The Meaford BIA hosted a Chamber of Commerce “After 5” event at Meaford Hall on Thursday.
A large number of Meaford business owners and residents turned out to take part in the networking opportunity.
BIA Chair Richard Morris discussed a little bit of the history of Meaford's Business Improvement Area which had it's beginnings in 1978 with 50 members, eight of which are still members of the current 88 member BIA.
The goals of the BIA are to promote and beautify the core business area of the municipality. Morris said that the annual BIA Christmas Window Unveiling event and their annual street sale combined with strong support for the Scarecrow Invasion have been great ways for the BIA to promote Meaford as a place to visit and do business.
Beautification projects have always been an important activity for the BIA who maintain several flower boxes along Trowbridge and Sykes Streets during the summer months. This year the BIA along with the municipality will be investing in new holiday season decorations for the light standards in the downtown core which will be sure to add to the festive spirit of the business area.
After some difficult years which saw several downtown businesses close, Morris was pleased to report that recently there have been several new businesses open up, and some of the existing businesses have expanded their operations.
Evolve- an eco-friendly toys store, The Pink Rooster- a gift and home accent shop, The Kitchen- Christine Collins expansion of her catering business, and The Flower Studio were all cited as examples of new and exciting businesses that have opened over the past year. Other new businesses include Yaardsale, The Travellin' Scrapper, and Support Therapy Aqua Massage.
With all of that recent new business activity Morris expressed optimism for the future of the municipality.
The next Meaford & District Chamber of Commerce After 5 event will be held in May at the Meaford Motel & Restaurant which has recently added Indian cuisine to their menu offerings.
