About Us

An Introduction to Business Improvement Areas

A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is a geographic area in a municipality. A BIA board of management is an organization set up to provide certain business promotion and improvement functions. This allows local business people and property owners to join together, and, with the support of the municipality, organize, finance and carry out physical improvement and promote economic development in their district. The local municipality is responsible for establishing and approving the budget of the BIA.

The BIA has what is called a two-fold mandate:
* to improve, beautify and maintain public lands and buildings within the BIA, beyond  that which is provided by the municipality at large, and
* to promote the area as a business and shopping area

In carrying out these  responsibilities, BIA’s have become involved in numerous activities such as; Marketing, creating effective promotions to retain and expand  the customer base; Business Recruitment, working with property owners to ensure that available space is  occupied; Streetscape Improvement, providing customer friendly lighting, signage, planters, and sidewalk treatments and; Seasonal Decorations, which includes creating unique and pleasant environments for customers and staff through the use of decorations appropriate for the season.

The BIA offers many benefits to business operators, property owners, and even non-retailers. The BIA can improve a downtown’s local atmosphere, increase a town’s economic status, and encourage more local businesses to take part in local events. With BIA-initiated improvements and activities, an increase in property values is very possible. The BIA and its funded events and projects can help create a more vibrant community for local merchants, residents, and visitors.

2012 BDIA Board Members

Jim O'Brien (Chair)

Reynolds O'Brien LLP

Edie Haslauer (Vice Chair)

Broker,C21 Lanthorn R.E. Brokerage

Greg Knudsen (Treasurer)

Investment Advisor,Knudsen Brady Vaughan Advisory Group, CIBC Wood Gundy

Mike Malachowski (Board Member)

Owner, Funk N Gruven A- Z

Jack Miller (City Council Representative)

Sports Director, Quinte Broadcasting, City Council Representative

Darla Miller (Board Member)

Owner, That Special Touch

Ashley Longo (Board Member)

The Salon Group

Dwane Barratt (Board Member)

Owner, Barratt's Office Pro

Stephanie Trattner (Board Member)

Representative, Maxwell Paper Canada Inc.

Paul Dinkel (Board Member)

Owner, Paulo's Italian Trattoria and Dinkel's Restaurant & Courtyard

Mike Botterill (Board Member)

Owner, Bellevegas Boardroom