Tag Archives: dmd

The Downtown Management District (DMD) will be hosting the Second Annual Downtown Running of the Bulls 5k and fun run, and are adding a contest to this year’s event.

The run is presented by Corona Premier, and will take place on October 20

This year the DMD will have a naming contest inviting the public to help name all eight (8) bulls.

Via a Wednesday news release, officials announced, “Each bull has been carefully recruited for their willingness to relocate and participate in our fun run, but they refuse to use their real names for fear of public backlash in the event of an unforeseen goring. We’re asking the public to help us find new names!”

DMD officials be giving away free tickets to the run, and all it takes to qualify for a chance to win is participation.  Participants need to comment on the upcoming posts asking for a name suggestion, on both their Instagram and Facebook pages with a suggested name for that particular bull.

“Suggesting a name in the comments sections will automatically enter participants for a chance to win a free ticket to the run…our bulls are proud professionals so be kind with the pseudonyms, please,” officials added.

The contest will run from September 27^th to October 2^nd, with all names announced on October 3^rd, in addition to the winners of the run tickets.

Registration is open online; runners and walkers of all ages are welcome to run among the bulls with participation tokens now being given in addition to medals for top finishing runners in seven (7) age brackets and three (3) fastest teams.

Registration for $30 includes a “build your own” breakfast burrito from Porkie’s BBQ, an exclusive draw string bag, t-shirt, and access to the activity zone, following the run.

The DMD is actively seeking volunteers interested in participating in the Running of the Bulls. Volunteers will have an opportunity to support downtown in a fun event and will receive a free t-shirt, and meal for their efforts. Interested volunteers should call the DMD at (915) 400-2294

To register for the event visit the webpage or follow the Facebook event page.

The results are in for the Downtown Management District (DMD) fourth annual downtown survey conducted during the entire month of July, 2018.

“We value what our stakeholders and the general public thinks of the DMD and downtown. I’m pleased to see that the community continues to recognize the progress being made. It’s vital we don’t take this support for granted, and that we keep our finger on the pulse of the public so we can continue to improve our programs and aid in the prosperity of our downtown. This survey offers the kind of insightful criticism and positive feedback that is crucial to the course we set in the coming year.” said DMD Executive Director, Joe Gudenrath.

According to the data, a growing percentage  of respondents favor the direction downtown is headed and have witnessed improvement over the last 12 months.

“The DMD thanks all who participated including our winner of the $100 gift certificate to Anson 11, Jimena Aguirre,” said Gudenrath, adding, “We will always keep the views of the public in mind as we continue our efforts to breathe more life into our downtown through our programs and advocacy.”

The online survey was distributed via local media, social media, flyers, direct mail and e-mail.

Regarding the Current Conditions of Downtown El Paso:

• 83% of respondents say Downtown is Progressing (up 8% from 2017)
• 76% of respondents say their Perception of Downtown has Improved over the last 12 months (up 10% from 2017)
• Among Downtown Visitors, 57% came for Events (up 2% from 2017)
• Of those events attracting people, Theater Events were the main driver (27%)

Regarding the future of downtown, the public’s top 3 priorities are:

1. Parking
2. Safety/Security
3. Family Friendly Atmosphere and Businesses

Regarding the DMD’s Performance and Services:

• 92% of respondents gave the DMD a passing grade (“C” or better)
  • “A” = 20% (up 2%)
  • “B” = 53% (up 3%)
  • “C” = 19% (down 3%)
  • “D” = 2% (down 3%)
  • “F” = 2% (down 2%)

• 54-60% of respondents favored DMD expansion in 3 areas of service:
  • Advocacy and Planning (60%)
  • Economic Development & Grants (56%)
  • Marketing & Promotions (54%)

The fifteen (15) question online survey, made available in both English and Spanish, garnered 694 total respondents.

The DMD utilizes the unscientific, online survey to gauge the opinions of downtown property owners, business owners, employees, visitors and the general public on the present conditions of downtown, future needs, and the performance of the DMD itself.

The results of this survey were shared with the DMD Board at its August 23^rd.

The Downtown Management District and five locally-owned downtown restaurants are teaming up to provide El Pasoans an exclusive dining opportunity.

