Category: Uncategorized
2016 Blues in the District Announce Artist Lineup
More Info: 2016 Blues in the District Announce Artist LineupHours Today: By appointment only
This summer will be the 19th season of The District’s Blues in the District Concert Series. The concerts are held in Washington Park 5:30pm – 9:30pm and are free to the public.
Kicking off this year’s season on June 10 will be Katy Guillen & the Girls, based out of Kansas City MO and a finalist in the 2014 International Blues Challenge. Other acts throughout the season will be legendary Blues Band out of Chicago Il Dave Weld and the Imperial Flames (June 24), Studebaker John & the Hawks (July 8), Reverend Raven & the Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys (July 22), local Quincy Il band Soul Shaker (August 12) and returning act Hector Anchondo (August 26).
“Our committee has been working hard and we have a great season in store for Blues in the District,” said Bruce Guthrie, Executive Director The District. “We have great acts that will be coming in and some wonderful vendors and sponsors this year. We are looking forward to seeing all of our friends back in the park for a great summer of Blues music.” All the details about the Blues in the District concerts can be found online at dist.flywheelsites.com
The District is a non-profit organization with the mission of promoting, revitalizing and preserving Quincy’s Historic Business District through broad-based community support, including both public and private partnerships. The District extends from Front Street to Twelfth Street, and Broadway to State Streets. For more information on the Historic Quincy Business District please log on to dist.flywheelsites.com.2022 Retail Promotions
More Info: 2022 Retail PromotionsHours Today: By appointment only
2022 Retail Promotions – Sign Up Here
This page is for DISTRICT-BASED BUSINESSES who want to sign up to participate in Retail Promotion events. For general public, stay tuned for information on participating businesses of each event!
After you sign up, The District will contact you via email with the next steps and invoice. Checks payable to The District may be mailed or dropped off to 128 N 5th St.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SIGN UP FORM
Upcoming 2022 Retail Promotions
- Shop Local Saturdays (5/7, 8/13) -$70 each
- Fri-Yay! Shop Hop (9/16) -$70
- Trick or Treat in The District (10/29) -$25
- Small Business Saturday Ad Wrap (11/23’s Herald Whig) -$70
- Thankful Thursdays (12/1, 12/8, 12/15) – sold together for $35 total
Shop Local Saturdays – local versions of “Small Business Saturday” to promote local businesses
- Participating businesses get a post on The District’s Facebook page
- Copy and a maximum of five photos to be provided by retailer by deadline. If nothing is provided by the business, The District is not responsible for sharing any sponsored content.
- Counter Cards featuring participating businesses
- Posters featuring participating businesses
- Promotion on The District’s Website and Facebook page
- Promoted with Events created on Facebook by The District
- Press Release to Media Outlets
- Advertising: Print or radio advertising TBD
- Participating businesses must be open during event hours
Fri-Yay Shop Hop (formerly Ladies Nights) – visitors to The District travel business-to-business and sign up to win a gift basket
- Participating businesses get a post on The District’s Facebook page
- Businesses donate an item or items for a Gift Basket giveaway, announced Monday after event. Customers can enter at each business. No purchase necessary to enter giveaway.
- Copy and a maximum of five photos to be provided by retailer by deadline. If nothing is provided by the business, The District is not responsible for sharing any sponsored content.
- Counter Cards featuring participating businesses
- Posters featuring participating businesses
- Promoted with Events created on Facebook by The District
- Press Release to Media Outlets
- Advertising: Print or radio advertising TBD
- Participating businesses must be open during event hours
Trick or Treat in The District – family friendly event which drives customers to The District (note: The District will not provide items to hand out this year; therefore, only the $25 option is available in 2022).
- Counter Cards
- Posters
- Added as Co-Host on Facebook Event
- Store included on Trick or Treat Map
- Promotion on The District’s Website and Facebook page
Small Business Saturday Ad Wrap – reach a massive audience of pre-Small Business Saturday shoppers in this popular edition of the Herald Whig
- Facebook posts for the event
- Businesses included in Thanksgiving Ad Wrap in Herald-Whig
- Direct email to District list of Ad Wrap
- Amex Merchandising including posters, signs, online graphics, bags, pens, etc.
