Building a community of people with a shared vision of prosperity is what makes the difference in a successful business district. The value of this aspect of TSG’s work cannot be overestimated. Long term and strategic planning, organizing meetings with individuals or large groups, training association members to effectively work together, with government agencies, neighborhood and community organizations and how best to handle adversity and develop long-term relationships are some of our skills.
2. Database and Information Management
For database management, we use MS Access to record membership information. Multiple data fields are used to record data and allow tailored messages to be sent to interested individuals. TSG manages eight databases with over 4,000 records, all of which are potentially different from week to week. In addition, staff manages three subscriber lists for online newsletters. We also answer four phone lines and keep a detailed record of all calls to ensure that communication happens in a timely manner. Having accurate information is critical, not only to reduce mail costs, but also because mail (and Email) notices are often the only way people will hear about the work of business districts.
3. Desktop Publishing and Graphic Design
Services include creating newsletters, billing invoices, advertisements, flyers, post cards, business forms, business directories, envelopes, and information reports.
4. Bookkeeping
Quickbooks and Excel are the primary tools the bookkeeper uses to provide dependable accounting services to associations. The bookkeeper is able to track membership dues, event registration fees and sponsorships. Other services include billing correspondence and budget assistance.
5. Event Coordination and Project Management
TSG coordinates vendors and logistics, in addition to providing assistance securing donations. Currently, TSG coordinates the Division/Clinton Business Association’s Street Fair and the Alliance of Portland Neighborhood Business annual symposium. TSG also provides staffing support to the Belmont Area Business Association Street Fair, East Portland Chamber of Commerce Hospitality Events, and the Lloyd District Community Association Golf Tournament. Other projects include the Foster Area Business Association Directory, East Portland Chamber of Commerce Query Resource Development, and Party On…Hawthorne.
6. Outreach and Networking
Businesses are more likely to have ownership in their district if they are personally connected. Face to face invitations are the best way to build the kind of relationships that create a viable network of support for BDAs. TSG staff canvasses FABA and 82nd business districts each month to announce meetings. Annual “on the street” walks through each of the BDA’s to visually determine new businesses and who could likely become more involved in the business district are all important.
Staff members are available to serve as recording secretary, creating agendas and taking minutes. TSG staff attends an average of 2 meetings daily, networking with others who work to support business in Portland, mainly to get more businesses involved in BDAs, as well as to represent business district interests in public decision-making processes such as Alcohol Impact Zones, the Graffiti Removal Task Force and the agenda of the City’s Prosperity Implementation Team (PIT).
7. Facilitation and Mediation
Both one on one and in large groups, mediation effectively helps improve overall success in reaching a key outcome or product. It is instrumental in motivating members and volunteers to participate in business and residential community activities and planning processes. Conflict is often a catalyst to take a bad situation and make it better. The mediation process helps participants work together to reach a mutually acceptable resolution. Mediation helps to rebuild, maintain, and preserve trust in relationships.
Group facilitation leads to better decisions among groups. It helps ensure everyone is able to participate in meetings and benefits participants by empowering them to do more than they felt they were capable of. Facilitating discussions minimizes scope creep, a common occurrence in group activities. Defining stakeholders, meeting types, decision making and goal measurement systems are critical to the large group facilitation process. Large group facilitation can lead to better understanding of the organization model by looking at their mission statement, goals, action plans, consequence system and feedback from members.
Current Clients:
· 82nd Avenue Business Association
· Alliance of Portland Neighborhood Business Associations
· Belmont Area Business Association
· Division/Clinton Business Association
· East Portland Chamber of Commerce
· Foster Area Business Association
· Greater Brooklyn Business Association
· Hawthorne Area Business Association
· Lloyd District Community Association