The Downtown Eat Authentico Restaurant Crawl is back, and will once again provide participants with a five-course meal served at five different downtown restaurants (one course per restaurant).

The event will take place on September 26th, 27th and 28th.

Groups of 10 will start their crawl at 6pm and 7pm on all three nights, with an additional crawl starting at 8pm on Friday, September 28th.

The Eat Authentico Restaurant Crawl is a ticketed event and only 70 tickets over the three days are available.

Each crawl will be limited to 10 people per time period. Tickets for the Wednesday and Thursday crawls are $40 with tickets to the Friday crawls priced at $45 and all tickets are available at downtownelpaso.com.

The menu and walking tour will include the following:

*There will be no menu item substitutions or special menu alternatives, such as vegan options.

The El Paso Downtown Management District (DMD) wants to highlight the growing business opportunities within Downtown El Paso through a new initiative called Start Up Downtown.

This initiative will kick-off with the first annual Start Up Downtown 1 to 1 Business Seminar, Workshop and Tour on Saturday, September 15^th starting at 10am at the El Paso Community Foundation Room, 333 North Oregon Street.

According to DMD officials, Start Up Downtown is “a new initiative of the Downtown Management District to reestablish Downtown El Paso as the City’s foremost location for investment, entrepreneurship and opportunity for all types, sizes and forms of business.”

The initiative brings together the resources and expertise of numerous economic development partners including the Downtown Management District, City of El Paso Economic Development Department, El Paso County the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Women’s Business Border Center, the Small Business Development Center Network, the Minority Business Development Agency, and others.

These resources will be available to existing and potential downtown businesses and property owners.  This event is free to the public and those interested can register at www.downtownelpaso.com.

3 Areas of Focus

1. Business Services

Utilizing many existing services the DMD already provides, we increase our outreach to existing businesses and property owners to help provide them with information and resources to operate in our ever-changing world and take advantage of the new opportunities emerging in our resurging downtown.

Business Services includes grants, marketing, web/social media coaching, business development, and available property listings.

2. Connections and Information

When determining where to locate your office or establish a business, information and understanding about the area is critical. Basic demographic information currently exists for properties and businesses within Downtown El Paso. We will supplement that content with information gained from additional research, surveys and on the street analysis.

With the support of property owners, we’ll maintain a list of available properties. Lastly, we continue to expose El Pasoans to local businesses through our ongoing promotions and events.

3. 1 to 1 Business Seminar, Workshop & Tour

The concept which started it all was the need for an event to connect entrepreneurs with the information, expertise and opportunity that exists in Downtown El Paso. On Saturday, September 15^th the DMD and its partner agencies will host the first annual Start Up Downtown 1 to 1 Business Seminar, Workshop & Tour.

Entrepreneurs will be invited to this free event (registration at online) to learn about downtown’s changing economy and hear from current downtown business owners.  From there, they will be able to speak 1 to 1 with a variety of service providers who cater to small business development. Business development and service professionals will be on hand to start conversations.

Lastly, attendees will be invited to tour available spaces that day and speak to brokers about future relationships. The overall goal of this event is to expose the public to opportunities downtown and to plant the seeds for future investment.

Event Schedule

9:30am – 10am           Check-in & Registration

10am – 10:15am         Networking

10:15 – 11am              Seminar

Speakers Include: Joe Gudenrath, DMD; Mel Maese, Pizza Joint; Miguel Diaz, Hotel Indigo; Johnny Escalante, One:One; Emily Beardmore, El Paso Live; and Paul Kortenaar, El Paso children’s museum.

11am – 1pm                Workshop

Participants Include: Ghostlight Creative; Lift Fund; Devo Design & Construction; Downtown Management District; City of El Paso Economic Development; Greater El Paso Chamber of Commerce; El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Small Business Development Center; El Paso Inc.; Event Creators; Women’s Business Border Center; and Minority Business Development Agency.

12pm – 3pm                Tour

Available properties include: 416 N. Stanton St.; 501 S. Campbell; 300 E. Main; 304 S. Stanton St.; 100 N. Stanton St.; 401 E. Main; 909 Texas Ave.; 500 N. Oregon; and 109 N. Oregon.

