City Announces Strategic Planning Process for BEAD

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 10, 2007   For more information, please contact: Miah Michaelsen, Assistant Economic Development Director for the Arts, City of Bloomington, 349-3534 Maria K. Heslin, Communications Director, City of Bloomington, 349-3569     City Announces Strategic Planning Process for BEAD   Bloomington, IN - Assistant Economic Development Director for the Arts Miah Michaelsen announced today the City of Bloomington will begin strategic planning for the Bloomington Entertainment and Arts District (BEAD). The planning process begins with an organizational meeting Monday, August 20 at 6 p.m. in the McCloskey Room in City Hall.     The goal of the planning process is to develop a five-year strategic plan that clearly defines the scope, strategies, goals and objectives of BEAD; the specific development of its defined character areas and event programming; and the role the City of Bloomington and other community partners will play in its development. In addition, the strategic plan will identify how BEAD becomes part of a larger, long term vision to foster continued growth for downtown, Bloomington's economy, the arts, and the cultural community over the next 10 years.   The strategic planning group includes 25 individuals representing more than 20 different economic sectors currently found in BEAD including small business, restaurants, artists, property development, arts and cultural entities and business advocacy organizations.    The group will meet October 8, November 5 and December 3 and is expected to submit its recommendations by early December to the Mayor's Economic Development staff with phased-in implementation to begin immediately. The public is welcome to attend. Individuals interested in receiving meeting notices and information about BEAD are encouraged to contact Miah Michaelsen at 349-3534 or michaelm@bloomington.in.gov.   # # #