Concord Downtown Development Corporation

Mission Statement and Goals

(adopted June 2, 2011)

 

Mission Statement

The Mission of the Concord Downtown Development Corporation is to enhance the economic, social, and aesthetic values of Historic Downtown Concord through business development, business recruitment, promotion, and design, through the leveraging of public and private partnerships.

Goals

Note:  Short-term is defined as being accomplished within one year.

Organization

 

Short-Term Goals

1. Realign the CDDC’s calendar year to match the fiscal year. Completed.
2. Establish an internship position for social networking/promotion coordination. Completed.
3. Explore hiring a grant writing consultant on a speculative/commission basis.
4. Expand the MSD boundary to take in the former Faulkenberry site. Completed.
5. Develop a consistent path of communication with the Concord City Council regarding the activities of the CDDC. Ongoing.
6. Be prepared to respond to the upcoming property revaluation and its negative effect on the CDDC’s budget. Ongoing.

 

Long-Term Goals

 

1. Hire a social networking/promotions coordinator.

 

Ongoing Goals

 

1. Strengthen committee membership to facilitate future CDDC board development. Ongoing.

 

Promotion

 

Short-Term Goals

1. Develop a design for a centrally-located hi-tech kiosk, find funding sources, and install (consider using intern for this goal). Done - to be located on Carolina Courts property.
2. Develop strategies to market directly to specific neighborhoods.
3. Work with the Cabarrus Arts Council to have hands-on programs for children Downtown. A Scavenger Hunt is available for each exhibit. The CAC brings school children of a variety of ages to The Galleries several days throughout the year.
4. Fund and contract for a billboard on I-85 catching northbound commuters coming out of Charlotte. On hold due to funding.
5. Develop a strong marketing relationship with CMC Northeast, including reaching out to patients, staff, and the use of a kiosk at the hospital. CMC is a sponsor of CDDC events. We are working with our CMC liason to determine avenues for reaching parents and staff.
6.  Have promotional materials ready to provide to the potential developer of the former Faulkenberry site. Done. A digital kiosk will be located on the site with a map of Downtown. A flat-screen will be located in the Carolina Courts lobby to advertise Downtown events and businesses.

 

Long-Term Goals

1. Recruit a non-profit cultural component to Downtown.
2. Tie-in to Discovery Place and the NASCAR Museum.
3. Develop methods for using technology to promote the history of Downtown.
4. Develop a strong partnership with the Concord Museum. Ongoing.

 

Ongoing Goals

 

1. Keep the Historic Downtown Concord business directory and restaurant guide updated and distributed.
2. Stay current on the latest advances in technology as they relate to the marketing of private businesses and the CDDC.
3. Strengthen and support the Historic Downtown Concord Merchants Assn.
4. Promote Downtown as an exercise destination by increasing awareness of the existing fitness opportunities including the greenway.

 

Design

 

Short-Term Goals

1. Complete the McCachern Phase 1 streetscape project. Presently out for bids.
2. Improve designations for free public parking through the use of signs and maps. In progress.
3. Work with City staff to locate the site for a fountain. Done. Rotary Square to incorporate a water feature.
4. Advocate for the repair and maintenance of the existing fountain located on the lawn of the historic courthouse. In progress, collecting historic photographs to explore a reproduction fountain if repair of the existing is not possible.

Long-Term Goals

1. Extend all visual public-sector components (ie banners, brick sidewalks, etc.) in some capacity to all areas of the MSD.
2. Consider taking streetscape improvements up Church Street.
3. Research options for a more permanent Farmers Market location. Done. Rotary Square to include a Farmers Market pavilion.
4. Develop a Downtown/Arts/NASCAR partnership for a public art component, possibly tie-in to the NASCAR Hall of Fame, utilizing a green theme.
5. Develop a splash fountain in Downtown. Done - Rotary Square to incorporate a water feature.
6. Explore opportunities for rooftop dining/patios.

 

Ongoing Goals

 

1. Maintain and expand the grant programs, work to include grants for technological investments.
2. Become a resource for design/construction techniques that create outside dining opportunities.
3. Become a resource for design/construction techniques that create improved access to basements

 

Business Development

 

Short-Term Goals

 

1. Connect the Concord Police Department with the Downtown officers of the Spartanburg, South Carolina Police Department for the purpose of discussing techniques for addressing the Downtown homeless population. Done.
2. Work with the local homeless support system (ie soup kitchen, shelters, churches) to develop a cohesive strategy regarding meeting the needs of the Downtown homeless population. Ongoing. Task force meets quarterly as needed.
3.  Switch from a passive business recruitment program to an active business recruitment program. Done.
4. Develop a list of key businesses to recruit to support a Downtown residential community. Ongoing.
5. Develop a strong partnership with City of Concord staff to accomplish goals three and four. Ongoing.
6. Update the facts and statistics in the 2008 Master Plan. 75% complete.

Long-Term Goals

 

1. Develop a plan for public restroom facilities, possibly as part of the development of a new City Hall.

 

Ongoing Goals

 

1. Maintain an understanding that all CDDC Board members are actively involved in Downtown Concord’s business recruitment efforts. Ongoing.