature throughout year will show changing awareness 7 2021 BIA Proposed Budget September 28th, 2020 (adjusted for removal of FTE for EMC) 2018 Actual 2019 Actual 2021 Proposed Change Revenues:Audited 28th Budget vs. prior BIA Levy 127,217 136,621 136,621 139,450 139,450 - Tax write-offs 8,000 0 - - Net levy with tax write-offs 128,621 139,450 139,450 - Levy required to support expansion 24,820 24,820 Average Levy $'s per BIA member (assumes 39 tenants at Tillsonburg Town Centre Mall) 707 759 715 775 684 90.54-$ Average % levy change per BIA member 7.4%-5.8%8.4%-11.7% # of rateable properties in BIA 180 180 181 181 240 59 % increase in rateable properties in BIA 0.0%0.0%0.1%0.1%32.6% Total levy 127,217 136,621 129,621 139,450 164,270 24,820 15,000 Town contribution to CAPEX 15,000 15,000 Town contribution to Façade Improvement Program (FIP)25,000 25,000 25,000 31,000 31,000 - Town MOU funding - operating 26,607 30,525 3,918 Town/County funding - tourism 6,000 6,000 Other income 3,525 13,264 19,137 59,220 - -59,220 Event income, ticket sales - - Affiliate membership income 5,000 8,500 3,500 AGM revenues (ticket sales & other) 5,000 - 5,000- PPE and other sales 0 5,500 5,500 Truck graphic sponsorships 6,000 9,000 3,000 Street banner sponsorships 10,000 12,000 2,000 Tillsonburg Horticultural Society 0 2,000 2,000 Tillsonburg Knights of Columbus 0 1,000 1,000 Leveled sponsorship program 7,000 12,500 5,500 Office rental income 0 3,600 3,600 HST rebate 13,111 15,000 20,063 14,336 15,650 1,314 Wage subsidies 12,500 17,500 5,000 Interest income 77 2,220 960 1,010 3,220 2,110 Repayment of Emergency Rent Relief (ERP) 4,564 4,564 Income from contractural obligations: Rock Developments - Sobey’s (ends 2023)2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 - Broadway TSB Inc. - new 10,000 sq. ft. development (eff. Sep. 1, 2020 for 20 years)0 0 0 0 2,500 2,500 Funding from grants: Ontario Trillium Foundation (applications to be made in balance of 2020 and in 2021)0 0 0 7,500 50,000 50,000 Other programs funding programs: Digital Mainstreet, Trees Canada, OBIAA programs 10,000 20,000 10,000 Community Futures Oxford (2021)/Rural Economic Development (2012)0 0 0 0 10,000 10,000 Contribution from surplus 0 0 40,000 50,000 - 50,000- Total Revenues:171,722 194,605 244,281 289,516 426,829 137,313 Levy as % of total revenues 74.1%70.2%53.7%48.2%38.5% 2020 Budget2019 Budget 2021 BIA Proposed Budget September 28th, 2020 2018 Actual 2019 Actual 2021 Proposed Change Expenditures:Audited Audited Budget vs. prior General & administrative 29,593 84,673 84,377 125,691 - FTE labour cost 92,500 65,000 27,500- Remittances (CPP, EI, WSIB)9,980 EI (2021 rate = $1.55 per $100) 1,519 CPP (2021 rate = 5.45% of gross wages) 5,341 WSIB (D2 Public Admin $3.50 per $100)0 1,155 Retirement plan 4,900 3,250 -1650 Health & dental benefits 2,500 3,228 728 Part-time labour $'s 12,000 33,000 21,000 Part-time labour hours 2,078 Part-time labour hours/week 40.0 Accounting & bookkeeping fees 6,000 6,000 0 Maintenance supplies 0 1,880 1,880 Office rent 3,600 10,200 6,600 Office utilities 0 2,150 2,150 Office insurance 0 650 650 Office supplies/equipment 2,500 2,650 150 Masks, gloves, sanitizers 0 1,000 1,000 Membership fees, dues & subscriptions 1,000 650 350- AGM & meetings (includes costs of meals, awards, room décor and room rental)2,800 3,500 700 IT including software/Constant Contact/Google AdWorks/Website/phone 2,500 4,500 2,000 Debt principle and interest $'s 8,989 11,628 25,067 22,504 14,523 -7981 Debt as a % of levy:7.1%8.5%18.3%16.1%8.8%-7.3% Long term debt balance: 13,268 107,488 107,488 92,000 80,500 11,500- Harmonized sales tax (13%)14,251 20,000 21,808 15,583 17,010 Vehicle lease 6,000 6,114 114 Vehicle insurance 658 716 58 Vehicle operating costs 1,000 3,475 2,475 CAPEX includes all capital items 6,734 500 15,978 35,000 30,000 5,000- Marketing, events & advertising 7,806 18,250 12,118 24,000 40,000 16,000 Assistance programs: Façade Improvement Program (FIP)25,000 50,000 45,000 62,000 62,000 - Emergency Rent Relief Program (ERRP) 20,000 20,000 Business Retention Program (BRP) 50,000 50,000 Beautifications:6,785 13,250 39,000 11,000 Flowers & trees 19,000 9,000 Fertilizers & growing medium 1,000 - Total Expenditures:94,158 194,605 244,281 289,516 391,629 102,113 Surplus/(Deficit)77,564 0 0 0 35,200 Summary of Accumulated Surplus: Beginning Balance 106,284 192,783 220,345 180,345 182,389 Change in Accumulated Surplus 114,061 0 -43,396 -40,262 35,200 Ending Balance 220,345 192,783 182,389 