In early June, the Downtown Management District (DMD) challenged local musicians to compose an original song in any genre that was inspired by Downtown El Paso (DTEP).

The song finalists were posted on the contest voting page and the public was encouraged to vote with a ‘LIKE’ for one or more of their favorite songs.

After a few weeks of voting, El Pasoans selected their winners.

First Place and winner of a $300 Gift Certificate to Café Central and a music video produced by Sir Realistic Productions goes to RC Manor for his song, “Sun City Lovin’”. 

Second Place and winner of $150 Gift Certificate to Anson 11 goes to Sebastian Garcia, for his song, “Paper Border Cutout”.

Third Place and winner of a $50 Gift Certificate to Park Tavern goes to Joseph Martinez for his song, “Love My City”.

The El Paso Downtown Management District (DMD) is once again asking for public input about Downtown El Paso and the ongoing efforts of the DMD to improve the heart of the city.

The survey, now in its fourth year, is a crucial component in shaping DMD’s direction and focus when it comes to the downtown area.

“This will be our fourth public survey, and we expect the community will continue to update us on what is important to them in downtown and how we can improve as an organization. This process should always include the opinions of not only our stakeholders but the general public as well. The strength of a downtown impacts the entire community and our downtown should reflect that,” said DMD Executive Director Joe Gudenrath.

During the month of July, the DMD encourages downtown property owners, business owners, employees, visitors and the general public to take its online survey and then share their opinion on the current conditions of downtown, the performance of the DMD and future priorities for the area.

The survey can be accessed by visiting DowntownElPaso.com and clicking on the slider, the “About DMD section” or directly at Downtown Survey.

Participants can also register for a chance to win a $100 gift certificate/card to a downtown business within the DMD boundaries.

The information gained from this brief, unscientific survey will be used by the DMD to better measure its performance and provide guidance on what is important to its stakeholders and the entire El Paso community.

Past survey results have contributed to the creation of the DMD’s Downtown Ambassador Program and additional grant programs including the Downtown Mural Grant Program.

The online survey is available in English and Spanish. For those without online access, hard copies can be obtained at the DMD offices located at 201 East Main. Suite 107, or by calling (915) 400-2294.

Musically-inclined El Pasoans now have a chance to serenade Downtown El Paso (DTEP) via an original song in any genre of music, as a group, band, or solo, as long as your song expresses something positive about DTEP.

In a Friday morning news release, DMD Officials shared, “We invite any and all musicians to create something timeless and endearing to celebrate our downtown.”

“Winners will be chosen by a voting public, so gather your biggest supporters or earn new ones with your musical chops,” officials added

Winners will have their song distributed online through our DTEP social channels and win gift cards to some of DTEP’s best restaurants including Café Central, Anson 11, and Park Tavern.

First place will have a music video produced to their song by Sir Realistic Productions and posted to the Downtown El Paso Youtube Channel.

• Second Place Winner-$150 Gift Card to Anson 11
• Third Place Winner-$50 Gift Card to Park Tavern

Submissions (audiofiles) will be accepted via Dropbox or Google Drive links and e-mailed to rvasquez@elpasodmd.org.  Official rules are online, as is the Crescendo Parental Consent Form for Minors wanting to submit; all they have to do is Sign and e-mail to rvasquez@elpasodmd.org or drop off 201 East Main Ste. 107)

DEADLINE for Submissions is midnight, June 29, 2018. Winners will be announced in the July 5th edition of the INSIDER Newsletter; (Click here to subscribe)

With the summer event season now if full swing, Downtown Ambassadors adorned in purple shirts will now be active on weekends, and event times to assist downtown visitors.

“Since the inception of the program we have learned that greeting visitors to our downtown with a smile goes a long way. Our ambassadors have been trained to assist in providing directions, information, recommendations, and a helping hand. The feeling visitors have when they visit is what they remember, so look for those smiles and purple shirts,” said DMD Executive Director, Joe Gudenrath.

The Downtown Welcome Ambassador Program places friendly, identifiable, knowledgeable and trained ambassadors in public downtown spaces to greet visitors, answer questions, provide maps, and assist people as needed.

