The Annual Christmas Craft Sale will be held November 18-19th,2011 at the Kin center. The sale will be open on Friday from 5-9 pm and again on Saturday from 10am-2pm. Lots of great Christmas gift ideas from a number of local vendors.

The Annual Christmas Craft sale will be held on November 18-19th,2011 at the Kin Center. The sale will be open 5-9 pm on Friday evening and again from 10am- 2pm on Saturday.Lots of great Christmas gift ideas.

The 9^th Annual APEGNB Pumpkin Fling was a HUGE success on Waterford Green- Historic Chatham Business District this past Saturday September 24^th. This worthwhile undertaking raised in total over $2,000.00 toward the School District 16 - Kids Healthy Breakfast Program. That represents a significant increase over last year. Way to go Miramichi!

Pumpkin painting and carving, a Pumpkin Roller coaster, Pumpkin Plinko and Pumpkin croquet were only a few of the many events held throughout the day. The highlight event of the day was of course the “Pumpkin Blast”. Top honours for the large cannon went to Kailey MacLean and the first place in the onion cannon went to Maggie Robichaud. Worst pumpkin shot of the day went to Ethan Arbeau with Lillian Nowlan having the worst shot from the onion cannon. Two year old Caden Sullivan, dressed in fine pumpkin attire, was the sole participant in the wagon parade and took home first place honours with his winning entry. The Rotary Club of Chatham hosted the Chilli Cook-Off. Three local restaurants (Anglers Reel, Hoagies, and O’Donaghues) and the Rotary entered their spicy concoctions. After the votes were tabulated, Hoagies Coffee House was crowned the chilli champ.

Mother Nature cooperated making it a well attend very successful event. Plans are already in the works for next year (September 22^nd 2012) when pumpkins will again be flying on Waterford Green

 

Both the Newcastle Business District & Historic Chatham Business District of the DowntownS Miramichi Network has had a busy, and might I add successful summer. I’ve assumed the role of General Manger temporarily trying to fill the extremely huge shoes of the existing GM Stephanie King who is away on maternity leave. It’s been a challenging yet fun and rewarding shift in my career.

 

The DowntownS Miramichi Network is made up of two business districts: The Newcastle Business District, and the Historic Chatham Business District, serving both sides of the Miramichi respectively.  In total there are over 100 members representing all types of retail and service based businesses. Restaurants, travel agencies, banks, hotels and pharmacies for example, can be found in both of our DowntownS Business Districts. Each district is also represented by a Board of Directors who meets once a month to discuss issues and plan events for the DowntownS. The Board of Directors for HCBD (Historic Chatham Business District) is made consists of 11 members with the NBD (Newcastle Business District) being made up of 15 members of their district. My role as acting General Manager, to name a few duties, sees me overseeing the daily operations of both offices, attending/scheduling meetings, working on events and special projects and promoting the DowntownS in a positive way.

 

As I stroll across the park in Newcastle or down Water Street I can’t help but hum the theme song from the “King of Kensington”. Here I am; an outsider an “upriver lad” so to speak working towards all things “downtown” in terms of promotion and positivity. Working closely with the members of both DowntownS association has made this task a lot easier. There is a sense of pride in the atmosphere of these quaint districts; driven primarily by the hard work and dedication of the shop owners who have set up their business in DowntownS Miramichi.

In the past couple months, we’ve accomplished many tasks working together in the promotion of our downtown. Hanging baskets and banners decorate Water Street, the new Relish Gourmet Burgers restaurant has opened to rave reviews, both business districts worked collectively on a float for the Canada Day Parade, and events like our open air market, classic car cruises, MAC Rally of Hope and Dragon Boat Festival dance were very successful.  These are but a few of the highlights of the summer in DowntownS Miramichi.

In order to work effectively and efficiently to move forward, you need the support of a good team. I am fortunate to work and interact with a supportive, creative, dedicated group of members on a daily basis. These hardworking individuals have expressed and interest and discovered the potential of working in a downtown setting. A wide range of retail and services can be found in each of DowntownS Miramichi Business Districts making it the ideal place to shop, eat and work.  The geography of our city sees us with a “downtown” on both sides of the Mighty Miramichi. A unique advantage; enabling visitors and locals an opportunity to explore everything that both DowntownS Business Districts has to offer. In terms of attracting new business, there are many prime retail spaces available for rent in both of the DowntownS at very affordable rates.  We encourage and welcome any new business to consider setting up and operating in either of our DowntownS Districts. Diversification in terms of products/ services offered is essential to the growth of any business sector. With the recent change in industry in Miramichi, the timing and need for an entrepreneurial boom couldn’t be better. DowntownS Miramichi, its shop owners and customers alike could benefit immensely from any new business to the BIA’s (Business Improvement Area).