140,083 217,589 2019 Budget 2020 Budget fd Board of Management Report – ED10-01 To: BIA Board of Management From: Mark Renaud, Executive Director Date: October 19th, 2020 Subject: Monthly ED report __________________________________________________________________ The ED and BIA Team continues to be responsive and responsible to the membership during these unprecedented times. The BIA Team is on-street each and every business day, including many weekends; to liaise and assist our members with their business needs and challenges. This report highlights the areas of focus and attention during the balance of year in 2020. Priorities: 1) Preparedness and success for the AGM to be held on November 25th. 2) Maintaining a high level of cleanliness and order on the streets. 3) Budget finalization and implementation plan. 4) Additional aid and support of the hospitality sector. This includes regular meetings with the various owner/managers. 5) Finalization of the proposed move of the BIA offices. 6) Oxford/Broadway Parkette ready for Christmas lighting ceremony. 7) Funding applications for various grant opportunities. 8) Removal of on-street/on-sidewalk infrastructure in advance of the winter season. Correspondence: The ED has a list of follow-up items requiring resolution including: 1) FIP letter from the committee to Rogers Real Estate, Toronto. 2) Outstanding payables follow-ups. 3) Turtlefest/BMO – signing authority changes - $5,000 payment due back to BIA. 4) Board follow-ups with the Town of Tillsonburg – (various). 5) Communication with all potential funding partners for 2021. There will also be ongoing interactions with third parties to follow-up with milestones against approved funding projects (CFDC for example). The ED will make this a priority. There will also be regular interactions with the Town of Tillsonburg on various matters as we continue to build an even stronger relationship. The BIA Team will also be compiling a list of items requiring process, by-law or application changes to effect best-practices in the BIA zone. Balance of year focus: Beyond the priorities listed above; the ED and BIA Team will be following up on all outstanding items to ensure completion. The ED and EMC meet weekly to review the status of the marketing/events plan and what has been accomplished. We will continue to leverage the partnerships that have been nurtured with our reliable partners to maximize operational effectiveness. There will be a great deal of effort to ensure a smooth and cost-effective move to the new BIA office location at the Tillsonburg Town Centre Mall. Thank you to the BIA Board: On behalf of the BIA Team; the ED wants to thank all members of the Board of Management for their support during 2020. This has been a challenging year to navigate with the work plan – which was ever changing. The pandemic certainly will be with us for the foreseeable future and as such; we need to be able to adapt to this reality. The BIA Team knows what needs to be done. No matter what the outcomes; the health and safety of our members and their customers must remain job one. CIBC Account Statement TILLSONBURG BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT AREA The names shown are based on our current records, as of October 17, 2020. This statement does not reflect any changes in account holders and account holder names that may have occurred prior to this date. For Sep 1 to Sep 30, 2020 Account number 66-36217 Branch transit number 03072 Account summary Contact information Opening balance on Sep 1, 2020 $21,922.07 Withdrawals -21,121.16 Deposits +66,740.68 Closing balance on Sep 30, 2020 =$67,541.59 1 800 465 CIBC (2422) Contact us by phone for questions on this update, change of personal information, and general inquiries, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. TTY hearing impaired 1 800 465 7401 Outside Canada and the U.S. 1 902 420 CIBC (2422) www.cibc.com Transaction details Date Description Withdrawals ($)Deposits ($)Balance ($) Sep 1 Opening balance $21,922.07 Sep 1 PRE-AUTH DEBIT CHAMB GROUP INS BUSINESS PAD 296.06 21,626.01 CHEQUE 34526463 131 2,810.31 18,815.70 Sep 3 E-TRANSFER102853338238 Lydia 4506*********969 47.50 18,863.20 CHEQUE 72194486 832 1,800.00 17,063.20 Sep 4 PRE-AUTH DEBIT 000000000000000 PAYROLL PWE BUSINESS PAD 55.14 17,008.06 Sep 8 CHEQUE 75224156 125 546.16 16,461.90 Sep 9 PRE-AUTH DEBIT 000000000000000 PAYROLL PWE BUSINESS PAD 5,768.51 10,693.39 Sep 16 IN-BRANCH TRANSFER001780325472 4500*********940 2,500.00 8,193.39 