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Downtown Annapolis Businesses Annapolis Businesses Owners Commit to the Environment

Annapolis, Maryland--A program recognizing the environment was launched by downtown Annapolis business owners who are pledging to do their part to help save the environment.

The voluntary “Pledge” promises that businesses will:

• Recycle cardboard and office paper, printer cartridges, and glass containers.
• Consciously select Earth friendly office supplies.
• Use energy-efficient light bulbs.
• Use Earth-healthy cleaning products.
• Minimize waste in packaging, shipping and display.
• Maximize efficiency in water and energy consumption.
• Remain conscious of the Earth in all of their business practices.
  

Participants will display a flag of the Earth in their stores to signify their support of protecting the environment.

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The Annapolis Business Association is a non-profit consortium of businesses and individuals with the shared interest of maintaining and improving the climate for conducting business in Annapolis. For information, contact Clare G. Vanderbeek, Executive Director, 410-956-0182 or execdir@annapolisbusinessassoc.com.

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Downtown Annapolis Businesses Announce Local Late Nights

Downtown Annapolis businesses will begin Local Late Nights on May 1 through the end of the year. Many patrons of the downtown Annapolis businesses have requested more shopping driven events and extended hours in the downtown area and the merchants are responding! Most of the downtown shops and restaurants are locally owned and operated and all of the downtown merchants appreciate the local business. "We have many visitors in our town and the business community as a whole appreciates the support of those who live downtown and in the surrounding areas. In appreciation, we are extending our hours on Thursday nights to accommodate those customers who would enjoy the shops being open later," said Michele Deckman, Vice President of the Annapolis Business Association and owner of diva boutique. Many of the stores are already open beyond the traditional six o'clock hour every night of the week; however, more businesses are open later on weekends as well.

“We on Maryland Avenue and State Circle are looking forward to welcoming our local patrons. Several shops and restaurants on Maryland Avenue and State Circle have committed to staying open late Thursday evenings to accommodate late night shoppers. Annapolis is a beautiful city and more and more people are rediscovering downtown,” says Marian Rainford, co-owner of Mary & Blanche! on Maryland Avenue.

Shoppers are invited to come early for a stroll on the newly renovated City Dock and stay late for a great evening of shopping, dining and fun in their favorite boutiques and restaurants.

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The Annapolis Business Association is a non-profit consortium of businesses and individuals with the shared interest of maintaining and improving the climate for conducting business in Annapolis. For information, contact Clare G. Vanderbeek, Executive Director, 410-956-0182 or execdir@annapolisbusinessassoc.com.

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Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 17, 2008

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT Clare G. Vanderbeek 410-956-0182 execdir@annapolisbusinessassoc.com

May Flower Baskets to be Judged May 1st

Downtown Annapolis, Maryland—Participating shops in downtown Annapolis are planning to open early on May Day, May 1, to welcome judges for the annual judging of the flower baskets decorating the shops and businesses in downtown Annapolis. The May Day judging of the baskets is a time honored tradition in downtown Annapolis hosted by the Garden Club of Old Annapolis Town that dates back to the 1700s.

Businesses will open at 8:00 a.m. and serve refreshments for those who come out to judge or view the display of May Baskets around town. “The downtown Annapolis businesses look forward to this annual tradition which showcases the beauty of the city,” said Clare Vanderbeek, Executive Director of the Annapolis Business Association.

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The Annapolis Business Association is a non-profit consortium of businesses and individuals with the shared interest of maintaining and improving the climate for conducting business in Annapolis. For information, contact Clare G. Vanderbeek, Executive Director, 410-956-0182 or execdir@annapolisbusinessassoc.com.

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March Madness Sidewalk Sale

Downtown Annapolis, Maryland—Downtown Annapolis will host a “March Madness” shopping bonanza March 28th-30th, 2008. Merchants throughout the downtown area will offer savings of up to 75% off winter clothing, accessories and other items in order to make room for spring merchandise.

According to Jessica Jordan, Paradigm and the President of the ABA, “The Annapolis Business Association invites Annapolis residents to experience this exciting new event featuring the many unique shops in downtown Annapolis. This sidewalk sale will offer major discounts, a festive atmosphere and great fun for the family.”

The hours of the three day event are: 10-8pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10-6pm. Downtown restaurants will be offering special discounts on food and beverages through the weekend as well.

Questions may be directed to claregvanderbeek@aol.com.

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The Annapolis Business Association is a non-profit consortium of businesses and individuals with the shared interest of maintaining and improving the climate for conducting business in Annapolis. For information, contact Clare G. Vanderbeek, Executive Director, 410-956-0182 or execdir@annapolisbusinessassoc.com.

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Two business owners named to Board of the Annapolis Business Association

Michele Deckman, Founder and Owner, Diva Boutique and Jessica Jordan, owner, Paradigm, have been named to the board of directors of the Annapolis Business Association (ABA), an association of businesses in Annapolis.

Michele Deckman, owner of Diva, a European-inspired boutique located in downtown Annapolis, has been an Annapolis resident for more than 25 years. An entrepreneur and active member of Annapolis society, Michelle has promoted the interests of the downtown district for many years. Through her partnership with other businesses, she has raised awareness of the downtown Annapolis shopping district and helped make the area a destination for discriminating fashion lovers.

Jessica Jordan is the owner of Paradigm, a 4,000 square-foot boutique on Main Street that opened in August 2007 with the purpose of offering quality clothing for men and woman at approachable prices. Ms. Jordan holds a Masters Degree in Public Policy from the George Washington University in Washington, DC. After working in the White House during the second Clinton administration, Ms. Jordan moved to Annapolis to work as a budget policy analyst for the Maryland General Assembly. She served the General Assembly for two legislative sessions before taking the position of Chief Financial Officer with the Maryland State Board of Elections in 2004. 