- Promotion of Ad Wrap on The District’s Facebook page
- Press release
Thankful Thursday – Shop Late ‘til 8 – reach Holiday Shoppers in this event which is heavily cross-promoted with Light The Park and other holiday events in The District
- Boosted Facebook posts for the event
- Map featuring participating businesses handed out at Santa’s House & In Stores
- Promotion on The District’s Website and Facebook page
- Press Release
CLICK HERE FOR THE SIGN UP FORM
NOTES
- Marketing elements subject to change without notice
- Added Value: Q Magazine ads & Various TV, Radio, and Newspaper Ads
Concerts In The Plaza Season Kick Off
More Info: Concerts In The Plaza Season Kick OffHours Today: By appointment only
The 3rd Annual Concerts in the Plaza are kicking off at the end of April.
Enjoy FREE lunchtime concerts with your favorite local musicians, held in the First Mid Illinois Bank Plaza on Maine Street near Seventh.
All concerts are 11:30a to 1p.
Friday, April 29 – Avenue Beat
Friday, May 6 – Devonte Jonvire Clark
Friday, May 13 – HartLyss
Friday, May 20 – Jacqueline KaufmanGrab a brown bag lunch, hit up The Maine Course Quincy food truck, or something to go from your favorite restaurant in The District and have a picnic with local live music.
FRIDAYS: April 29, May 6, 13 & 20
Sponsored by the First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust, Second String Music and The District.
Enchanted Books
More Info: Enchanted BooksHours Today: By appointment only
In this Heart of Quincy Business Spotlight we highlight Enchanted Books. Enchanted Books is a new and used bookstore owned by Jennifer Tournear, a life-long avid reader who firmly believes in chasing dreams. “When the opportunity arose to try my hand at being a bookstore owner, I jumped in feet first and am thrilled to be celebrating our 2nd anniversary in April.”
Customer service is top priority for this District business. “We strive to make everyone who walks through the doors feel important, safe, and wanted.” Tournear and her team take pleasure in curating the perfect book for whatever customers are looking for. “We have learned through supply and demand what customers want, what they are looking for, and what we are lacking.” Over the past two years, Jennifer has listened to her customers and expanded the areas that customers are most interested in.
While owning a small business is a dream come true, it comes with its challenges. “Knowing which books to carry, what new releases to choose every week, and how to add fun and functional events to benefit the community to our store are three things I’m always looking at.” A new event that was held in February, Bookish Bingo, was so successful a second date in March was added. Events like these are what adds to the wonderful atmosphere and culture of The District.
While Enchanted Books is well-known for its large assortment of books and gifts, its storefront windows are what truly makes its first impression. At its annual meeting this past January, The District awarded Enchanted Books its Design Award. Each year a District business that takes pride in maintaining an interesting and inviting storefront is selected to receive this award that celebrates creativity, effort, and attention to detail in making downtown an attractive place.
When asked what advice she would give an aspiring entrepreneur Tournear stated, “Its very important to do your research, make a solid business plan, and do the things that you believe in your heart you were born to do.”
Enchanted books is located at 532 Maine Street
http://www.myenchantedbooks.com/
217-262-1786
Open Tues 10-6, Wed 10-4, Thur 10-6, Fri & Sat 10-4
Closed Sun & Mon.Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok
Click here if you are a District Business owner and would like to be included in our Heart of The District Business Spotlight.
Farmers Market Application Now Available
More Info: Farmers Market Application Now AvailableHours Today: By appointment only
The 2016 Farmers Market Vendor Application is now available to producers and growers in the region. The market is also accepting prepared food vendors, as well as hand made and one-of-a-kind artisan vendors this season.The Farmers Market run Saturdays, May 7 – October 29 from 7a-12p.
For more information and to apply, please click the link: 2016 Vendor Handbook
We are also pleased to introduce to you our new Market Manager, Hannah Simpson, who will be joining us this season. Stop by the information tent and say hello!
**Based on the 2015 customer survey, prepared food, coffee, cheese and bread vendors are desired and recommended to apply.
Holiday Loft Tour in The District
More Info: Holiday Loft Tour in The DistrictHours Today: By appointment only
Holiday Loft Tour in The District!
