Highlands
Business Partnership (HBP)
District Management Corporation
Highlands Borough Business Improvement District
Annual Report 2002
HBP Board of Directors
The HBP
Board of Directors provides leadership, oversight and financial control of the
operations of the corporation, Highlands Business Partnership. The 3rd year,
2002 operations budget was $90,000.
The Board is comprised of 17 voting members and four non-voting members. Mayor's
designee, Administrator John Tedesco and the Planning Board Member and Councilwoman,
Sherry Ruby, represent the governing body as voting members of the Board. There
are seven commercial property owners and seven business operators that comprise
the HBP Board of Directors.
3rd Year Objectives:
Officers
of the Corporation:
Carla Braswell, ShoreGrafx, President; Sherry Ruby, Planning Board Representative,
Vice President, Joan Wicklund, Sand Dollar Card & Gift, Secretary; Loriann
Bodnar Nolan, Lori’s House of Beauty, Treasurer. The Officers serve according
to the bylaws and form the Executive Committee of the corporation providing
the executive and oversight decision making body on behalf of the Board of Directors.
These Executive Committee members also serve as Board members and answer to
the Board of Directors.
2002 Board Members:
Larys Cartaya, Bolero Café, Katharine James, commercial property
owner; Michael Kovic, commercial property owner; Roger Mumford, commercial property
owner, David Stafford, Seastreak Ferry; Kathryn Lustig, Christine Michelle Handmade,
Kathy Armstrong, Cottrell’s Lobsters and Fish Market; John Koenig, New
York Fast Ferry; Henry Moyer, Off The Hook; and Bill Duncan, resident member.
The Executive Committee members, comprised of the corporate Officers, who also
serve on the Board, are Carla Cefalo-Braswell, ShoreGrafx; Joan Wicklund, Sand
Dollar Card & Gift, Loriann Bodnar-Nolan, Loris’ House of Beauty,
Treasurer and Sherry Ruby, Planning Board Rep, VP.
Non-Voting Board Members:
These members bring institutional and corporate private-sector talent
to the Board. These members bring an added outside viewpoint to the board that
assists in their decision making process. Patti Baxter, Executive Director of
the Northern Monmouth Chamber of Commerce; Tom Laverty, Twin Lights Historic
Site; Larry Novick, Brookdale Small Business Development Center; Roberta Sheridan,
GPU Energy.
Committee Chairs
Board Members Roger Mumford, commercial property owner; Bill Duncan,
resident; Carla Braswell, ShoreGrafx; Kathy Armstrong, Cottrell's Lobsters all
took leadership roles to Chair and Co-Chair HBP Committees. This ensures linkage
to the objectives of the Board.
HBP Administration:
Several professionals were hired after soliciting quotes and reviewing
professional backgrounds. HBP Attorney, Ron Reich was retained for HBP business
for the year 2002. Mr. Reich provided legal assistance for various HBP issues
including corporate record requirements and litigation. Attorney Robert Goldsmith,
Greenbaum, Rowe represent HBP and the Borough with litigation regarding property
class inclusion in the district. Legal publication notices, as outlined in the
state statute for BIDs, announced HBP meeting schedule for four regular meeting
in 2002. State of New Jersey filing fee, dues for membership in Downtown New
Jersey, postage, stationery, educational conferences were administrative expense
line items. As required by the state statute, an audit was completed April 2002
and filed with the Department of Community Affairs, Division of Local Government
Services, and Borough of Highlands and with HBP corporate records. Charitable
Registration was completed for HBP 2002. HBP Insurance is provided through a
partnership with the Borough and the Monmouth County JIF, Joint Insurance Fund.
Professional management services are provided by Nick Evangelista, a resident
and business owner who is experienced as he has managed the Rahway SID. Nick
Evangelista serves as HBP Manager. The HPB phone # is (732) -291-4713. HBP has
a Professional Services Contract with Nick for 20% of the HBP BID Assessment
Budget.