The Downtown Management District (DMD) implemented the program in 2016 as a response to a growing downtown and the desire to, as DMD officials say, “help in making the experience for visitors a positive one.”

For more information, visit the DMD’s Website.

The El Paso Downtown Management District (DMD) is proud to announce that Executive Director, Joe Gudenrath, has been identified by the International Downtown Association (IDA) as emerging leader within his professional field.

Gudenrath was among 30 of the industries brightest professionals for the IDA’s 2018 Emerging Leaders Fellowship program.

“I’m committed to helping make Downtown El Paso the pride of our region and an example of a strong community for the nation to take notice of,” said DMD Executive Director Joe Gudenrath. “I’m confident this experience will arm us with additional tools to continue our work and I look forward to sharing our experiences with others.”

The Emerging Leader Fellowship is a week-long experiential program bringing together a cohort of IDA professionals from within the urban district management industry. The fellows learn essential leadership and place management skills and gain practical tools in the areas of place-based economic development, the live-work-play experience, and public-private partnerships.

“Joe’s identification as an emerging leader is a compliment to both his professional qualities and the progress Downtown El Paso has made within recent years,” said DMD Board President Jon Law. “The nation is paying attention to what we are accomplishing and the people who are helping to make it happen.”

The program takes place June 17-22, 2018 in New York City featuring intensive instruction delivered by IDA partners at Baruch College, City University of New York, Times Square Alliance and Coro New York Leadership Center.

Professionals from several business improvement district (BID) organizations across the city provide technical in-the-field training. The event takes place at various locations throughout Manhattan with field visits provided by several local BID leaders.

“The International Downtown Association is looking to build the future of our industry, and these accomplished executives are the rising stars of our profession,” said David Downey, President and CEO of IDA. “With this program, we’re educating and inspiring the next generation of leaders.”

These leaders hail from 3 countries and 21 provinces and states, including Cape Town (South Africa), Calgary (Alberta), Honolulu, New York City, Anchorage, Sioux Falls, Sacramento, Houston, Denver and El Paso.

The El Paso Downtown Management District (DMD) has developed a program to increase the number of bike racks in the downtown community to benefit the property and business owners in addition to cyclists.

“As Downtown El Paso becomes more bicycle friendly, we wanted to come up with a simple process that allows for the request and installation of bike racks within a relatively short amount of time,” said DMD Executive Director Joe Gudenrath. “This program eliminates the disincentive to the property/business owners and encourages the installation of much needed infrastructure.”

The process is simple. Property/business owners fill out the Bicycle Rack Request Form located on the DMD’s website, and submit it to the organization. The DMD and the City will inspect the site to determine compliance with City requirements in relation to the rack’s position on the sidewalk.

Once the site is approved, or an acceptable location is identified, the rack will be installed by the DMD. Maintenance of the racks will also be provided by the DMD. The entire process is expected to take less than 45 days.

The current process requires the property/business owner to apply for a special privilege permit for the placement of a bike rack on private property. Along with the permit, the applicant must purchase the rack, and pay an annual permit fee. Maintenance of the rack also falls on the permit applicant.

Distribution of bike racks under the new program will be based on a first-come, first-served basis of suitable locations.

Funds for this program are limited to approximately 20 racks, and once exhausted, the program will be on hold until additional funds are made available.

After the success of last year’s Downtown Management District (DMD) first-hand look at some of the living options in Downtown El Paso (DTEP), the DMD is having another Downtown Living Tour.

The DMD, along with local developers, will once again showcase residential options and show potential residents what it would be like to live in Downtown El Paso.

“Downtown El Paso is quickly becoming a modern urban neighborhood. This exclusive tour showcases living opportunities and highlights recent investment with an added taste of community eateries,” said DMD Executive Director Joe Gudenrath.

Tickets for the tour are $15 each and quantities are limited. The self-guided tours will be available from 11am – 4pm, on Saturday, April 7, 2018.

Tour participants will experience food and drink at each location from some of downtown’s tasty eateries, such as Porkie’s BBQ, Nishi Ramen, International, Delight, Smash & Roll, 501 Bistro, and Mac’s Place.

This year will also offer enhanced shuttle service between stops, taking guests to each location in a circuit. There will be opportunities to win a prizes, and those prizes will be announced soon! Tickets can be purchased online.

