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Economic Development

Our goal is to connect merchants with consumers who are willing to support the local economy and find the quality local products and services that Delray Beach is known for. The areas in and around Atlantic Avenue are filled with exceptional small businesses that offer the types of consumer goods that have been vital in helping us grow our Village by the Sea. If you know of any business who is looking to locate to Downtown Delray Beach, or who is currently in Downtown Delray Beach but needs help reaching their local market, we are here to help.

MAKE DOWNTOWN DELRAY BEACH YOUR HOLIDAY DESTINATION

Monday, November 13, 2017 - 9:42am

 

Delray Beach, FL (November 7, 2017)… Join in the spirit of this magical season and make Downtown Delray Beach your destination to celebrate the holidays.  From trees, windows and lights, to art walks, parades, music, movies, santa, and more, there is joy for all ages.

Holiday Window Decorating Contest

Downtown Delray Beach is hosting a Holiday Window Decorating Contest and businesses are creating festive displays in their windows and throughout their stores, from the 100ft. Christmas Tree Lighting (November 30, 2017) through New Year’s Day.  Winners will be announced and awarded a plaque from the Downtown Merchant Association in the following categories:  Most Creative, Most Festive, Most Delray and Best Overall.

Holiday Décor throughout Downtown Delray Beach

  • A beautiful Sphere Tree on the beachside at Atlantic Avenue and A1A, brought to you by: The Delray Beach DDA, Marriott Residence Inn, Boston’s On the Beach and Café Luna Rosa;
  • Twinkle lights and garland festoon the Delray Beach Pavilion, and the Visitor Information Center on the beachside at Atlantic Avenue and A1A;
  • 26 Holiday wreath displays on the NW and SW 5th Ave. light poles;
  • Twinkle lights and holiday decorations adorn the Libby Wesley Plaza at SW 5th Ave and Atlantic Avenue;
  • Pineapple painter palette displays on the light poles along Pineapple Grove Way;
  • Gold starfish lined with red twinkle lights adorn the light poles along Atlantic Avenue from I-95 to A1A.

          Events - www.DowntownDelrayBeach.com/Holidays

  • November 30: 100 ft Christmas Tree Lighting

5 p.m. - 9 p.m. (tree lighting at 7:15 p.m.) - Grounds of Old School Square Park (new location & brand new tree). A month long celebration kicks off with Santa lighting the famous 100 ft Christmas tree at 7:15 p.m. Directly following the Tree Lighting Santa will be available for photos! Enjoy ice-skaing, Putt'n Around Mini Golf & Carousel and much more! Event is free, activities for a nominal fee! 

  • December 1 – January 1: 100 Ft. Christmas Tree, Carousel, Kiddie Train, Ice Skating, Mini Golf
  • December 1 – 23:  Photos with Santa, December 9 – Pet Photos with Santa

Grounds of Old School Square Park

6 p.m. – 9 p.m. throughout Downtown

  • December 2 and 3: Beachside Holiday Stroll

10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

From the Intracoastal to the Atlantic Ocean, customers can sip & shop their way along Atlantic Avenue and A1A and explore the Beachside Neighborhood of Downtown Delray.  *Hours may vary by participating merchant.

7:00 p. m. - Old School Square

Lady Atlantic – Intracoasal Waterway

  • December 8:  46th Annual Holiday Boat Parade

5:30 p. m - Intracoastal Waterway

  • December 9:  Delray Beach Holiday Parade

6 p.m. - Atlantic Avenue

  • December 12:  Menorah Lighting

Sundown, Old School Square Park

  • December 16:  The Screen on the Green

6:30 p. m. - Old School Square Park

  • December 31:  New Year’s Eve Family Celebration

5 p. m. – 9 p. m. – Old School Square Park

 

For more information, please contact the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority at 561.243.1077, or visit www.DowntownDelrayBeach.com/Holidays, www.facebook.com/DelrayDDA.

 

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About the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority

The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority mission is to stimulate, enhance and sustain the economic vitality of Downtown Delray Beach and the quality of life enjoyed by locals and visitors.  For more information, please visit www.downtowndelraybeach.com or phone 561.243.1077.