Marketing & Communications/Events Committee:
Chaired by Carla Cefalo Braswell, also HBP President, the committee
set an aggressive agenda. Destination marketing is the objective of the marketing
activities. Create - Highlands as a destination for visitors. Having so many
visitors in the surrounding area - Sandy Hook, Twin Lights and Shore areas -
Highlands desires a greater share of the visitors to discover our restaurants
and businesses. As a community with three Ferry landings, there is a year-round
opportunity to direct market "Highlands as a destination". HBP has
continued direct marketing programs with a coupon distribution system that extracts
Highlands’s business coupons from our Website. Through HBP, businesses
can register and design their own coupons free of charge. Coupons can be changed
as frequently as the business operator desires. HBP oversees and administers
the coupon books and the Ferry Companies include the HBP coupon book with each
commuter ticket purchase. Use of Highlands' restaurants and businesses by Ferry
riders is being nurtured, encouraged and brought to their attention on a daily
basis through our partnership with ferry. Making Ferry riders familiar with
Highlands' businesses and restaurants along with upgrading the quality of our
business offering is a long-term marketing investment that has unique and valuable
assets for Highlands' businesses. Most downtown's striving to come back from
decline must develop a destination agenda from scratch. Highlands has been able
to develop and nurture a partnership with an existing resource.
Marketing Consultant
Marketing Consultant, Allen Consulting (ACI), was hired for 2 years.
The contract will end the calendar year 2003. A summary will be provided by
the HBP Marketing Chair to Board members at the Annual Meeting for year 2002
outlining total cash from events income, grants and corporate sponsors; ACI
has worked with Chair & Committee to expand the event calendar events. Marketing
services from ACI includes all public relations, media contacts, event calendar
development, Grant Writing, implementation and solicitation of corporate sponsorship
to promote events that will showcase Highlands as a destination. It is important
that corporate sponsorship be secured from outside of Highlands, as the community
is small; and new partnerships need to be developed to undertake a successful
destination marketing plan for Highlands. Sponsorship provides the backbone
of funding for events and advertising. Sponsorship funding maximizes the local
BID investments funded by special assessment to fund advertising, event expenses
and promotions to create destination environment to attract visitors.
Events 2002
The 2002 event calendar provided a "complete marketing package"
for ACI to use to broker and solicit greater sponsorship opportunities for Highlands.
Through this process Highlands can expand our destination marketing activities
that will enhance the local business environment by attracting new and repeat
customers. A comprehensive event schedule is packaged and our consultant serves
as a broker between corporate and media partners who will provide sponsorship
in return for media exposure.
Seaport Craft Show 2002 was held on Memorial Day weekend with
a successful return of 32 crafters along with new participants. The event was
well received by crafters and visitors alike. This type of event grows over
time but we intend to keep it on the calendar for expansion.
Cruise Nights 2002 were held under the direction of Lori Bodnar-Nolan
(Lori's House of Beauty) and spouse, Frank Nolan, the local business volunteers
and Highlands Police worked closely with the Jersey Shore Cruisers and Bob Dooly.
Participation from local businesses provided certificates and prizes for the
visitors. Over 125 enthusiasts participated during the event. Games and DJ were
on hand for everyone. The second Cruise Night was cancelled twice due to severe
rain conditions.
Northern Monmouth Chamber of Commerce Concert Series 2002
Through a partnership with NMCC and HBP, there were four Tuesday evening beach
concerts in July at the Seastreak beach- front area. The concerts were funded
through the NMCC and promoted in partnership with HBP. HBP was a $1000 sponsor
of this event. The concerts are always a big draw to visitors and HBP promotes
our other events here as well. We are striving to keep the concerts in Highlands.
The concerts will be one again held in Highlands for 2003.
Highlands Farmers Market 2002 ACI prepared and submitted the
2002 Farmer Market grant to the NJ Department of Agriculture. HBP was awarded
$500 to be matched in advertising and promotion of the Highlands Market. The
2002 season began the first Saturday in July and continued through until the
last Saturday in October. Mike Kovic and Kathryn Lustig along with ACI took
on the responsibilities of the market each Saturday. Outside vendors were solicited
for the market and there were various successes with adding vendors to the market.
Advertising and highway signs were installed to promote the market.
Clam Festival 2002 maintained entertainment, rides and vendors
for a four-day event. Printing, advertising, signs, maintenance, entertainers,
and installations of electric, contribute to the event success and these functions
were managed through HBP volunteers, Business Advocate and Allen Consulting.
