2020 PROJECTS
Despite the challenges of reduced staff hours, as a result of the financial impact of COVID-19 on our organization, we still managed to accomplish a great deal in 2020, along with our 18 downtown district events.
COVID-19 RESPONSE
– Created COVID-19 resource page on VisitVeniceFL.org to assist local businesses
– Distributed thousands of masks in partnership with the City of Venice
– Collaborated with the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce on COVID-19 safety plan signs and Positivity Wall project
WEBSITE IMPROVEMENTS
– Created 16 new website pages for VisitVeniceFL.org to provide in depth content
– Digitized past art festival posters and uploaded to VisitVeniceFL.org
NEW MARKETING STRATEGIES
– Implemented “Looking forward to your safe return” marketing campaign
– Offered over 60 free Venice Gondolier Sun advertisements to partners
– Advertised in Venice Gulf Coast Living and Venice Lifestyle magazines
– Highlighted downtown Venice and 11 business partners in 4 Suncoast View television spots
CONTINUED MARKETING STRATEGIES
– Published 53 newsletters sharing information on thousands of events and partner announcements
– Posted 69 news blogs on VisitVeniceFL.org
– Posted 1,282 community events on VisitVeniceFL.org 2020 calendar
– Created district and partner-focused content for 12 full pages in the Venice Gondolier Sun, published bi-monthly
– Created and published 20,000 copies of the printed Venice MainStreet directory
– Continued funding Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport “Venice Is” advertising mural
– Managed content and promotions on downtown LED gateway arch sign
– Managed Downtown Ambassadors volunteer program and information kiosk
– Managed content on our social media platforms and purchased Facebook ads
HISTORIC PRESERVATION PROMOTION & ADVOCACY
– Updated downtown historic walking tour webpage on VisitVeniceFL.org
– Wrote letters of support for Old Betsy fire turck storage/exhibit building and 233 Pensacola Road historic house preservation
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
– Promoted VMS and downtown district by giving talks to Venice Citizens Academy; Venice Gardens Civic Association; Business and Professional Women of Englewood and Venice; and Visit Sarasota groups
DOWNTOWN DESIGN ACTIVITIES
– Launched downtown Fairy Door project, VeniceFairies.com website and Facebook page
– Partnered with the City of Venice to install 3 alleyway signs for Calle de las Tiendas
– Held call to artists and judged 2020 Venice Art Festival poster contest
– Funded additional downtown holiday lighting and Venice Area Garden Club decorations
– Held downtown holiday window decorating contest and awarded 6 winners
2020 EVENTS
Venice MainStreet’s Friday Night Gazebo Concert Series
January 10- Josh Reilly Trio
January 24- Johnny Rawls
February 14 – Patchouli and Terra Guitarra
February 28 – Wendy Barmore
March 13 – Matthew Mayes and Forrest Shafer
November 13- Cryin’ Shames
November 27- Blues to Blackstreet
December 11- Sounds of Christmas
Gazebo Starlight Cinema in partnership with Venice Institute for the Performing Arts
January 3- Percy Jackson and the Olympians
February 7- X-Men
March 6- The Sand Lot
Venice MainStreet’s Signature Events
– 13th Annual Downtown Venice Craft Festival in partnership with Howard Alan Events, January 25-26
– Braves on Miami Ave.: Mardi Gras Style in partnership with Atlanta Braves, February 8
– Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras Crawl, February 25
– 19th Annual Venice Art Classic in partnership with Howard Alan Events, March 7-8
– Christmas in July, July 17-18
– Shoptember Sidewalk Sale, September 4-5
– Classic Evenings on the Avenues, October 8
– Classic Evenings on the Avenues, October 22
– Chocolate Walk, November 19
– Christmas Walk, December 3