A new logo, reflecting the city’s drive to promote its prestigious heritage award, was unveiled at the November 2018 meeting, after being voted on by BIA members.
“Now we’re going to call it ‘Historic Downtown Thorold,’ Mike Skrtich advised his fellow business owners at the BIA meeting. “Every time you say it, you write it; you promote it, because we won these great awards. We’ve got to change our vocabulary.”
“Heritage tourism is part of the path we’re promoting,” said the city’s tourism agent, Sue Morin. “There’s no doubt that marketing and cleanliness go hand in hand. That’s why there’s a new beautification committee. Beautification and marketing have to work together.”
“I am looking forward to this new committee,” said Marsha Coppola, who’s agreed to continue in her role on the Thorold BIA executive. It was announced at the Thorold Community Credit Union Wednesday, Jan. 9 that Serge Carpino of Canal City Realty and Nick Dell’omo, owner of Biscotti Café and Riganelli’s Bakery, will join her for the next four-year term as executives on the BIA.
Dell’omo said he’ll continue as well in his leadership role with the classic car show committee, adding, “We’ll have to expand because we ran out of room last year” at the popular annual downtown event.
Anthony Longo and Ken Sentance will act as city council liaisons to the BIA, which held nominations for its executive that closed Jan. 8.
“We have to form a beautification committee and a new marketing committee, and vote in a chair for each,” Coppola told business owners.
Coppola credited Diana D’Intino and Laurie-Anne Lamothe for successfully co-chairing the marketing committee thus far.
“We had a good year, a lot of ideas and suggestions for improvements for 2019,” said Coppola. “You and Laurie have been amazing and taken on a lot for four years. You have been instrumental in getting more people downtown, so I thank you very much.”
D’Intino, co-owner of A Yellow Flower Basket, led the charge to host a Puppy Parade and other efforts, drawing locals and visitors to the BIA core.
Lamothe, owner of the Yoga Centre of Niagara, who was absent from Wednesday’s meeting, will remain on the marketing committee but “not continue as co-chair,” said D’Intino.
Anyone interested in volunteering on the beautification or marketing committees is asked to email Erica Lanigan by the deadline of Friday, Jan. 18 at [email protected]