ACI expanded the Clam Festival 2002 with forty new vendors. A Clam Fest advertorial
was produced with an HBP minimal investment. Expansion of vendors when from
thirty to forty. Electric demands will require a new look at Huddy Park electric
requirements and new investments from HBP to upgrade event electric.
Twin Towers to Twin Lights Bike Tour 2002 - The Bike New York
Twin Lights Bike event was held in Highlands at Huddy Park Area. The first time
event was a success and hopes to grow. It was schedule in 2001 but cancelled
due to 9-11-01. Both ferry companies cooperated with bringing bike enthusiasts
to Highlands for a multi-tour bike event. The response to the event was in excess
of 900 registered bike enthusiasts to visit Highlands and sections of Monmouth
County. There were 4 routes available. Most businesses that were open this day
were visited by many cyclists. We are in the planning stages of the 2003 bike
event and hope to draw 2000 cyclists.
Oktoberfest 2002, Was very successful. There were no police
reports for the second year, which is always a concern with an alcohol event.
A liquor license was secured and Mayor Rick O’Neil, Councilmen John Urbanski
and Bill Ciazza volunteered to man the beer operation. A non-Highlands food
vendor provided German food loved by the crowds alone with a lively German Band
that warmed the crowds with traditional music that young and old enjoyed. The
Police support was outstanding and this event is definitely will be a repeat
performance for 2003. Over 8500 visitors attended.
I Love Highlands 2002 replaced the Rediscover the Treasures
for the 2002 event calendar with a greater response for success. The Marketing
Committee will expand this event timeframe from Memorial Day through Halloween
to get more participation. No purchase is necessary to participate but entries
can go into retail establishments and fill out the form to win a basket of prizes
from Highlands Establishments. It is a method of building a mailing list.
Holiday Lighting 2002 Councilmen John Urbanski & Bill Ciazza
lit the tree on behalf of the Mayor and Council. Local residents volunteered
in many areas of this event. The severe rain and weather conditions were against
us. Loriann Bodnar-Nolan and Nick Evangelista prepared a program guide which
probed to be successful and informative. Entertainment was provided by Not Your
Ordinary Dancers, under Lillian Zuar's leadership, along with local organization
and service groups joining in holiday song to make the event full of community
spirit and pride. HBP volunteers, under the direction of Lori Bodnar-Nolan,
VIC Chair, decorated Huddy Park and several public areas with the assistance
of Tim Hill, Recreation Director and the Highlands Garden Club Members.
Holiday House Tour – The Holiday House tour was very
unique and sold over 140 tickets to visitors taking the tour. This event will
also grow over time and as usual we are always looking for more homes to expand
the event. Interest in this event continues to grow.
Website www.highlandsnj.com
Maintenance and expansion of the HBP' web site during 2002 has been
continued. The Website enables HBP to provide maximum access to HBP information
by all business operators and commercial property owners of Highlands included
in the BID, as well as, the general public. Minutes, reports, newsletters, organization
chart, mission statement, ordinance, budget, events, photo album, bylaws are
accessible and printable from your computer. Linkage to the ferry riders through
the Internet is a primary goal for the Marketing Committee. HBP is highlighting
the Highlands' businesses and direct marketing to ferry customers through the
web site and our other complementary marketing initiatives. HBP requested and
received brochures or printed promotional information from business operators
that are showcased on board the ferry. The Highlands/HBP web site is promoted
on all HBP media contacts reinforcing the destination marketing objective activities.
"Print and save" promotions from our Website and all printed media
brought a new dimension to marketing for Highlands businesses. All events held
in 2002 provide visitors with coupons and additional event information as well
as promoting our Website.
Advertising/Media
Media Impressions
For 2002 in excess of 40,066,166 measured print impressions have been
made. That means that Highlands' name is getting out there as a destination.
Changing perception and customer habits take persistence and consistency. Allen
Consulting prepares all new press releases for HBP that are approved through
the Marketing Chair and Manager. Any business innovations or news are welcomed
topics for a HBP media release.
HBP Newsletter - On the Move
This internal communication is mailed to all business operators and
commercial property owners in Highlands. Additional copies are distributed to
committee volunteers, Borough Officials and staff and extra copies are left
at Borough Hall and the Highlands Community Center. The newsletter is archived
and printable from the Website. HBP is seeking ways to produce to the entire
community of Highlands.