 

The economic landscape of our region has changed somewhat with the decline in the forestry based sector. Mill closures in the recent years have undoubtedly affected the bottom line of many merchants in our DowntownS and the region abroad. However we resilient Miramichiers don’t go down with out a fight and local consumers see the benefits of shopping local and supporting the business of our DowntownS Business Districts. It’s an investment in our economy, our community and the long term sustainability of our region. The future of our local economy depends greatly on the entrepreneurs of our DowntownS and beyond and the support of such from us the consumers.

In my few weeks here as General Manager, I have felt the sense of pride in our community and the DowntownS. The friendliness, strong work ethic and genuine “good folks” in which our region is know for, is evident in spades in the shops and businesses of DowntownS Miramichi where we shop, eat, work and play. It’s OUR DowntownS Miramichi.

 

It’s 10:30 on a sunny Thursday. After a coffee on the square and meeting in Newcastle to have a couple of cheques signed, I’ve made my way to my second office on Water Street.  On my way from the bank, I catch a glimpse of Paul McGraw on the other side walk; heading in the opposite direction. We give each other the full arm length “hows she goin’” wave. We’re both on the run but know by weeks end we’ll be meeting at some point to discuss beautification or some other topic of interest to the BIA. I skip across the street to Hoagie’s for that second cup of java to get me through the morning. I hear “Where ya goin’ Hallihan?” and turn to see the smiling face of Bill Young. I respond that I’m in a bit of a rush, but still need a break!  “Well yer doin’ a great job” he says and carries on with his work. I grab a coffee and decide to sit at the sidewalk table for a minute. As I look down Water Street, I think about what Bill just said. I pause and reflect and repeat in my head….”DowntownS Miramichi….WE’RE doin’ a great job”.

 

Both the Newcastle Business District & Historic Chatham Business District of the DowntownS Miramichi Network has had a busy, and might I add successful summer. I’ve assumed the role of General Manger temporarily trying to fill the extremely huge shoes of the existing GM Stephanie King who is away on maternity leave. It’s been a challenging yet fun and rewarding shift in my career.

 

The DowntownS Miramichi Network is made up of two business districts: The Newcastle Business District, and the Historic Chatham Business District, serving both sides of the Miramichi respectively.  In total there are over 100 members representing all types of retail and service based businesses. Restaurants, travel agencies, banks, hotels and pharmacies for example, can be found in both of our DowntownS Business Districts. Each district is also represented by a Board of Directors who meets once a month to discuss issues and plan events for the DowntownS. The Board of Directors for HCBD (Historic Chatham Business District) is made consists of 11 members with the NBD (Newcastle Business District) being made up of 15 members of their district. My role as acting General Manager, to name a few duties, sees me overseeing the daily operations of both offices, attending/scheduling meetings, working on events and special projects and promoting the DowntownS in a positive way.

 

As I stroll across the park in Newcastle or down Water Street I can’t help but hum the theme song from the “King of Kensington”. Here I am; an outsider an “upriver lad” so to speak working towards all things “downtown” in terms of promotion and positivity. Working closely with the members of both DowntownS association has made this task a lot easier. There is a sense of pride in the atmosphere of these quaint districts; driven primarily by the hard work and dedication of the shop owners who have set up their business in DowntownS Miramichi.

In the past couple months, we’ve accomplished many tasks working together in the promotion of our downtown. Hanging baskets and banners decorate Water Street, the new Relish Gourmet Burgers restaurant has opened to rave reviews, both business districts worked collectively on a float for the Canada Day Parade, and events like our open air market, classic car cruises, MAC Rally of Hope and Dragon Boat Festival dance were very successful.  These are but a few of the highlights of the summer in DowntownS Miramichi.

In order to work effectively and efficiently to move forward, you need the support of a good team. I am fortunate to work and interact with a supportive, creative, dedicated group of members on a daily basis. These hardworking individuals have expressed and interest and discovered the potential of working in a downtown setting. A wide range of retail and services can be found in each of DowntownS Miramichi Business Districts making it the ideal place to shop, eat and work.  The geography of our city sees us with a “downtown” on both sides of the Mighty Miramichi. A unique advantage; enabling visitors and locals an opportunity to explore everything that both DowntownS Business Districts has to offer. In terms of attracting new business, there are many prime retail spaces available for rent in both of the DowntownS at very affordable rates.  We encourage and welcome any new business to consider setting up and operating in either of our DowntownS Districts. Diversification in terms of products/ services offered is essential to the growth of any business sector. With the recent change in industry in Miramichi, the timing and need for an entrepreneurial boom couldn’t be better. DowntownS Miramichi, its shop owners and customers alike could benefit immensely from any new business to the BIA’s (Business Improvement Area).