 

Media Contact: Sarah E. Flynn - Willcaro Communications LLC

561.866.5064 - sarahf@willcarocomm.com

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Shop Small Business Saturday - November 25, 2017!

Friday, November 10, 2017 - 3:48pm

Mark your calendars for Small Business Saturday in Downtown Delray Beach on November 25th !

 

Delray Beach, FL (November 7, 2017)…Downtown Delray Beach invites you to Shop Small on Small Business Saturday on November 25th!  The more than 350 unique boutiques, salons, spas, galleries and restaurants are comprised of 93% small business owners, which makes Downtown Delray Beach truly a destination to Shop Small.  

The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is a Neighborhood Champion and encourages residents and visitors to celebrate “the small business” by shopping and dining locally and introducing yourselves to the business owners and chefs throughout Downtown.

Recent retail additions to the Downtown include Coco & Co, The Lavender-Your French Store, Delray Beach Gallery, Fly By Furnishings, Spice, Sunday State Style, Charleston Shoe Co., Brotzeit German Bakery & Café, Sara Campbell, Tommy Bahama, and Whitewall Contemporary.  They join long-time local businesses Vince Canning Shoes, Avalon Gallery, Murder on the Beach Bookstore, Petite Connection, Hands, Delray Camera Shop, Huber’s Pharmacy, Richwagen’s Delray Bike & Sport, and many more.

New this year is the Shop Small Hospitality Booth on Saturday, November 25th, where customers that spend $50 at a Downtown Delray Beach small business can receive complimentary gifts and Shop Small giveaways, while supplies last.  The Shop Small Hospitality Booth will be in Pineapple Grove by the Banyan tree in front of Addison Gallery (206 Ne 2nd Street, Delray Beach) from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and in front of Hands Office & Art Supply, 325 E. Atlantic Ave from 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. 

“This day offers the chance to shop for unique gifts at family-owned businesses, eat at locally-owned restaurants or pamper yourself at a Downtown salon or spa.  Visit www.facebook.com/DelrayDDA and www.DowntownDelrayBeach.com/ShopSmall during the month of November for special promotions and meet the faces behind the spaces...that make Downtown Delray Beach - a place for everyone,” said Laura Simon, Executive Director, DDA.

American Express created this national shopping day event for cardholders and merchants to encourage people to shop at small businesses.  Participating businesses will be distributing branded Shop Small giveaways provided by American Express, while supplies last, as well as celebrating “Shop Small” in various ways such as with refreshments and special in-store promotions.  Snap a selfie in your favorite Downtown Delray Small Business(es) using #DowntownDelray #SmallBizDelray and help share the love for our small business community.   

Visit www.DowntownDelrayBeach.com/ShopSmall, www.ShopSmall.com or www.facebook.com/DelrayDDA for a list of participating merchants and additional offers being promoted during the month of November and for Small Business Saturday.  For parking information, please visit www.downtowndelraybeach.com/parking , or call 561-243-1077.

 

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About the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority

The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority mission is to stimulate, enhance and sustain the economic vitality of Downtown Delray Beach and the quality of life enjoyed by locals and visitors.  For more information, please visit www.downtowndelraybeach.com or phone 561.243.1077.

 

 

Media Contact: Sarah E. Flynn - Willcaro Communications LLC

561.866.5064 - sarahf@willcarocomm.com

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Downtown Delray Beach to Paint the Town Pink for Breast Cancer

Tuesday, October 17, 2017 - 11:00am

 

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
October 20, 2017

More Delray Beach Businesses Join Downtowns Go Pink for Breast Cancer!

West Palm Beach, Fla.– On October 26, 2017, Delray Beach will be one of three South Florida cities to host the first ever “Downtowns Go Pink” in support of Susan G. Komen South Florida® and National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Pink lights, compliments of the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority, will adorn trees and lightpoles on Atlantic Avenue and in Pineapple Grove, and businesses throughout Downtown including The Colony Hotel, Caspian, Old School Square and the Hyatt Place will be accented with pink lighting.