The Highlands Visitor’s Guide was created in
2002 and includes information on Highlands such as history, coupons, event information,
ferry schedules, a map and a business directory. The visitor guides were distributed
at all HBP events.
Group Media Buys
Two (2) advertorial special sections were created through ACI and
the Asbury Park Press. A total of $3,000 in double truck ads during October
and June of 2002 was initiated through the Marketing Committee with Board approval.
Contained in the special pull-out section of the Asbury Park Press were five
or more stories highlighting Highlands' as a destination. ACI provided the editorial
information that was approved by the Executive Board.
Funding
Development - HBP
Private Sector Partners - Sponsorship Development
HBP Marketing Committee has served as the primary catalyst for attracting private
funding to maximize the local assessment investment. Through of professional
efforts of Allen Consulting a corporate sponsorship track record is being developed
that will ensure our corporate sponsors are provided value in the marketing
initiatives set forth through HBP. Corporate sponsors budgets are allocated
on an annual basis and long-term brokering must take place to deliver value
to both partners.
2002 –
Corporate Sponsors – 94.3 the Point, Barter Pays, Seastreak America, Comcast,
New York Fast Ferry, Shrewsbury State Bank, Werner Dodge, NJR.
Awards and Matching Grants
Marketing
Committee Summary
Hiring of our Marketing Consultant, Allen Consulting, is HBP's largest
investment from our budget. Marketing was clearly what the Board of Directors,
Committee volunteers and business community at large identified as the most
important need for the businesses. ACI Contract is up for renewal end of 2003.
The Board will be reviewing, interviewing or re-negotiating in the 3rd and 4th
quarters 2003.
Visual Improvement Committee -VIC
Chaired by Kathy Armstrong until September 2002. Loriann Bodnar-Nolan
is now chairing this committee. This HBP Committee has a wide scope of objectives
including Parking, Safety, Beautification, Capital Improvement, Maintenance
and Design. During 2002 the committee continued their agenda expansion with
parking. Private parking contract were established though HBP at the VFW Post
and Doris & Ed’s with NYFF for ferry parking. Highlands' neighborhoods
are a mix of commercial and residential blocks along Bay Avenue and the HBP
will continue to explore planning options and activities recommendations on
parking issues. The speed monitor equipment purchased by the business community
is not being utilized by HPD. Board members are hoping that police will begin
using equipment again as it educates speeders and acts as a deterrent.
Parking Recommendations
parking recommendations were drafted and approved by the VIC Committee
in 2002. The HBP Board approved and forwarded the written recommendations to
Mayor and Council regarding inventory of parcels for potential parking use.
In order for HBP to implement the parking recommendations the volunteers worked
to update the previously adopted database of parking information. The central
business district was broken into eleven (11) districts. Volunteers were assigned
areas to inventory and prioritize parking areas fully utilized and parking areas
underutilized both for public owned and private owned lots. Borough owned properties
were identified in the database for parking utilization. With this database
the volunteers could assist in identifying leased parking opportunities. HBP,
as a private sector corporation, can facilitate the brokering of leased parking
arrangements. Leased parking will improve parking utilization and provide existing
underutilized lots with potential income to "pay the bills". This
plan will assist the Borough and private property owners to manage the parking
issues with a flexible strategy.
Public Area Maintenance
Clean Communities Entitlement
The public area maintenance plan is part of an ongoing program funded
through the Department of Environmental Protection, Clean Communities Grant
Program. The public area maintenance plan had been approved by the Borough to
be administered in partnership with HBP. The primary components are public area
debris removal, maintenance, organization of volunteers and Highlands Adopt-A-Highway
area. During the past seven years there were five areas that this entitlement
program served to maintain by a private sector landscape contractor. Highlands
Bridge Embankment, Veterans Park Planters, Huddy Park planters, Highway Sign
at Linden Avenue and Cornwell Park planters. These are areas of steep slope
or areas that were severely neglected. A scope of work was created and quotes
were secured from licensed landscape contractors who could perform herbicide
applications.
Public Planters & Streetscape
The VIC Committee purchased flowers and hired a landscaper that planted
flowers in all streetscape planters. The Highlands Department of Public Works
provided services for watering.
