New Buffalo Business Association

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Save The Date! Whittaker Winter Wonderland 2019!

The New Buffalo Business Association Presents Whittaker Winter Wonderland 2019 on Saturday, November 30!

Kick off the holidays New Buffalo style with Santa at Rosie’s and Dooley’s, ginger bread houses, great arts and crafts and more at Elsie Earl, tree lighting with Mrs. Claus and Santa at the Transient Marina ( Whittaker & Water), karaoke at Dooleys, and more! If you are interested in the Ginger Bread House class, call Jackie’s Cafe, 269-469-1800. Santa looks forward to seeing you in New Buffalo!

Thank you to our lead sponsor, Jackie’s Cafe!

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2019 Holiday Events in New Buffalo

Kick off the holidays New Buffalo Style on Saturday, Nov 30th with Santa visits, Shop Small Saturday specials, gingerbread decorating, tree lighting and more presented by the NBBA. 

Poster

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30 SCHEDULE:

9 am – 12 pm: Rosie’s for breakfast with Santa, Arts & Crafts with Little Court

10:30 am – 3 pm: Elsie Earl Studios for arts & crafts, scavenger hunt and more

12 pm – 2 pm: Casey’s for Give-back lunch for Meals on Wheels

2 pm – 4 pm: Jackie’s Cafe for Ginger Bread house decorating class, must call 269-469-1800 to register.

4 pm – 6 pm: Dooley’s for pizza and drink specials, Fill the Sleigh with Santa and Teen/Jr. Teen Court

6:30 pm – 7 pm: Transient Marina (Whittaker/Water) for Mrs. Claus & Santa lighting tree, caroling with NBAS Choir. Hot Cocoa and Cookies provided by David’s Deli.

7 – 10 pm: Dooley’s, Karaoke with Queens, Ugly Sweater contest, s’mores and more.

The New Buffalo Holiday Events are pro bono community events organized and managed by the NBBA, businesses, and volunteers in our area. Donations or sponsorships support these events. Thanks to our sponsors, participating businesses and the public for supporting these events and for Shopping Local!

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October 2019 Member Newsletter

Harvest + Wine Fest Rated Best in Michigan

The critics have spoken and Harvest + Wine Fest is the best harvest festival in Michigan. Read all about it!

Be a part of making a festival happen and get a behind-the-scenes view of the action by volunteering at Harvest + Wine fest .

More Harvest + Wine info:
Music Line-up Info

Vendor applications available here!

Last Fall Market This Friday!

Come enjoy the last Fall Market of 2019. Last week was rained out, but at publishing time, Friday’s weather is looking like a cool fall day, perfect for a lakefront fall market..

Whittaker Street Bridge Repair Update

Your connection to New Buffalo Beach is being repaired to ensure you can always get to the beach! Check the City’s update here . The bridge is open, so you can still get to the beach. We hear there is some more great bridge news to come, so check back on their website for updates.

Climate Change and Our Lake

Join the Pokagon Fund at the New Buffalo Library to hear about the impacts of climate change on Lake Michigan fishing from the Superintendent of the Indiana Dunes National Park.
There’s Still More Fun Left in the Season

Our remaining Special Events for 2019:

Harvest & Wine Fest, Oct. 12, Lion’s Pavilion Park
Small Business Saturday, Nov. 30, throughout New Buffalo

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September 2019 Member Newsletter

Farmer’s Market Today 4-8 pm

This is the last Thursday market of the season, so come on down and soak it all in! There will be 3 fall markets on Fridays in late September and early October. See the facebook page for more info.

Sidewalk Sales Next Weekend

Get ready for a weekend of great finds in downtown New Buffalo. The merchants will be participating in the annual sidewalk sale and offering end of season finds that will be easy on your pocket book. Stroll the sidewalks of New Buffalo, browse the stores and catch some good eats at great local spots. See you there! Check our facebook page for updates.

Harvest & Wine Announces Music Headliner!

The 14th Annual Harvest & Wine Fest is coming up in October, and we are proud to announce that The Black Lilies will headline the event. Known for their captivating blend of rock & roll and country, they have become one of Americana music’s biggest success stories: an internationally-renowned band of roots-rockers, armed with songs that blur the boundaries between genres. More music line-up info will be posted here.

Vendor applications available here!

There’s Still More Fun Left in the Season

Our remaining Special Events for 2019:

New Buffalo Farmers Market, May 30 – Oct. 4
Sidewalk Sale, Sept. 7-8, downtown New Buffalo
Harvest & Wine Fest, Oct. 12, Lion’s Pavilion Park
Small Business Saturday, Nov. 30, throughout New Buffalo

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NBBA 2019 Membership Application

We invite you to join the New Buffalo Business Association, the business membership organization for the thriving independent business community in New Buffalo. We draw business to New Buffalo through marketing efforts and special events. Our members may also display their marketing materials in our public information booth at Whittaker and Merchant Streets.

