Annie MacInnis has been Executive Director of the Kensington BIA (Business Improvement Area) in Calgary for more than 20 years.
She is retiring from her role.
MacInnis says BIA’s play an important role in the success of local businesses across Canada.
The Kensington Business Improvement Area (BIA) is responsible for the beautification, event planning and marketing of the shopping district and is financed through a portion of business taxes from our member businesses. The BIA role, as defined by the City of Calgary, is to:
- Enhance the economic development of an area through promotion and marketing.
- Improve the physical environment of public spaces in commercial areas.
- Develop, improve and maintain public parking.
- Work collaboratively with The City in delivery of municipal services in their zones.
- Advocate for policies and practices that support economic vitality in their zones.
Its current Strategic Plan
- Branding and marketing initiatives
- Events planning
- Membership engagement
- Development of new revenue streams
- City Liaison and City stakeholder participation on several committees
- Website expansion and new technology implementation
- Society set-up
- Municipal Government Act (MGA) stakeholder
- Landlord Engagement and Retail Curation
- Public Realm (streetscape)
- Grant applications
- Art installations
- 3rd Avenue streetscape funding search
- Plaza public realm funding search
- Parking changes and initiatives
- Bike corrals negotiation with City
- Way-finding signage opportunities and development
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