Chamber and BID plan community trick-or-treat event to engage downtown businesses

In a recent meeting of the Selma City Council's Business Improvement District (BID), members discussed plans for an upcoming community event aimed at engaging local businesses and families. The focus of the meeting was on how to effectively promote participation among downtown businesses for a trick-or-treat event, which is expected to foster community spirit and support local commerce.

Council members emphasized the importance of creating a compelling pitch for businesses, highlighting potential benefits such as increased visibility and community goodwill. Suggestions included distributing flyers to BID businesses and utilizing social media to spread the word. The council noted that a collaborative approach with the local chamber of commerce could enhance outreach efforts, potentially involving promotional videos to attract participation.

A significant point of discussion was the logistics of the event, particularly the need to block off streets to ensure safety for families attending the festivities. Ideas were proposed for organizing activities, such as a contest for the best-decorated vehicle, which could incentivize businesses to participate while also adding an element of fun to the event. This could include prizes like gift cards or trophies, fostering a sense of competition and community pride.

While some members expressed the view that businesses should contribute to the event without expecting incentives, the overall sentiment was that participation would not only benefit the businesses but also enhance the community's image. The council believes that showcasing local businesses' involvement in community events could attract attention from neighboring areas, reinforcing the importance of community investment.

As the planning progresses, the BID aims to finalize details and ensure that the event successfully brings together local businesses and families, creating a vibrant atmosphere that celebrates community engagement. The next steps will involve further coordination with businesses and the chamber to solidify participation and logistics for the event.