Concerned Friends of Fernandina |
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Historic District Council meeting dates and Agenda Click here Jan 2010 January, 2010 For and about Fernandina Beach’s Historic District Publisher/Editor Chuck Hall ______________________________________________________________________________________ New Business Referral Group Downtown
Happy New Year one and all! I don’t know about you, but I am sick to death of the recession, so I say let’s do something about it! There is a Business referral group meeting at O’Kanes Tavern on January 19th at 11:30 AM for a light lunch and some networking with one another.
I have never been big on joining clubs and such, but this seems like a great idea for struggling businesses right now. While some of us might not have much new business these days, we might be able to help others that need some help. In return we will surely help ourselves.
For example, if you run a dry cleaner, you might just happen to know someone that needs a doctor. At the meeting, you can share that info with the doctor there, and she might have knowledge of someone that needs dry cleaning. Well, you get the idea. But the true power of a referral group is not getting a lead from the person you’ll meet at the regular meetings. It is the person they know, or perhaps someone that might know another person that knows reach quite far, especially in this small town. another, etc. The arms of influence
Plus the benefits go on from there. This group will be meeting not only at the Florida House Inn, but also at one another’s businesses. This gives everyone a chance to ‘show off’ their business, and let everyone in the group become acquainted with how well your business runs. This is a super aid for referrals.
The group’s philosophy is : 1. People will not refer you until they Trust you 2. They can’t Trust you until they know you 3. They can’t know you until they spend time with you 4. They can’t spend time with you until they meet you. 5. So, come to a meeting! Share your business with some new friends. There will be a fee of $2.00 to pay for your snack. The details of the rules for the group will be discussed at this meeting. It is an EXCLUSIVE group, so only one of any category is allowed to join. RSVP is required. Learn more at: http://www.meetup.com/Amelia-Island-Business-Group
Tax Incentives For Historic District Improvements
Gee, finally some good news for historic homeowners downtown. The City is considering allowing home (and business) owners the opportunity to enjoy a slight real estate tax relief on their property improvements. There is a State law that allows municipalities to forego the amount of property tax that would result from certain improvements to structures located in Historic Districts. John Duerden, the HDC, and others have been working on this small change for some time now. The City is planning to approach the County to ask them to consider being a partner to this law also. Obviously, it is optional for taxing authorities to elect to be involved.
I am excited about this opportunity, and I hope that we are able to soon enjoy this benefit. Don’t get me wrong; this is not a large tax break by any means. Just the portion of the improvement’s ‘new taxable value’ will be relieved for a specified time; not forever. So, with only a small amount being relieved, and the City only taxing a small millage anyway, it won’t be much, BUT it will a step in the ‘fairness’ direction.
Consider that Historic District structures have always been such a large draw for tourism dollars here. The owners of these structures are expected to keep them up to historical standards, which cost a bit more than the average home. Building codes here are more demanding, and of course, more expensive. It’s a good idea to reward those same people that pay for keeping up the area’s largest attraction, don’t you think? Even in this very small way, I think it sends a positive message to the community that the City recognizes how much the Historic District benefits the entire area.
Amelia Island Restaurant Week
Get your grub on! If you enjoy eating really a variety of great food, your week is here. There are 19 local restaurants that are participating this year in the event, and many are in the Historic District. They have a pre-set menu at fixed prices for this event, so you’ll know ahead of time what it’s going to cost. These are not just chain restaurants, either. These are restaurants owned and operated by local folk that get up close and personal with their clientele. So you know that you will be well treated.
Taking place January 24-31, 2010, Restaurant Week offers a great opportunity to try a selection of Amelia’s irresistible, award-winning dining options. Each restaurant will offer a prix-fixe menu, including three courses and a non-alcoholic beverage, for either $19 or $29.
If you’d like more info please visit: http://www.ameliaisland.com/app/webroot/yummy/index.html
Amelia Island Book Festival Are you a bookworm? If you even slightly enjoy reading, then this might be the right event for you. The event is a multi-location week-long event that is held at churches, schools, and other locations around the island. The Amelia Island Book Festival will take place February 11 - 13 at various Island locations. Included in the festival activities are: · Classic Author Celebration on February 11 · Writers' Workshop - February 12 · Readers' day, including a featured authors luncheon and a children's chapter. For more information and ticketing, please visit: www.ameliaislandbookfestival.com or call: 904-491-8176 My favorite book has yet to be written; “Chuck Wins The Lottery”. It would be a grand tale of rags to riches, banjo pickers and fast cars. Yeah! Guest Writers Sought If you’d like to be a guest writer here in the HD News, why not contact me and let’s discuss it? The topics must always be related in some way to the Historic District. You can write about old times remembered, current events, or perhaps your club or special interest’s news. You get a by-line, but no pay (wow that sounds just like the bigger newspapers, doesn’t it?)
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