 

The economic landscape of our region has changed somewhat with the decline in the forestry based sector. Mill closures in the recent years have undoubtedly affected the bottom line of many merchants in our DowntownS and the region abroad. However we resilient Miramichiers don’t go down with out a fight and local consumers see the benefits of shopping local and supporting the business of our DowntownS Business Districts. It’s an investment in our economy, our community and the long term sustainability of our region. The future of our local economy depends greatly on the entrepreneurs of our DowntownS and beyond and the support of such from us the consumers.

In my few weeks here as General Manager, I have felt the sense of pride in our community and the DowntownS. The friendliness, strong work ethic and genuine “good folks” in which our region is know for, is evident in spades in the shops and businesses of DowntownS Miramichi where we shop, eat, work and play. It’s OUR DowntownS Miramichi.

 

It’s 10:30 on a sunny Thursday. After a coffee on the square and meeting in Newcastle to have a couple of cheques signed, I’ve made my way to my second office on Water Street.  On my way from the bank, I catch a glimpse of Paul McGraw on the other side walk; heading in the opposite direction. We give each other the full arm length “hows she goin’” wave. We’re both on the run but know by weeks end we’ll be meeting at some point to discuss beautification or some other topic of interest to the BIA. I skip across the street to Hoagie’s for that second cup of java to get me through the morning. I hear “Where ya goin’ Hallihan?” and turn to see the smiling face of Bill Young. I respond that I’m in a bit of a rush, but still need a break!  “Well yer doin’ a great job” he says and carries on with his work. I grab a coffee and decide to sit at the sidewalk table for a minute. As I look down Water Street, I think about what Bill just said. I pause and reflect and repeat in my head….”DowntownS Miramichi….WE’RE doin’ a great job”.

The Town Square in DowntownS Miramichi - Newcastle Business District was a happenin’ place to be last night as we hosted our second DowntownS Classic Car Cruise. A total of 27 classic vehicles rumbled into the downtown from 7-9pm for an evening of socializing and a chance to show off their prized chrome and steel. The fine folks at Relish Gourmet Burgers donated gift cards to the first 20 cars registered and Mobile Equipment & Supply provided a prize for the participants. Donna MacIntosh was the winner of a roadside winter safety kit donated by Troy and the boys at Mobile. There was a bbq with free hotdogs and refreshments for all who entered a car. The grill was manned by DowntownS Miramichi General Manager Wade Hallihan and Stan Knowles from Pharmasave who graciously donated the cold drinks, condiments and the bbq for the event. The next cruise is slated for September 14th so mark your calendars now and come to DowntownS Miramichi - Newcastle Business District browse our shops, grab a hot dog and admire the classics!

The Mortgage Alliance Company hosts a nation-wide event every year called the MAC Rally of Hope, in support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Motorcyclists drive from British Columbia to Newfoundland and this year they are making their only Maritime stop in Miramichi. After four years of persuasion, our local representative of the company, Peggy McLean, has convinced them to come take in our beautiful city and is hoping that they will be awed by our sense of community and hospitality.  On July 26th from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., come join us on Waterford Green and partake in the events; there will be a barbecue, silent auction, jumping castle, face painting, live entertainment and much more!

Miramichi is well known for its ability to put on a good show and this Canada Day weekend is no exception. With the combined festivites of both our Nation's birthday and the Rock 'N' Roll Festival, there is no shortage of things to do. Downtown Newcastle will be the heart of the party with such events planned as "Dude... Where's My Car?" scavenger hunt, a sidewalk market, a soap box derby and many others. We encourage you to check out our Facebook page (DowntownS Miramichi) to get a full list of events planned.

I’m pleased to announce we have hired our students and they have joined forces with our organization this week. Ashley Hare, Deidre Underhill and Aaron McLean will be working with us the next 8 weeks. We’ve been out an made a few intros and look forward to meeting all of you throughout the summer. If you have any ideas /suggestions you wish to share, please feel free to forward them. With efforts from business owners, the team of students and myself, we can work on promoting our downtowns to tourists and locals alike this summer. If you have any brochures, etc..to distribute, please let us know. And also if you have ANY upcoming sales/events..etc..inform us of that as well. We will update the FACEBOOK group with this information and we are going to start a blog as well to get all of the information about our beautiful downtowns/BIA out there.

 

Please extend a warm welcome to our 3 summer students J