Quick Hits: Downtown Bloomington Inc.

July 18 DBI breakfast at The Graduate.

On the third Thursday of each month, Downtown Bloomington Inc. hosts a breakfast meeting that's open to the public. This month, the event drew about three dozen people who gathered at Graduate Bloomington. 

​The meeting primarily consists of updates from everyone who attends. Here's a sampling from the July 18 session (* = Chamber member):

Curtis Smith, executive director of the Ivy Tech* Center for Lifelong Learning: He highlighted several upcoming events, including Girls Rock Bloomington, a 5-day camp that starts July 22. Campers (ages 8-18) will perform original pieces at a concert on Saturday, July 27. He also announced that he'll be leaving his position soon to take a job in Arizona. Interviews for his replacement are already underway.

Mary Catherine Carmichael, City of Bloomington* Director of Public Engagement: The city's downtown alley improvement project has been delayed, in part because of challenges in coordinating with local utilities, higher-than-expected costs, and the availability of contractors.  

Don Weiler, partner with Bailey & Weiler Design/Build*: Higher costs for materials, coupled with a labor shortage, are driving up prices this season in the building industry. Dan is an incoming Chamber board member.

Jeremy Goodrich, Shine Insurance*: The business recently relocated to the Graham Plaza building at College and 6th. Jeremy also oversees the podcasting studio at The Mill, and he encouraged everyone to check it out.

Betsy Trotzke, Communications and Marketing Director for the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County*: Applications are being accepted for the Community Impact Grants, and a workshop for applicants will be held on Aug. 7. Also, the deadline to apply for a 2020 Lilly Scholarship is Aug. 26.

Trent Deckard, Monroe County Council: Work is nearly finished on the county's Limestone Greenway, a 1.7-mile trail that connects to the City of Bloomington's B-Line and Rail Trail. Trent plans to hold three listening sessions in Bloomington this fall, dates/locations TBD.

Malcolm Abrams, publisher of Bloom Magazine*: The monthly magazine will be launching a Community Awards this year, recognizing local business, charity, the arts and diversity. The awards will be presented at a gala in December.

The DBI's next breakfast meeting is on Thursday, Aug. 15. Sign up for the group's e-newsletter here.

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