Public Area Maintenance Schedule — Electric
Holiday Decorations
VIC Committee created a maintenance schedule to ensure that regular
maintenance of public area electric is undertaken. This project was started
as a result of Committee attempts to design and purchase new electrical holiday
decorations. With our existing improvements suffering from maintenance neglect,
the Committee developed a maintenance schedule to bring our existing public
area electric up to standard before adding new improvements. In addition to
the 16 Holiday decorations purchased in 2001, HBP paid GPU to install the final
sensors on utility polls to complete the Holiday streetscape. 12 New snowflakes
were purchased but were unable to hang since GPU technicians installed sensors
too low for truck clearance. Councilman John Urbanski drilled brackets and worked
with HBP and the DPW for Holiday Lighting Project. HBP is working with utility
company to relocate for 2003 holidays. Candy Canes, Red velvet bows, garlands,
tree and wreaths were purchased for several streetscape areas. VIC chair Loriann
Bodnar-Nolan, Manager Nick Evangelista, President Carla Cefalo-Braswell, and
Tim Hill, Highlands Recreation Director, installed bows, garland and the decorated
tree in Huddy Park. Bows and garlands, and the Huddy Park gazebo tree were purchased
by HBP from the Highlands Volunteer Fire Department.
Inventory of Way Finding Signs, Utility Poles, Parks and Streetscape
Amenities
Further inventory records have been created and maintained of existing
amenities through new management of HBP. This base information will allow the
VIC Committee to plan and purchase new amenities in the public areas of the
central business district.
Sign Projects
Way Finding
VIC Committee has undertaken two sign projects. The Way Finding Signs
along Bay Avenue needs to be expanded to allow for additional businesses to
appear on the posts. That will mean additional structures added to existing
posts and new post locations. Currently, Business Owners pay for their own sign
and installation. Expansion will require an investment by HBP in 2002. Removal
and installation of old signs have been taken on by HBP to ensure that signs
are hung in an orderly fashion. Several signs were hung too low and they posed
a danger to pedestrians. HBP is working with the Borough on this program. HBP
purchased the wood materials, Borough installs wooden posts to sign fabricators
specifications and signs are installed by the fabricator to ensure the sign
programs expansion and that a comprehensive program can be offered and maintained
to businesses.
Welcome Signs at Bridge Ramps
New welcome signs were installed opposite Eastpointe and the bridge
ramp. The new signs have been since damaged from car accidents. Claims have
been placed through HBP insurance and signs are being repaired and replaced.
HBP continues to maintain the Bulkhead sign and showcases Highland’s events
and sponsors.
Economic Development Committee
Business Recruitment & Business Retention
Former Co-Chairs Bill Duncan and Roger Mumford
Smart Growth Application for funding from NJ Office of State Planning
As part of HBP efforts to develop a business recruitment and retention
program, an application was submitted with Monmouth County Planning Board and
the New Jersey Office of State Planning. HBP Business Advocate met with Joseph
Donald, Ed Fox, Office of State Planning; Bonnie Goldschlag, Bill Sampson to
explore options for Highlands and HBP. The initiative was discussed and identified
as a means for updating local master plan documents and facilitating a process
to improve the business climate and how re-use and expansion fits into the whole
town picture. HBP understands that re-development must have a vision for the
waterfront and underutilized commercial areas. All Smart growth funding was
placed on hold by the Governor’s office.
Livable Community Pilot Grant – HBP applied for a grant on behalf of the
borough to obtain vacant lots at Waterwitch and Bay Avenues for Parking areas
and a visitor Center.
This committee was pretty much at a stand-still due to awaiting the outcome
of the Smart Growth application. This committee plans to pursue the Business
planning guide for potential investors to be available at Borough Hall.
Annual Report 2002 Summary Statement
The development of resources, people, and activities is an ongoing
process that has attracted many diverse people during the year 2002. The re-investment
by Highlands’ business community, of time, talent and money, is a commitment
that has and will bring improvements to Highlands. The Borough has experienced
the talents and impact of what creating a vehicle for change can have on a community.
The re-investment by the business community will bring improvements to Highlands
at a steady, systematic pace. The systematic, consensus building strategies
that HBP will put forward will allow all Highlands' partners to share in its
continued success.
Submitted by Nick Evangelista, Manager 01/28/03
Edited 1/31/03 by Highlands Business Partnership Executive Board of Directors