Please use the application at the link below to apply. We look forward to meeting you!

2019 NBBA Membership Application

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December 2018 Member Newsletter

NBBA Annual Meeting & Holiday Party – Please RSVP!

The NBBA Annual Meeting and Holiday Party will be at The Stray Dog, 245 N. Whittaker St., on Thursday, December 6th, 5:30 to 7:30. Come to celebrate the holidays with your fellow NBBA members, vote for NBBA Board members and hear a short recap of NBBA’s 2018 achievements and plans for 2019. Appetizers provided. Cash bar. You may RSVP at this link or by sending an email to membership@newbuffalo.org.

Happy Holidays from the NBBA

The NBBA wishes you the happiest of holiday seasons and a festive New Year! If we don’t see you at the Annual Meeting on Dec. 6, we look forward to seeing you in the new year!

We are still recruiting folks to join 3 NBBA Committees: Special Events; Marketing & Communication; and Membership. Interested? Email us!

Thanks For Participating in Thanksgiving Weekend Events!

We thank all of the businesses and organizations that participated in the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend festivities, including Small Business Saturday. Kudos to all who participated, including all businesses, the parade participants, the New Buffalo School Choir, David’s Deli for the delicious Hot Cocoa and smores, Mr & Miss New Buffalo and little Miss/Junior Miss & Teen New Buffalo Court, Santa, Cathi Rogers, Rosie’s Restaurant, Casey’s New Buffalo, Lakeside Venditions, Loretta & Elsie Earl Studios, Jackie Shen and Jackie’s Café and the City of New Buffalo and the police department.

Harbor Country Community Needs Assessment Outcomes

On September 24, 2018, The Pokagon Fund sponsored a series of meetings for Community Needs Assessment by the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan. That day, four focus groups and a region-wide meeting were held throughout Harbor Country to identify the most pressing needs in our community that need to be addressed cooperatively and collectively over the next 3-5 years. You are invited to a follow-up meeting on Tuesday, December 11, 7:00 pm, at New Buffalo Township Library, to hear the outcomes of those meetings. If you aren’t able to attend the 7:00 pm meeting, there will also be an earlier meeting held at 1:00 pm at Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce in Three Oaks. Please RSVP via email to jcocciarelli@pokagonfund.org.

Social Media Shout Out

NBBA Members may receive exposure on the NBBA social media assets. Just send us info on your special events or other special features for your member business. We will provide coverage on the NBBA social media platforms. Please note that this program will be based on availability, so to ensure exposure send your top priority item. We will do our best to balance coverage among our members. Send your information to membership@newbuffalo.org.

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2018 President’s Letter

The New Buffalo Business Association would like to thank you for your support over the last year. While the NBBA has most recently provided event/activities and general marketing while encouraging economic activity for our members businesses, the NBBA leadership has determined it is time to take a larger look at what the NBBA provides, does and creates for our community and the impact we help provide.

In 2018 the NBBA will be changing its structure to allow the leadership to focus on the larger picture along to help aligning the organization to the needs of New Buffalo.

  • Cathi Rogers will step away from the Executive Director roll and focus on managing all events and community involvement for the NBBA.
  • Adam Burck will be contracted as a Professional Strategic Planner for the year.
  • The board will consist of 5 returning board members along with 2-3 new board members. Local stakeholders will be invited to join in on a SCAN-FOCUS-ACT Strategy
    process throughout the year.
  • Membership input and feedback will be sought to ensure that we are determining needs for our members and businesses in and around New Buffalo.
  • The Board will implement the plan and goals including alignment and/or restructure based on needs for New Buffalo and Community by Dec 31, 2018
    Goals for 2018
  • Review and create more value for our members
  • Look into funding of Economic Impact Study of events for New Buffalo
  • Continue to strengthen our relationship with the City and Township to create more positive activities and events to support our community all year
  • Assist the Downtown Development Authority and Corridor Improvement Authority with long-term program initiatives
  • Help to support other non-profits in our area

NBBA Member Benefits

  • Advertising opportunities with our city map and other regional marketing guides
  • Reach over 15,000 visitors yearly with your printed material, restocked weekly in the
    NBBA Information Booth in downtown New Buffalo
  • Event based and Annual sponsor opportunities for over 40 days of events in our area (reaching over 35,000 attending annually and over 100,000 in marketing campaigns) packages include corporate logos, signage, giveaways, free or discounted booth space, digital and print marketing in IL, IN and MI markets
  • Revamp of NewBuffalo.org website for easier navigation and offerings in our community
  • Networking gatherings include: introducing new and current members, providing updates on plans in New Buffalo and meeting NBBA and City of New Buffalo leadership.
  • Social media pages – Facebook (NewBuffalo Page), weekly postings, members’ announcements/specials/events, call out of new members, sponsors, and special highlights in the New Buffalo community. NBBA event specific pages (over 10,000 visitors to pages) including boosted posts to specific demographics. Instagram – posting of events and community images.
  • Local and Regional marketing of New Buffalo, events and the community as a place to enjoy, relax, and visit

If you have any questions, please contact membership@newbuffalo.org. We look forward to a new year of exciting possibilities and in working with all our members to help New Buffalo grow.