The District is hosting a Christmas Loft Tour on December 4 from 5-8 p.m. at a variety of buildings in the area of 4th, 5th, 6th and Maine to Vermont. Tickets will be $10 in advance and $12 the night of the tour.
See what downtown living looks like for those who enjoy the convenience of being close to work, dining, shopping and entertainment.
A modern lifestyle, all while being surrounded by history and archetecture.
Addresses of the lofts are 214 ½ North 6th, 121 North 6th, 114 North 6th, 505 Maine and 405 Hampshire and is at your own pace in any order.
The ability to climb stairs is required. Those attending are asked to wear slip off shoes and remove them when entering the apartments.
Locations to purchase tickets are; Brown Drug Company – 1121 Maine Street, Kirlin’s Hallmark – 534 Maine Street, Home Bank previously known as Bank of Quincy – 1132 Broadway, Classic Colors – 1200 State, Martinis at 515 – 515 Maine and The District –128 N. 5th Street.
The District is a volunteer driven organization with a mission to promote, revitalize, and preserve Quincy’s historic business district through a broad-based community support, including both public and private partnerships. The District extends from Front Street to Twelfth Street, and Broadway to State Streets. For more information on The District please log on to dist.flywheelsites.com.
Light The District
More Info: Light The DistrictHours Today: By appointment only
Years ago, during the holiday season, Washington Park was aglow with lights strung from the trees and along the gazebo making The District a holiday destination for visitors. That hasn’t been the case in the past few years, but The District Board is trying to bring back the festive cheer.
The City of Quincy decorates every other light pole with garland and lights down Maine Street and several months ago a committee was formed to explore additional possibilities. We surveyed our members and business owners to gain more insight on what our community would like to see this season and the nostalgia of years past is top of the list.
Our first priority is to bring back a picturesque holiday atmosphere in the park, followed by adding decorations to the bare light poles along Maine. The list continues and depending on the generosity of the community, much more could be in store. Awerkamp Machine Company has already agreed to build a stunning centerpiece for the park, but are still in need of funds. We have an estimate of $15,000 to complete the decoration project.
We are reaching out to you today for support of this project. It always amazes us how Quincyians come together when asked to improve our city. Any donation would be greatly appreciated by The District Board and our community as a whole. All donations are tax deductible.As always, thank you for your continued support. If there is anything that we can do to assist you, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,
Bruce GuthrieMane Therapie Salon & Spa
More Info: Mane Therapie Salon & SpaHours Today: By appointment only
In this Heart of Quincy Business Spotlight we highlight Mane Therapie Salon & Spa. Owned and operated by Kris Mason, Mane Therapie Salon & Spa is a green circle salon that provides full haircare, skincare, facial waxing, brow tinting and lamination, lash lift and tints services using the cleanest and safest products and methods.
“I always wanted to do hair, but ended up in the nursing field for seven years first. I loved it but wanted to do hair and take care of people. 29 years later, here I am,” stated Mason. Kris first started with a friend’s salon for a year and then went into a suite with several stylists. “It was all a learning curve,” she stated. First, I had to learn what being an independent stylist on my own was like.” Kris worked part-time at a restaurant for nine years to supplement her income while she was building clientele. She bought her building, 838 Hampshire Street, in 2009. Two stylists and a nail tech rented booth spaces from her.
Kris has seen her share of ups and downs. In 2012, she purchased the building at 834 Hampshire and did major renovations. “Once completed, I had 9 booth renters–until the storm of 2015.” That storm leveled her spa (834) and damaged her salon (838). The 834 building was demolished and 838 was remodeled into the salon/spa/small boutique-style business it is today.
Kris attributes her success to having hired a business coach. “I wanted to build something that I could be proud of, help others, myself, and my business.” Growing a culture that was healthy in all aspects was important. She switched to an employee commission/hourly salon and spa and has never looked back.
Above/far right photo: Emily Goellner, stylist & Kris Mason, Mane Therapie Salon & Spa Owner
838 Hampshire Street • 217-221-8988 • manetherapiesalonandspa.com
HOURS
Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday 9am-7pm, Wednesday Noon-8pm, Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 9am-3pmCORE VALUES
Integrity, Health Conscious, EducationIf you would like your District business featured in our Heart of Quincy series, please fill out the form. Be sure to send 4-5 photos of your business, your logo, etc.
