Social media for business

Still not sure about getting into this 'social media' thing?

Still not sure if it is worth it all?

How can Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn really help me?

Spend a couple of minutes with Jeffrey Gitomer (and then get his book) to start the journey.




Renew your membership with the Partnership, add your company link to this website, read the book and or start the conversation on how to use social media for your business. Other members around you are exploring this. This is your journey, your choice! The opportunity awaits those who take the step forward.

Downtown Commercial Zoning Workshop - presentation documents

The following was originally posted on Franklin Matters today (Friday, March 25, 2011).

These two presentations were used during the workshop held on Monday, March 21, 2011. The first presentation outlines the discussion format for the workshop and then steps through the components of the proposed changes to the zoning (minimum lot dimensions, setbacks, coverage, etc.)  

The summary of items agreed to during the discussion can be found in the notes of the meeting

Downtown Proposed DC Zoning 3/21/11 The second presentation document was referenced to show design features from other community's downtown area. DC Presentation Examples 3/21/11 Thanks to Beth Dahlstrom for providing the documents. These can also be found on the Planning and Community Development web page here and here.

Sponsorship Opportunities

2011-Sponsorship Opportunities

2011 Sponsorship Registration Form

For your convenience, here is the sponsorship registration form. Simply print this form, fill it out and mail it in today!
2011-Sponsor Registration Form

Agenda

Franklin Downtown Partnership General Meeting Agenda

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Dean College Campus Center @ 8:30 am

Golder Room

I. Open Meeting

II. Adoption of Agenda

III. Introductions

IV. Report: Town Updates, Jeff Nutting

V. Report: Streetscape and Zoning District Update, Bryan Taberner

VI. Report from Executive Director

a. Donation Letter

b. 2011 Event Updates

c. Website Additions

VII. Report: Strawberry Stroll, Diane Glass

VIII. Report: Harvest Festival, Angie Grant/Lisa Piana

IX. New Business: Updates from our members

X. Other Business

XI. Adjourn

Join Us!

Join members of the Franklin Downtown Partnership for an evening out at the Dean College Theater Department production of the Broadway hit "The Producers" on Wednesday, March 30, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person.

A group is also going out to dinner prior to the show.
Interested in purchasing a ticket? Contact Cindy Kozil at ckozil@dean.edu.
Interested in joining the group for dinner? Contact the FDP office at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com or call (774)571-3109.

March Press Release

Franklin Downtown Partnership Seeking Members, Sponsors

The Franklin Downtown Partnership has kicked off its annual membership and sponsorship drives for 2011 as it plans more events and involvement in Franklin this year.


The Partnership gained more than 50 new members in 2010 and hopes to increase its numbers again this year, according to Executive Director Lisa Piana. The 140-member strong organization brings together residents and businesses to improve the downtown, draw visitors and beautify the area.


“Being a member of the Franklin Downtown Partnership gives a business or resident a vehicle to be part of matters affecting our downtown’s future,” says Partnership President Nicole Fortier, branch officer at Dean Bank. “For an affordable price our members are involved in revitalization projects like the streetscape design work. We give them a voice in decisions that directly affect their businesses and their day-to-day lives.”


Membership also gives certain privileges at Franklin’s festivals and strolls, free links on the Partnership’s website, franklindowntownpartnership.org, communication updates on events and projects, and informational meetings and networking opportunities. Non-business memberships start as low as $15 for seniors and students and $25 for residents, and businesses’ dues are based on the number of employees. Dues are tax deductible.


As a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, the Partnership relies exclusively on membership dues and sponsorships for funding. Sponsorships make up the majority of funds for popular events like the annual Strawberry Stroll, the Harvest Festival, the Holiday Stroll, and spring and winter Beautification days. Each year attendance at those events has increased, according to Fortier.


On Saturday, May 21, the Partnership will join members of the Franklin Garden Club for the annual Beautification Day. Volunteers will plant more than 1,400 flowers throughout the downtown, including planters on the bridge and center island as well as on sidewalks in front of businesses. Sponsors’ names will be displayed prominently on signage in the center of town.


“All of those flowers are donated. We simply could not freshen up the downtown area with all of those gorgeous plantings if we didn’t have support from our sponsors and the countless volunteers who do all the hard work,” says Piana. “We are very proud of the impact those planters make every year, and we rely solely on outside support. We do a lot on a small budget and the impression on people coming to the downtown is positive and long lasting.”


New members are always welcome, and membership is open to all residents and businesses, regardless of whether they are located downtown. The Partnership is actively looking for businesses and individuals to sponsor all upcoming events. A full calendar of events, sponsorship opportunities, applications, deadlines, and contact information can be found on this website or by contacting Lisa Piana at (774)571-3109 or downtown.franklin@yahoo.com.

Spring Events

This is a busy time of year for the Partnership and for Franklin. Spring is right around the corner! Please mark your calendars:

Membership Renewals
Due Tuesday, March 15th
Please help us achieve our goals by having all renewals in by March!
Applications can be found here.

FDP General Meeting
Thursday, March 17th, 8:30 a.m.
Dean College Campus Center, Golder Room
Agenda will be posted Wednesday.

Downtown Workshop
Zoning District and Bylaws
Monday, March 21st, 7:00 p.m.
Check the town website or this flier for more details.
Contact: Bryan Taberner, btaberner@franklin.ma.us

MACC Franklin Business After Hours
Tuesday, March 29th
5:00 p.m., at 3 Restaurant
Hosted by 3 Restaurant and DCU
FDP Members only $10
Contact: chamber@milfordchamber.org

Dean Leadership Institute Executive Lecture
Wednesday, April 6th
5:30 p.m. Networking Reception/6:30 p.m. Presentation
Featured Speaker: James Roosevelt, Jr., President/CEO Tufts Health Plan
RSVP by March 30 at alumni@dean.edu or 541-1612

GOT LOCAL? BUY LOCAL Kick Off Meeting
Wednesday, April 6th, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Pinz Entertainment/Blue Dog Grill in Milford
See their flier -- This campaign will be coming to Downtown Franklin this spring!
Contact: wmrc@wmrcdailynews.com

A Few Reminders...

Membership Renewals are due March 15!
Applications can be found here.
More information about Membership Benefits can be found here or under the Membership tab.


General Meeting
Thursday, March 17, 8:30 a.m.
Dean College Campus Center


Find more 2011 events: 2011 Events Press Release.

Public Meeting

March 21, 2011 Downtown Workshop

Reminder

All members are cordially invited to attend the

Franklin Downtown Partnership's Open House Party!

Today! Tuesday, March 1

5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

9 East Central Street, 2nd floor

Refreshments will be served. Stop by and meet our members, volunteers and board of directors.

R.S.V.P. to Lisa Piana, downtown.franklin@yahoo.com or (774)571-3109