Participating developments include:

• The Abdou Building, 115 N. Mesa Street
• The 501, 501 S. Campbell Street
• Essex Alley, 513 W. San Antonio Avenue
• Franklin Avenue Apartments, 617 W. Franklin Avenue
• Martin Lofts (ElectriCity), 217 N. Stanton Street
• Roderick Artspace Lofts, 601 N. Oregon Street
• The Savoy, 120 S. Stanton Street

On the heels of the Barstool Open event, the Downtown Management District (DMD) keeps their fingers on the pulse by bringing back the Valentine season’s Hidden Hearts scavenger hunt.

“The Barstool Open was a great success and while we prepare for the next in our series of annual events, we will continue to offer our signature grassroots contests like the Hidden Hearts. These efforts are designed to showcase what the downtown has to offer as we move forward through renovations and infrastructure improvements–great businesses are still open and worth visiting,” said Joe Gudenrath, DMD Executive Director.

The public is offered the opportunity to win prizes to downtown restaurants just in time for Valentine’s Day and have a great time while doing it.

All five (5) papel picado hearts will be hidden on businesses’ storefronts throughout downtown in each of the five (5) districts starting today.  This time every participant must find all five (5) hearts to be entered for a chance to win a $100 gift card to one of five great downtown restaurants.

Use the clues scavenger hunt style! Every participant that finds all five (5) hearts is automatically entered for a chance to win one of five $100 gift cards from Downtown El Paso (DTEP) restaurants: Tabla, 501 Bistro, Coco Loko, The Park Tavern, and Café Central.

To play, just follow these steps:

Step 1 –           Use the clues posted at DowntownElPaso.com to find the Hidden Hearts.

Step 2 –           Take a selfie with the heart!

Step 3 –           Post each photo or a collage of the photos and tag us @DowntownElPaso on Instagram, Facebook or direct message us the photos!

No purchase is necessary in order to participate. Contest ends February 11, 2018. Winners will be announced on Monday, February 12, 2018 via social media and at DowntownElPaso.com; visit the SPOTLIGHT section.

Organizers remind contestants to make posts public so they are visible for inclusion in contest.

El Centro District Clue:

There is no Trick to finding this Heart
On a window where Music is the performing Art
It is next to a House of Ink
And Rock is washed down with a Drink

Las Plazas Arts District Clue:

Look inside where you’ll find Plumes of Smoke
This place, playtime with Poker, will Invoke
Across from a Monument to History
You might find a Cuban and solve this Mystery

Union Plaza District Clue:

Part of the name rhymes with Amen
Indeed, you’ll be praying for more, Again and Again
An Eatery that celebrates a Food created by the Japanese
A dish that elevates a Soup eaten in College with Ease

Office District Clue:

Look for this Shop beside San Jacinto Plaza
El Paso Art, and Tees, and Photos perfect for your Casa
A store that deals in Merchandise, Authentic and Local
If you find it, do not spoil it – be anything but Vocal!

Government District Clue:

Find this Heart at a Bar that is almost as good as drinking at your House
You will find it, as always, right next to the El Paso County Courthouse
A Watering-hole with a little bit of Soul, the jukebox plays everything except maybe Rap
But the company is so good, even if it does, your foot will begin to…

RULES

– Clues will be posted on social media @DowntownElPaso and SPOTLIGHT section of DowntownElPaso.com

– Both couples and singles can enter, however; couples posting in same photo count as one entry.

– You must find and send selfies with all five (5) hearts to be entered for a chance to win.

– Do not post location of heart. Saying where the heart is located on social media will disqualify you.

– Prizes cannot be exchanged for cash value. (No purchase necessary to participate.)

A miniature golf tournament is headed to Downtown El Paso, to show off the city’s nightlife and to test resident’s mini-golf skills

The Barstool Open, presented by Miller Lite and Topgolf and produced by the Downtown Management District (DMD), is a 9-hole miniature golf tournament with holes spread throughout seven downtown bars.

For a $60 registration fee ($80 for day-of registration), teams of four will receive a swag bag, play 9-holes of miniature golf, have the opportunity to compete for a variety of prizes, and experience some of the downtown’s great bars.