Restaurants and stores are offering special discounts and items, gifts with purchase, and a portion of sales support Komen’s local life-saving breast cancer programs and research to find a cure.  A sidewalk sale on the same day gives shoppers all the more reason to visit Downtown Delray Beach.

Komen has partnered with Delray Beach’s Downtown Development Authority to engage a variety of establishments and offer shoppers and diners a fun day or evening out on the town, and the list keeps growing!  Establishments and offers include:

  • Avalon Gallery—10% of each sale donated to Komen
  • Blings and Things—10% of each sale donated to Komen
  • Caffé Luna Rosa—10% of the day’s sales, and bartender Tanja, a breast cancer survivor, will also donate a portion of her tips
  • C. Orrico—10% of each sale donated to Komen
  • Dada—$2 donated from the purchase of every signature breast cancer cocktail
  • DeBilzan Gallery—5% - 10% on special selection of products and paintings
  • Hand's Office & Art Supply—10% of each sale donated to Komen
  • Hyatt Place—10% of Lobby Bar proceeds, four pink drink specials, and hotel guests will also have the opportunity to donate $5 and get a ribbon that they can place on their doors. 
  • Margaux Riviera—10% of each sale donated to Komen
  • Morley—10% of each sale donated to Komen
  • Periwinkle—10% of each sale donated to Komen
  • Sara Campbell—10% of each sale donated to Komen
  • Sequin—Gift with purchase of $38+ and 10% of each sale donated to Komen
  • Taverna Opa—10% of the day’s sales

In addition, Cut 432 has made a generous donation to support Komen South Florida. 

More stores and restaurants are joining every day. For the latest information about participating businesses, visit www.DowntownDelrayBeach.com/or to learn more about Downtowns Go Pink in West Palm Beach and Stuart, visit www.komensouthflorida.org/events/gopink or email info@komensouthflorida.org.

While in Delray Beach, Komen encourages a visit to the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum to see “Shades of Pink,” an exhibit by photographer Michiko Kurisu featuring the personal journeys of nine local African-American women. The exhibit runs October 19th through November 11th and is a joint project among Susan G. Komen® South Florida, the West Palm Beach, FL Chapter of The Links, Incorporated and The Spady Museum.

About Susan G. Komen and Komen South Florida

Susan G. Komen is the world’s largest breast cancer organization, funding more breast cancer research than any other nonprofit while providing real-time help to those facing the disease. Komen was founded by Nancy G. Brinker, who promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would end the disease that claimed Suzy’s life. Komen South Florida is working to better the lives of those facing breast cancer in the local community. Through events like the Komen South Florida Race for the Cure®, Komen South Florida has invested over $14 million in community breast health programs in Palm Beach, Martin, and St. Lucie counties and has helped contribute to the more than $920 million invested globally in research.  For more information, call 561-514-3020 or visit www.komensouthflorida.org.

About the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority

The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority mission is to stimulate, enhance and sustain the economic vitality of Downtown Delray Beach and the quality of life enjoyed by locals and visitors.  For more information, please visit www.downtowndelraybeach.com or phone 561.243.1077.

 

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Media Contact:

Jennifer Martinez
JLM Communications
Jennifer@jlmcommunications.net
(561) 301-4998

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DELRAY BEACH DDA HONORED WITH INTERNATIONAL DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION AWARDS

Tuesday, October 10, 2017 - 9:52am

 

Delray Beach, FL (September 15, 2017)…The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority has been recognized by the International Downtown Association with the Downtown Achievement Award of Excellence for Delray Fashion Week 2017, and with a Certificate of Merit award for the Inside Downtown Delray Beach Video Series.  The awards were presented during the 63rd Annual Conference and Tradeshow in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

The Award of Excellence acknowledges innovative best practice entries which exceeded the juror criteria. Delray Fashion Week 2017 was among 18 qualified entries in the category of Events and Programming. This category featured programs and events that improved the image and vitality of downtown.

The Inside Downtown Delray Beach Video Series was among 13 qualified entries in the category of Marketing and Communication. This category featured plans or strategies that used print, electronic media, or multimedia efforts to promote downtown.