New District Partnerships Available!
More Info: New District Partnerships Available!Hours Today: By appointment only
Partnerships throughout the year now available.
Highlight your business and establish an ongoing community pretense throughout the year by partnering with The District. With over 40 ongoing programs, partnerships are flexible and may be tailored to fit the needs of your organization.
Please Click the Link below or call the office for more information: (217) 228-8696
2016 District PartnershipsBecome a partner. Be Right On Q With The District
Partnerships Include
Visionary Partner – Presence at all 40+ events throughout the year – NEW
Annual Dinner
St. Patrick’s Pub Crawl
Unique Spaces Tour – NEW
Ecumenical Easter Egg Hunt
Dogwood Concert
All Faiths Concert – NEW
Broker Tour – NEW
Concerts in the Plaza – 4 concerts in the series
Farmers’ Market – 20 markets in the season
Blues In The District – 6 concerts in the series
Progressive Dinner
Great River Grape Escape – NEW
Community Farm-To-Table Dinner – NEW
Loft Tour – NEW
Light the Square & The District – NEW
Christkind Market – New LocationIt always makes a difference when someone foes the extra mile for you. It’s the difference between a routine customer experience and one the builds fierce loyalty. Between an obstacle and an opportunity. Extra effort, rather, caring can change the way you think and act. Since you can’t always pay it back, you pay it forward. And that extra effort usually comes exactly when it’s needed most. Right on Q.
As Quincy-ans, you are Right on Q.
Newcomb Fire
More Info: Newcomb FireHours Today: By appointment only
The Historic Quincy Business District has decided to tweak our website a bit. We have removed the “Downtown News” section and replaced it with our blog, giving us an opportunity to share our thoughts and commentary in a new forum.
We felt it was appropriate for our first post to be from Executive Director Travis Brown regarding the fire at the Newcomb Hotel last night. These were his thoughts at the conclusion of last night.
I will have plenty more to say in the coming days and weeks to be sure, tonight before heading home I want to share these thoughts:
1. Tonight, I couldn’t be prouder to be a resident of the City of Quincy. Having the opportunity to see up close the unbelievable efforts of the City was amazing. Chiefs Joe Henning and Rob Copely and the entire QFD and QPD were nothing short of remarkable in their efforts to save the building and then contain the fire. John Simon and the Adams County EMA were phenomenal in moving residents from the Lincoln-Douglas and doing so many other unseen things that often don’t get recognized. The City Officials, from Engineering to Planning to Kyle Moore for Mayor and several city council members were all on hand to pitch in. They were planning the next steps to keep everyone safe and keep things moving in a positive direction for Quincy. It was something I am glad I had the chance to witness. These dedicated public servants are owed a great deal of respect and adulation, and I for one am immensely proud they serve OUR community.
2. The business owners are resilient. While this wasn’t their building, there will be smoke damage, road closures and a number of other issues we have to work through in the coming days. But tonight was another one of those nights where everyone just wanted to come together to make sure each other was alright. Employees came down, property owners came down, everyone wanting to know if there was something they can do to help. For now, we have to play the waiting game and let the professionals deal with the situation at hand. However, it was great to see them come together. I’m glad I got to see them and let them know that we (myself, our organization, and our community) are here to support them however we can.
3. The heartache. Being this far along in the process to have the Newcomb redeveloped and having such devastation is gut-wrenching. As you watch the flames devour the magnificent structure you couldn’t help but feel sick knowing the potential for revitalization has been lost.
4.It could have been worse. You never want to lose a building, any building, for any reason. You especially don’t want to see so many people put in jeopardy because of a raging fire. But it could have been worse. It could have been an occupied building, a residential building. It could have housed a vibrant business. It could have been in the middle of a block. It could have been worse. The fire occurred in a building which has been vacant for many, many years. It was contained to just that structure. None of the QFD officers appear to be injured. Even in the midst of the heartache I can’t help but be thankful because it most certainly could have been worse.