Respectfully,

Karen Poff
President, Board of Directors

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2018 NBBA Calendar of Events Announced

Calendar of Events in New Buffalo 2018

Listing of Community Events and Activities happening In and Around New Buffalo from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018.

Jan – Feb – Winter Fest activities TBA (weather permitting)

March 24th – New Buffalo Easter Egg Hunt ~ 1pm, American Legion

April 21st – “Beer in the Buff” Craft Brew Festival ~ 12-6pm

  • 1st Annual craft beer festival in Lions Park 12-5pm. Over 30 craft beer/spirit tastings, food, and live music. 21 and older event, tickets available here

Jun-Aug (1st Wednesday of each month) – New Buffalo Classic Car Cruise ~ 6-9pm, N. Whittaker Street

  • located in downtown New Buffalo ~ Live music, over 40+ classic cars, family fun

May 31st – Sept 6th (weekly) – New Buffalo Farmers Market ~ 4-8pm, N. Whittaker Street

  • stroll through downtown New Buffalo each Thursday night and enjoy over 50 produce/food, art/craft vendors, food trucks, live music, and family activities

June 28th – July 5th – Independence Celebration Week ~ Public Beach and Lions Park

  • Thurs-Fri – 50% Surf /Paddleboard rentals at the beach by Third Coast Surf
  • Tuesday the 3rd–7-12pm – LaPorte Symphony, Food and Fireworks at Lions Park (free for public)
  • Thursday the 5th-4-8pm Downtown Farmers Market includes Petting Zoo and Market Bag givieaway

August 10th, Friday – Classic Car Show and Live Music ~ 5-11:30pm, Lions Park

  • located in Lions Park (across from public beach, enjoy over 60 classic cars, live music and food vendors – family fun for all – sunset free to all!
  • NOTICE: New Buffalo Ship & Shore will not be held for 2018. The NBBA is in the process of re-structuring Ship and Shore for 2019. Our hope is to create an event(s) that our community, residents and visitors alike will enjoy yearly, while meeting the New Buffalo Business Association’s new strategic goals. Any questions, please contact us at events@newbuffalo.org

August 10th – 12th – MI Largest Garage Sale

  • Friday, A/ug 10th – Classic Car Show and live music in Lions Park
  • starts in New Buffalo and follows US 12 to Detroit MI

We are sorry to confirm that 2018 Ship & Shore Fest has, in fact, been cancelled for 2018 due to challenges with location and funding this year. The New Buffalo Business Association is still in the process of completing the rest of our 2018 events as part of the overall goals of our organization. We will keep you posted with more details as they are made available….stay turned!

September

Sunday, Sept 30th – Apple Cider Century – The Apple Cider Century in Three Oaks, Michigan is a bicycle tour of the countryside and towns of Southwest Michigan. Riders enjoy the food, sights and sounds and camaraderie of fall cycling.

October

Sunday, Oct 7th – Skip’s Annual Chili Cook-off – annual event features restaurant chefs competing with home cooks offering their best chili recipe and more! More info on Facebook.com

Saturday, Oct 20th – New Buffalo Service League Craft Show – Annual Arts & Crafts Show – over 100 booths, food, bake sale

Saturday, Oct 20th – 2nd Annual Islay’s Barrel Brew Fest with Journeyman – 30+ Breweries, Mead/Cideries, and Wineries will be on-site bringing their choice selection of brews. More info on Facebook.com

October 6th, Saturday – 13th Annual Harvest & Wine Fest ~ Noon-9pm, Lions Park (across for New Buffalo Public Beach)

In our 13th year, H&W Fest features over 21 regional wineries, craft ciders, and craft beers to enjoy, live music, art/craft exhibitors and food vendors (Music line up on H&W TBA)

October 28th, Sunday – New Buffalo Halloween Parade and Trick-or-Treat ~ downtown New Buffalo

November 24th – December 15th – Gnome on the Roam Hunt ~ see link for list of participating businesses in New Buffalo. Great “Gnomers” can enter to win grand prize worth $450+. Like us at facebook.com/gnomeroam

November/December – New Buffalo Holiday Events ~ In and Around New Buffalo

  • On Saturday, Nov 24th enjoy a Santa breakfast, visit & parade, Shop Local, decorate gingerbread houses, tree lighting & caroling, family fun activities (Nov 24th schedule TBA)
  • Lists of local holiday events, activities, dining specials, and much more listed for your enjoyment throughout the season including New Years celebrations