The Barstool Open is but one the Downtown Management District’s latest event highlighting downtown assets.

In April, the DMD will host the second annual Downtown Living Tour showcasing modern, urban residential options. Also in September, the DMD will also host the second annual Eat Authentico Restaurant Crawl, as well as the Running of the Bulls 5k Run/Walk in October.

More information and registration can be accessed online. The event will be held on Saturday, January 27^th. Packet pick-up and day-of registration will be open from 10:30am-1pm at Circa 1963.

Golfing will start at 11am and run through 3pm, with teams guiding themselves to the various locations at their leisure and in their desired order. An awards ceremony will be held from 3-4:30pm at Circa 1963.

Participating bars include:

• Circa 1963, 325 N. Kansas (inside Hotel Indigo)
• Craft & Social, 305 E. Franklin
• EPIC Bar & Nightclub, 510 N. Stanton
• Gray Dog, 500 N. Oregon St.
• International, 114 E. Mills Ave.
• Park Tavern, 204 E. Mills Ave.
• The Speak Easy, 303 E. Franklin Ave.

Prizes will be awarded in the following categories:

• The Topgolf Best Team Costume/Outfit (Prizes provided by Topgolf)
• Best Team Name
• Low Team Score
• Low Individual Score
• The Coffee Box Hole-in-One prize (Free Coffee Box beverage (up to $5 value) for participants who make a hole-in-one)

The Downtown Management District (DMD) is focusing on supporting small businesses this holiday shopping season. With more people than ever visiting Downtown El Paso through the holidays for the seasonal decorations, Winterfest, and shopping, there is an opportunity to support small businesses in the district as well.

Founded by American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday takes place on the Saturday following Thanksgiving (November 25, 2017), but shopping is encouraged throughout the season.

The DMD is distributing over 300 tote bags with a variety of additional promotional items to help the businesses get the word out–such branded items include: pet bandanas, hearts, pennants, banners, welcome mats, balloons, tent cards, buttons, posters, pens, and more!

In addition, the DMD is investing in paid advertising to increase of the reach of the message. The “support local” and “shop small,” message is being broadcast in both English and Spanish.

In an effort to connect some small business owners to the public, the DMD is also producing a “Faces of Small Business” video series on the Downtown El Paso YouTube channel. The DMD will add to the video playlist with more small business highlights over the course of the season and can first be seen by signing up for the weekly INSIDER newsletter.

“The DMD recognizes the importance of small business investments to our downtown. Not only does it add to the variety and character of Downtown El Paso, but they are a reflection of a community you won’t find anywhere else. We encourage the public to support small businesses and add downtown to their list of holiday shopping destinations, where they’ll not only find local retail, but café’s, and restaurants too.”

The DMD is also sponsoring the Wintermarket at this year’s Winterfest with even more small businesses that will have even more holiday gift items to purchase.

Here are a few small business statistics from the Small Business Administration:

• Small businesses account for 99.7% of all businesses in the US.
• Small businesses accounted for 64% of new jobs created in the U.S. between 1993-2011
• If you spend $100 at a local business, roughly $68 stays in your local economy. If you spend the same at a large business, only $43 stays in your local economy. (Source: Civic Economics Study in Grand Rapids, Michigan)

The Downtown Management District’s Inaugural Running of the Bulls 5k fun run is set to break loose on Saturday morning, October 21^st in Downtown El Paso.

Participants will have access to a BBQ brunch following the run, and access to the United Bank Activity Zone.  The fun run is presented by Amstel X Light.

In the United Bank Activity Zone participants will have access to entertainment sponsored by Sotoak Realty, including mechanical bulls, a bounce house, flamenco dancing, a photo booth, “bulls,” a DJ and the Amstel X Light Bar.

Awards will be presented to the top Male and Female in each age bracket: 15 & under, 16-21, 22-35, 36-45, 46-55, 56-65, 66 and over
Awards to the 3 fastest teams – must have a minimum of 5 people to compete and to be scored.

Opening Ceremony – 8:15 a.m.

Race Start – 9 a.m.  |  Saturday, October 21, 2017

For registration information, click HERE.