“The DDA is proud to have been recognized alongside our international downtown organization peers, from Winnipeg to New York City, and Ft. Collins to Fresno, “ said  Laura Simon, Executive Director, Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority. It is the collective mix of our merchants and businesses though, and their collaborative spirit, that enable programs such as Delray Beach Fashion Week to be successful, and the ability to showcase the beauty, diversity and uniqueness of Downtown Delray through their perspective in the Video Series.”

“The Delray Beach DDA received the IDA Award of Excellence and IDA Certificate of Achievement for conducting innovative best practice work in the industry of urban place management,” said David Downey, IDA President and CEO. “These projects are shining examples of excellent downtown management delivering real value to the city.”

Washington, DC-based IDA is the premier organization for urban place professionals who are shaping and activating dynamic city center districts. The Downtown Development Authority is the urban place management organization representing the interests of property owners in Delray Beach, FL.

                                                           

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About the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority

The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority stimulates, enhances, and sustains the economic vitality of downtown Delray Beach and the quality of life enjoyed by locals and visitors. For more information, please visit www.downtowndelraybeach.com or phone 561.243.1077.

 

About IDA

The International Downtown Association is the premier organization for urban place professionals who are shaping and activating dynamic city center districts. Our members are city builders and downtown champions who bring urban centers to life, bridging the gap between the public and private sectors. We represent an industry of more than 2,500 place management organizations, employing 100,000 people throughout North America and growing rapidly around the world. Founded in 1954, IDA is a resource center for ideas and innovative best practices in urban place management. For more information, visit downtown.org.

 

 

Media Contact: Sarah E. Flynn - Willcaro Communications LLC 

561.866.5064 - sarahf@willcarocomm.com

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DELRAY BEACH HOLDS ATLANTIC AVENUE CAREER EXPO

Monday, October 2, 2017 - 4:10pm

Jobs Available at Downtown Shops, Restaurants & Hotels

MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DELRAY BEACH, Fla.— An Atlantic Avenue Career Expo is scheduled for Thursday, October 12, 2017 at the Delray Beach Public Library (100 W. Atlantic Avenue), from 9am-11am and 1pm-3pm. The expo will feature retail and hospitality job opportunities offered by shops, restaurants and hotels throughout the downtown Delray Beach area.

The expo is a collaborative effort by the City’s economic development team, and is part of a larger workforce and talent development strategy that promotes local hiring. Organizing and supporting partners include CareerSource Palm Beach County; the City of Delray Beach; Delray Beach Community Redevelopment Agency; the Office of Economic Development; the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority; the Delray Beach Public Library; the Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce; the West Atlantic Redevelopment Coalition; and the Delray Beach Marketing Cooperative.

Potential job applicants can get tips from CareerSource Palm Beach County on how to best prepare for the expo at a job seeker workshop, scheduled for Tuesday, October 3, from 1:00pm to 5:30 pm, in the Tower Room, on the second floor of the library. Attendees will receive tips on a variety of practical subjects, including writing and editing resumes, professional presentation, job interviews, and communications skills.

For more information about the job seeker workshop, or to register as a participating employer for the career expo, contact Michael Corbit at CareerSource Palm Beach County at (561) 340-1060 x2368.

About CareerSource Palm Beach County:

CareerSource Palm Beach County is the non-profit organization chartered by the State of Florida to lead workforce development in Palm Beach County. During the past five program years, the organization has assisted more than 118,000 residents find employment ranging from entry level to executive suite, with salaries from these jobs creating $2.2 billion in annual average wages. More information is available at www.careersourcepbc.com.

About the Delray Beach Office of Economic Development:

The Delray Beach Office of Economic Development (OED) is a collaborative office, jointly funded by the City of Delray Beach and the Delray Beach CRA. Services offered to relocating, expanding and start-up businesses include site selection and relocation assistance; business grants and incentives; connections to community resources; small business and entrepreneurial support; workforce development; and project management. OED’s mission is to drive and inspire the growth of a diverse, vibrant, entrepreneurial economy for all.

 

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