Sep 17 CHEQUE 72594347 127 480.25 7,713.14 (continued on next page) 10774E BUS-2018/09 Page 1 of 2 Transaction details (continued) Date Description Withdrawals ($)Deposits ($)Balance ($) Sep 17 Balance forward $7,713.14 Sep 18 PRE-AUTH DEBIT 000000000000000 PAYROLL PWE BUSINESS PAD 52.41 7,660.73 Sep 21 E-TRANSFER102906315782 DAVID BENNETT 4506*********969 47.46 7,708.19 DEPOSIT 02782 INGERSOLL BANKING CENTRE 11,250.00 18,958.19 CHEQUE 78074168 136 162.74 18,795.45 Sep 23 PRE-AUTH DEBIT 000000000000000 PAYROLL PWE BUSINESS PAD 5,468.38 13,327.07 Sep 29 DEPOSIT 2,800.00 16,127.07 BILL PAYMENT ROGERS WIRELESS PRE-AUTH DR 220.01 15,907.06 RENT/LEASE GM FINANCIAL CANADA LEASING 573.06 15,334.00 Sep 30 MISC PAYMENT 000000861670488 CORP TOWN OF TILLSONBURG 52,595.72 67,929.72 CHEQUE 34088415 134 353.13 67,576.59 ACCOUNT FEE 35.00 67,541.59 Closing balance $67,541.59 Important: This statement will be considered correct if you do not report errors, omissions or irregularities in entries and balances to CIBC in writing within 30 days from last date of the statement period covered by a previously issued regular statement where such period included the date the entry was, or should have been, posted. This rule does not apply to improper credits to your account. Your rights under your business account operation agreement to verify and notify CIBC of account errors, omissions or irregularities do not apply to this statement which is for information or replacement purposes only. *Foreign Currency Conversion Fee: If you withdraw foreign currency from a bank machine located outside Canada, you are charged the same conversion rate CIBC is required to pay plus an administration fee, which is disclosed in the CIBC's current Business Account Service Fees brochure, a copy of which is available at any CIBC branch in Canada (this is in addition to any transaction fee applicable to the withdrawal and the network fee). TM Trademark of CIBC ® Registered trademark of CIBC ® Interac is a registered trademark of Interac Inc./CIBC Licensee CIBC Account Statement Sep 1 to Sep 30, 2020 Account number: 66-36217 Branch transit number: 03072 10774E BUS-2018/09 Page 2 of 2 CIBC Account Statement TILLSONBURG BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT AREA The names shown are based on our current records, as of October 17, 2020. This statement does not reflect any changes in account holders and account holder names that may have occurred prior to this date. For Sep 1 to Sep 30, 2020 Account number 66-36616 Branch transit number 03072 Account summary Contact information Opening balance on Sep 1, 2020 $40,453.84 Withdrawals -0.00 Deposits +8.31 Closing balance on Sep 30, 2020 =$40,462.15 1 800 465 CIBC (2422) Contact us by phone for questions on this update, change of personal information, and general inquiries, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. TTY hearing impaired 1 800 465 7401 Outside Canada and the U.S. 1 902 420 CIBC (2422) www.cibc.com Transaction details Date Description Withdrawals ($)Deposits ($)Balance ($) Sep 1 Opening balance $40,453.84 Sep 30 INTEREST BIGA DAILY CREDIT INTEREST SEPTEMBER 2020 8.31 40,462.15 Closing balance $40,462.15 10774E BUS-2018/09 Page 1 of 2 Important: This statement will be considered correct if you do not report errors, omissions or irregularities in entries and balances to CIBC in writing within 30 days from last date of the statement period covered by a previously issued regular statement where such period included the date the entry was, or should have been, posted. This rule does not apply to improper credits to your account. Your rights under your business account operation agreement to verify and notify CIBC of account errors, omissions or irregularities do not apply to this statement which is for information or replacement purposes only. *Foreign Currency Conversion Fee: If you withdraw foreign currency from a bank machine located outside Canada, you are charged the same conversion rate CIBC is required to pay plus an administration fee, which is disclosed in the CIBC's current Business Account Service Fees brochure, a copy of which is available at any CIBC branch in Canada (this is in addition to any transaction fee applicable to the withdrawal and the network fee). TM Trademark of CIBC ® Registered trademark of CIBC ® Interac is a registered trademark of Interac Inc./CIBC Licensee CIBC Account Statement Sep 1 to Sep 30, 2020 Account number: 66-36616 Branch transit number: 03072 10774E BUS-2018/09 Page 2 of 2