Downtown Norfolk Council

Things are getting spirited around the DNC office! 👻 Every year, Downtown Norfolk Council administrative staff and Ambassadors team up to get creative in our annual pumpkin decorating contest! This year’s entries were a fantastic display of talent and teamwork, as each team brought their unique vision to life. 🎃 Special thanks to our guest judges from the The Elizabeth River Trail Foundation and Norfolk Candle Co. in Selden Market, who had the difficult job of picking our top pumpkins and awarding Best Traditional, Most Creative, and Judge's Favorite. 🏆 Now, it’s your turn! Check out all the creative designs, and tell us your favorite in the comments. Let the friendly competition—and the fall festivities—continue!

📣 Join Our Team! ✨ The Downtown Norfolk Council is seeking a talented Digital Marketing Strategist to enhance our mission. If you’re a creative storyteller with a passion for digital marketing who enjoys engaging with the community and promoting the vibrancy of Downtown Norfolk, we want to hear from you! The Digital Marketing Strategist will have the opportunity to: ✨ Help shape the narrative of Downtown Norfolk by crafting engaging campaigns that connect with our audiences ✨ Collaborate with local businesses and partners to showcase the unique offerings of our community ✨ Utilize data-informed insights to create compelling campaigns that resonate with locals and visitors alike ✨ Work with exciting events and initiatives that make Downtown Norfolk a must-visit destination ✨ Manage social media and digital platforms to create a consistent and compelling brand narrative. If you're ready to play a key role in amplifying the voice of Downtown Norfolk, we want to hear from you! 🌆 📅 Deadline for applications: October 14, 2024 🔗 To Apply: send cover letter and resume to careers@downtownnorfolk.org

We are thrilled to host an exclusive DNC Member Engagement session with Dr. Donald Combs, Senior Associate Vice President and Dean of the EVMS School of Health Professions on Tuesday, October 15. Register today!

Last week, members of Downtown Norfolk Council’s administrative team, our Board Chair Mel Price, and Deputy City Manager LaVoris Pace had the opportunity to attend the International Downtown Association’s Annual Conference in Seattle. This conference brought together downtown leaders and place management experts from across the globe to share insights, strategies, and innovations in downtown development. It was an inspiring week filled with valuable learning and growth opportunities. Our team is eager to bring back new ideas and approaches to further enhance Downtown Norfolk and continue our mission of creating a dynamic and engaging community. A big thank you to the International Downtown Association and Downtown Seattle Association hosting such a remarkable event! #IDASEA24

The 38th Annual Grand Illumination Parade is just around the corner, and the deadline for parade unit applications is September 15! This year's theme is Retro Wonderland, and we’re looking for floats, bands, community groups, animal units, and walking units to help light up Downtown Norfolk and make this year’s event truly special. 🌟 Why participate? • Join a beloved regional holiday tradition • A fantastic opportunity for team-building • Gain exposure to massive, enthusiastic crowds • Celebrate your hometown pride in a magical evening parade If you're interested in being part of the celebration, submit your application today! And if you'd like to be part of the magic as a volunteer, we’re looking for dedicated folks to help us make the parade a success. 📅 Parade Unit Deadline: September 15 🔗 More information and applications here: https://lnkd.in/ePrQXBg2 Let’s make this year’s Grand Illumination Parade brighter than ever! 🎄✨ #GrandIlluminationParade #TeamBuilding #CommunityTradition #HolidayMagic #NorfolkVA

Congratulations to our 2024 LiveNFK Summer Career Launch award recipients! 🎉 As another successful LiveNFK Summer Career Launch wraps up, we are thrilled to recognize three exceptional participants who truly made the most of their time in the program, showcasing Downtown Norfolk as a vibrant place for young professionals to thrive. 🏆 Alyssa Lane , an intern at Wall, Einhorn & Chernitzer, P.C., has been awarded one of our $500 scholarships for her active engagement and enthusiasm. 🏆 Aendel Mendoza, an intern at KPMG US, is the recipient of our second $500 scholarship for his dedication and participation throughout the program. 🏅 Jaylen Smith, a first-year associate at Capital Group , earned the LiveNFK Recognition Award for his outstanding participation and commitment to learning and growth. Thank you to all our participants for making this summer unforgettable, and a huge shoutout to these three rising stars! 🚀 We can’t wait to see the incredible things they accomplish. ✨

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday morning for our Coffee with the CEO event! ☕️ Mary Miller, President & CEO of Downtown Norfolk Council, shared her valuable insights into the DID's 25-year history, its funding model, and the essential services that make Downtown Norfolk the vibrant, safe, and welcoming destination it is for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. Special thanks to Glass Light Hotel & Gallery, Autograph Collection for hosting us in such a beautiful space, and to all our attendees for your thoughtful participation and lively discussions. We hope you walked away with valuable knowledge about the role the DID plays and how DNC helps shape the future of Downtown. Stay tuned for more opportunities to connect and learn about the exciting work happening in our community!

With the Downtown Improvement District celebrating 25 years, there's no better time to get to know all that the DID has done. Join us for coffee with Mary Miller, President & CEO, and dive into the intricacies of the Downtown Improvement District (DID). Event is free for DNC members and $25 for non-members. Register here: https://lnkd.in/ekzgr_MQ

Join us in honoring Mary Miller, our President & CEO, for her 20 years of service and dedication to Downtown Norfolk Council. Over the past two decades, Mary has worn many hats and played pivotal roles in shaping our vibrant community, continuously championing initiatives that make Downtown Norfolk a premier destination to live, work, and explore. Reflecting on the past 20 years, she shares, "What we do as an organization makes a difference! Cities are ever-evolving, and we must continue to advocate for the future on behalf of our property owners and tenants." Some of her proudest accomplishments during her time at DNC so far include: ✨ Plot I & II: Transforming vacant parcels into community parks with overwhelming local support. ✨ Art | Everywhere: Filling vacant storefronts with art, adding beauty and creativity to our streets. ✨ Vibrant Spaces & Selden Market: Creating opportunities for local businesses and fostering a thriving entrepreneurial spirit. ✨ NEON District & First Fridays: Cultivating a cultural hub and enhancing the nightlife of Downtown Norfolk. ✨ Bike Rack Public Art & Granby Street Arch Lights: Adding character and functionality to our urban landscape. ✨ Successful DID Renewals: Ensuring continued support for Downtown's growth and improvement. Looking ahead, Mary envisions even stronger connections to surrounding neighborhoods and tackling challenges such as DID funding and broader community understanding. Her commitment to meaningful communication and collaboration is paving the way for an even brighter future!

We’re thrilled to announce the latest recipients of our Vibrancy Grant program: Jim White Fitness & Nutrition Studios, DETAILS ON GRANBY, Prince Books, and Three Ships Coffee! Each of these businesses has used their grant to enhance their exteriors, contributing to a brighter and more visually engaging Downtown Norfolk. From new windows at Jim White Fitness to a refreshed exterior at Details on Granby, a new blade sign at Prince Books, and a French-inspired patio at Three Ships Coffee, these improvements are making a significant impact on our community’s appeal. Since 2014, our Vibrancy Grant program has awarded over $230,000 to Downtown businesses, helping to fund more than 30 projects that bring energy and creativity to our streets.