Though somewhat less visible than our Clean and Safe Teams in neon green and blue, Capital Crossroads SID staff offers other services that help to make downtown a better place to live, work and visit. One of the “little things” offered are the Welcome Bags and Welcome Baskets put together for new residents and businesses that move into Downtown Columbus.

Valerie Goettler, Communications and Special Projects, is in touch with property managers, realtors and condominium associations to cull a list of new residents and businesses. Then each quarter she puts together bags and baskets to be delivered them. These baskets include information on Capital Crossroads SID, the downtown area and activities; some pens, notebooks and mugs from Capital Crossroads; and goodies from local businesses such as coffee from Café Brioso, peanuts from The Peanut Shoppe or treats from Pearl Market vendors. There are also some fun giveaways from arts organizations, restaurants and retailers tucked inside.

All of this serves as a nice welcome to the neighborhood and a great opportunity for local businesses and organizations to introduce themselves to the newbies. CAPA has offered Summer Movie Series tickets. The CSO has offered buy-one-get-one tickets for Picnic with the Pops. Due Amici has offered 10 percent off for a year. From gyms like Metro Fitness to local dentists, businesses have appreciated the opportunity to say hello.

If you are a property manager, realtor or condo association unfamiliar with this program or a business interested in offering specials to be included in future baskets and bags, please contact Valerie at vsgoettler@sidservices.com.

Focus Groups

Another service offered by Capital Crossroads is designed to give downtown employees the opportunity to share their thoughts and opinions on working downtown. The SID was contacted by two companies located downtown and asked to conduct the focus groups, and Executive Director Cleve Ricksecker gladly agreed.

The focus groups addressed commuting (how and from where), where employees go for lunch, what they do after work, perceptions of downtown safety, and a discussion of what employees would like to see happening downtown. After hosting the meeting, Capital Crossroads put together a report of the responses garnered. The results were positive for the companies and for the SID. Both learned more about what downtown employees are looking for as we move into the future.