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New Buffalo Business Association Announces Spring & Summer Event Updates

July 3rd Independence Day Celebrations Cancelled;
New Buffalo Farmer’s Market Moves Ahead

Virtually NEW BUFFALO, MI- On April 20th, at the New Buffalo City Council virtual meeting at 6:30 pm, the City Council approved the New Buffalo Business Association addendum to their special events applications, including the cancellation of July 3rd Independence Day celebrations, spring sidewalk sales and the transition of the New Buffalo Farmer’s Market into a virtual market  experience.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the New Buffalo Business Association amended the plan for the Spring/Summer 2020 event season in accordance with the governor’s orders & safety concerns in mind. The May 23-25 Spring Sidewalk Sales are cancelled and the New Buffalo Farmer’s Market is postponed until the beginning of July. The Farmer’s Market will evolve into a virtual platform organized by the NBBA, continuing to create relationships between farmers and the community. The July 3rd celebrations including the LaPorte Symphony Orchestra will also be cancelled and moving fireworks to the Ship & Shore Festival pending social gathering restrictions.

“With so much impact of COVID-19 on special events, we know there must be questions and concerns around insurance for businesses, events, and future projects,” said Audrey Tuszynski, Secretary & Co-Chair of NBBA Events Committee. “We will continue to assess how we can hold virtual/no-contact events for the surrounding community without compromising their safety, for the remainder of the social distancing season.”

The New Buffalo Business Association is a partnership of business and community members who share a common goal to promote healthy business growth in our communities through activities and events.

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Request for Proposals for Local Business Disaster Relief

Release Date: April 10 2020
Request Deadline: April 20 2020

Background

The New Buffalo Business Association (NBBA) is the business membership organization for the New Buffalo area. The NBBA’s been in existence for over 30 years and considered a pivotal piece of connecting the community and businesses together. The NBBA is also charged with organizing and executing a series of large events.

Mission Statement:
“The NBBA is a partnership of businesses and community members who share a common goal to promote healthy business growth through activities and events.”

Today’s Challenge

The NBBA is a unique organization located in a highly visited and loved beach community of Southwest Michigan.  The local economy is heavily reliant on the tourism industry, with the majority of our businesses catering to locals and visitors. The recent COVID-19 crisis placed businesses in the larger region in peril. Fortunately, the state and federal governments passed a series of bills to assist small business owners with loans, grants and funding – all geared to keeping small businesses afloat.

Like many Main Streets businesses, the bulk of the businesses in this region are what one may call ‘mom and pop’, independently run restaurants, cafes, services providers and more. These businesses, along with their workers, are at risk of not existing.

There are also a series of free resources (webinars, live chats etc.) that business owners can utilize however, we are finding that business owners need specific questions answered. Unique situations and availability of business owners calls for a person/group to have the ability to respond 1:1.

The Ask

We are specifically looking for businesses and consultants who are able to provide services immediately through June 30, 2020.

The NBBA is seeking a resource to serve as a conduit between area businesses and the various types of loans, grants and assistance programs that have been made and may be made available during the COVID-19 crisis. This resource can be an individual and/or a small firm, as we understand one person may need a team to assist with the 1:1 questions from business owners.

This person will serve as an expert on not only state laws and regulations, but be considered a pinch hitter to area small business owners who need more clarification in and around the plans released by the federal government, the State of Michigan and other area organizations.

Expectations

  • Work side by side along the New Buffalo Business Association board members, to direct those member businesses requests for guidance.
  • Aid businesses in filing disaster loan applications, Payroll protection programs, insurance navigation, mortgage relief assistance, economical loss estimations, business preparedness and more
  • Help prevent indefinite closures, once non-essential ban is lifted
  • Participate in weekly webinars with small business owners who are seek information and clarification
  • Potentially enable 1:1 consultations with business owners who seek more in-depth direction for assistance

Requirements

  • Previous experience in guiding small development in grant and loan applications.
  • A history of providing resources for employers/employees regarding financial or debt relief programs.
  • A working knowledge of business consultation, particularly with assisting small businesses with disaster preparedness and recovery.
  • Familiarity of Michigan small business resources, specifically from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation
  • Specific knowledge of Berrien County businesses a plus

Time Frame

Applications will be accepted beginning April 10 through April 20.

Format For Responses

Please click here to submit your proposal.

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Reminder: NBBA Annual Meeting December 5, 2019

NBBA Members! Don’t forget to register for the Annual Meeting.

Thursday, December 5
5:30 – 7:30 pm
Marina Grand Resort, Ashby Room

Enjoy light appetizers and beverages (cash bar).

This event is for NBBA Members only. Please RSVP at the link below. See you then! Don’t forget to bring your business cards to get a chance to win some prizes!

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NBBA Annual Meeting December 5, 2019

Dear NBBA Members,

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Time for all of our Members to gather for some Holiday Cheer!

You are cordially invited to the NBBA Annual Meeting to hear about the highlights of 2019 and the great things to come in 2020. This has been a pivotal year for the NBBA as the Board has expanded partnerships to produce our events that help drive traffic to New Buffalo.

When: Thursday, Dec. 5, 5:30-7:30 pm
Where: Marina Grand Resort, Ashby Room
600 West Water Street, New Buffalo

Thank you to Marina Grand and their Team for being our gracious hosts.
Join us in the Ashby Room for some Hor d’Oeuvres and Beverages (Cash Bar) from 5:30pm-7:30pm.

We will have a brief NBBA Presentation, Board Member Vote, Member Announcements, and Gift Basket Drawings. (Please bring your Business Cards to enter, must be present to win).

This event is only open to our Members, please RSVP below. We look forward to seeing you there!

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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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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