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The Annapolis Business Association is a non-profit consortium of businesses and individuals with the shared interest of maintaining and improving the climate for conducting business in Annapolis. For information, contact Clare G. Vanderbeek, Executive Director, 410-956-0182 or execdir@annapolisbusinessassoc.com.

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Midnight Madness I & II Performers Announced
December 6 and 13, 2007
Jumpstart your holiday shopping

Join in on the holiday fun by attending Midnight Madness I and II on December 6 and 13—two nights where downtown merchants remain open until midnight to welcome holiday shoppers. Performers scheduled to date for December 6th include the Old Mill High School Steel Drum Band, Linda Patterson Stein, Annapolis Area Christian School students, Salvation Army Band and Cub Scouts Pack 3. WRNR and WNAV will air live on site. Except for the Old Mill High School Steel Drum Band, the same artists will perform on the 13th. Additional performers will be announced.

Downtown merchants will show their hospitality with special sales discounts and complimentary refreshments. Enjoy the spirit of the holidays with decorative greens provided in part by the Annapolis Jaycees, the decorative Christmas tree provide by Homestead Gardens and festive holiday lights in historic Annapolis.

Free parking in downtown Annapolis and free shuttle service from the USNA Stadium until 12:30 a.m.

Singing groups, musicians, performers and entertainers interested in showcasing their talents in front of thousands at the annual Midnight Madness in Annapolis, send an email to judyb@wrnr.com.

Both Midnight Madness I & II are sponsored by the Annapolis Business Association.

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The Annapolis Business Association is a non-profit consortium of businesses and individuals with the shared interest of maintaining and improving the climate for conducting business in Annapolis. For information, contact Clare G. Vanderbeek, Executive Director, 410-956-0182 or execdir@annapolisbusinessassoc.com.

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Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 2007

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT Bruce Chance, 410-263-2404 wrchance@aol.com Clare G. Vanderbeek 410-956-0182 execdir@annapolisbusinessassoc.com

ABA presents TasteBuds 2007
sponsored by the City of Annapolis
-- Date Announced --

The Annapolis Business Association (ABA), in conjunction with the City of Annapolis, proudly presents the 8th annual TasteBuds, a culinary event to raise funds for the purchase and maintenance of the hanging flower baskets and contained gardens that adorn downtown Annapolis. The event will be held at the Westin Annapolis hotel on West Street from 6-9 p.m. on Tuesday, October 30, 2007.

Since 1998, the ABA has funded Annapolis’ “Flowers by the Bay,” one of the country’s finest urban beautification programs. New in 2007 is funding from the City of Annapolis to support the flower program. The ABA also funds the festive decorations and lights for Midnight Madness (December 6) and Midnight Madness II (December 13) and throughout the season that transform downtown Annapolis into a holiday wonderland every December.

Tickets for TasteBuds will go on sale September 14. For Sponsorship information, please contact Clare Vanderbeek at 410-956-0182 or execdir@annapolisbusinessassoc.com.

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Park & Shop program for downtown Annapolis Shoppers

July 2007 – The Annapolis Business Association (ABA) reminds business owners, residents and visitors that vouchers for up to four hours of free parking are available from participating ABA member businesses.

The ABA has developed a high impact promotional campaign, “Park & Shop,” to downtown shoppers. Shoppers will find signage in the City garages, new window decals and updated information in stores as well as informational pieces at the Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Conference & Visitors Center.

When shoppers visit downtown Annapolis they should ask for “Park & Shop” vouchers and remember the revenue from the program goes to support the ABA’s downtown flower program.

Foe additional information about “Park & Shop” visit www.annapolisbusinessassoc.com where there is a link to the program. Or send an e-mail to info@annapolisbusinessassoc.com.

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The Annapolis Business Association is a non-profit consortium of businesses and individuals with the shared interest of maintaining and improving the climate for conducting business in Annapolis. Our membership includes 126 businesses in and around Annapolis, including retailers, hotels, restaurants, law firms, and service companies.

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Free Wheelin' Offers Alternative For Getting Around Annapolis

May 31, 2007—(Annapolis, MD) - The City of Annapolis announced today that the City's free bike loan program, Free Wheelin', will start on Monday, June 4.

The program, managed by the Department of Transportation, joins other summer programs designed to help residents and visitors enjoy transportation options other than single-occupancy vehicles.

"The response to this program has been heartening. Since calling for volunteers and supplies, we've received nearly two dozen bicycles and have eight volunteers," said Danielle Matland, Director of Transportation.

Free Wheelin', will run through August 25th. Cyclists wishing to borrow a bike, should go to the Conference and Visitors Bureau kiosk located at City Dock in front of the Harbormaster's office, show ID and sign the waiver. If the bike is returned by 9 a.m. the next day, there is no charge. Borrowers will be billed for bikes that are never returned.

"We believe this program will help increase the quality of life by taking cars off the road," said Matland. "A program like this can cost thousands. We're implementing the trial solely through volunteer efforts and donations. If it's successful, a more permanent program may be developed."

Several city departments and community organizations have come together to develop Free Wheelin'; Recreation and Parks, the Harbormaster's Office, the Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Conference and Visitors Bureau (CVB) and Capital Bicycle.

CVB volunteers will sign out the bikes from 9 to 5 p.m. The Harbormaster's Office will manage after-hours key returns and volunteers trained by Capital Bicycle will maintain the bikes.

"This is truly a community partnership," Matland said.

Free Wheelin' is still accepting donations and volunteers. The program is in special need of a trailer to store and haul bikes, bike helmets, bike parts and other supplies for light maintenance and repairs.

For more information contact Paula Chase-Hyman, marketing specialist, at 410.263.7964 ext. 107, pchasehyman@annapolis.gov

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