Cloverdale BIA asks businesses what they want

Members of the 300-plus strong Cloverdale Business Improvement Association are asked to fill out an online survey on key priorities.

Members of the Cloverdale Business Improvement Association are being asked to help determine what the organization’s priorities should be for the next five years.

The Cloverdale BIA represents more than 300 businesses and property owners in the historic town centre, providing a collective way to promote and improve the business district, and is funded through a levy collected by the City of Surrey.

Created in 1995, the BIA’s mandate is renewed every five years. The current term expires in March 2015.

Executive director Paul Orazietti said business owners and property owners have a voice in determining the focus of the BIA’s efforts and operating budget.

This week, members are being asked to complete a short, online questionnaire that will help shape the direction of the BIA over the next five years.

Respondents are asked to rank various projects – from gateway signage and anti-graffiti programs to public art projects, safety audits and more –  in four key areas according to priority: economic development, street enhancement, safety and security, and marketing and special events.

The questionnaire is a step in the process that will help develop a renewal proposal and budget.

Over the past five years, BIA initiatives have included safety and security projects, graffiti removal, and special events, including the Cloverdale Blueberry Festival, the Cloverdale Rodeo parade, and the Santa Parade.

More recently, the BIA has initiated what Orazietti describes as “Aggressive economic development initiatives to attract investment, development and new businesses to the area.”

The Survey is at www.surveymonkey.com/s/8PLSP2M.

Phone 604-576-3155.

Cloverdale Reporter