Maximizing Opportunity: How Businesses Can Shine During the Eclipse
Monday's are normally boring, right? Not on Monday, April 8th, 2024. Our community will be directly over the path of a total solar eclipse, potentially bringing thousands of visitors. This event might be short but it will surely live on in our memories for a long time. Being at the center of this total eclipse gives our city a unique opportunity to showcase our hospitality and all of our wonderful businesses. As such, we have designed this page with you in mind to help you prepare for what will truly be an unforgettable experience. We have included general information about the eclipse, some recommended best practices, and more.
We're excited to welcome the total solar eclipse to Bloomington and we hope you are too!
We will continue to update this page as more information becomes available. Please be sure to check back periodically.
We're excited to welcome the total solar eclipse to Bloomington and we hope you are too!
We will continue to update this page as more information becomes available. Please be sure to check back periodically.
Resources
Click the image for the resource webpage.
There’s No Better Place to Witness the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024 Than in Bloomington, Indiana
Click image for toolkit website.
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HERE Is the business guide sent out from the Monroe County Emergency Management agency
Suggestions to Get Your Business Ready: The American Astronomical Society Solar Eclipse Task Force has created a reference sheet to help you prepare.  Click image to download.
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General Eclipse Information:
Indiana's Dept. of Natural Resources has set up a webpage for the eclipse and created a map of 54 DNR properties for best viewing.
The American Astronomical Society also as a webpage explaining the science of an eclipse, imaging & video resources, and grant information.
Indiana's Dept. of Natural Resources has set up a webpage for the eclipse and created a map of 54 DNR properties for best viewing.
The American Astronomical Society also as a webpage explaining the science of an eclipse, imaging & video resources, and grant information.
Solar Eclipse Safety:
As wondrous as a solar eclipse is, it is imperative that it is viewed safely to avoid eye damage. Whether viewing a partial or total eclipse, it is recommended that viewers use filters or viewers that meet requirements of the ISO 12312-2 standard. The American Astronomical Society has a list of approved suppliers here. IU has also created a general webpage for eclipse viewing safety.
As wondrous as a solar eclipse is, it is imperative that it is viewed safely to avoid eye damage. Whether viewing a partial or total eclipse, it is recommended that viewers use filters or viewers that meet requirements of the ISO 12312-2 standard. The American Astronomical Society has a list of approved suppliers here. IU has also created a general webpage for eclipse viewing safety.
Crowd Size, Traffic, and Parking:
Estimates from greatamericaneclipse.com suggest that Indiana could have anywhere from 145,000 to 581,000 visitors for the eclipse, not to mention the close to 4 million people living in Indiana who will be in the path of totality. While such large numbers of people can be a boom for business, it can also mean traffic congestion and headaches. Indiana's DHS is coordinating with state agencies to prepare for the expected crowd sizes. To see more about their plans, visit this site. As more information becomes available, we will share specific plans from the city and county in regards to traffic patterns and parking regulations. As suggested in the one-pager, if you plan to open your business on Monday, be sure to have parking or transportation arrangements for employees.
Estimates from greatamericaneclipse.com suggest that Indiana could have anywhere from 145,000 to 581,000 visitors for the eclipse, not to mention the close to 4 million people living in Indiana who will be in the path of totality. While such large numbers of people can be a boom for business, it can also mean traffic congestion and headaches. Indiana's DHS is coordinating with state agencies to prepare for the expected crowd sizes. To see more about their plans, visit this site. As more information becomes available, we will share specific plans from the city and county in regards to traffic patterns and parking regulations. As suggested in the one-pager, if you plan to open your business on Monday, be sure to have parking or transportation arrangements for employees.
Permits and Licensing:
Such an event is a great time for businesses to interact with new customers. If you're planning to operate a temporary food vending business during the event, be sure to complete the appropriate documentation with the county here. The City of Bloomington also requires licenses for mobile vendors and pushcarts. Those applications can be found here. Given the potential for a high volume of vendors, it is recommended you apply early to allow time for documentation to be processed.
Such an event is a great time for businesses to interact with new customers. If you're planning to operate a temporary food vending business during the event, be sure to complete the appropriate documentation with the county here. The City of Bloomington also requires licenses for mobile vendors and pushcarts. Those applications can be found here. Given the potential for a high volume of vendors, it is recommended you apply early to allow time for documentation to be processed.
Scheduling:
Many businesses close on Monday. Given the high volume of potential customers, some businesses may decide to shift their schedules to accommodate the influx of visitors. Businesses staying open may want to consider bringing in extra help to account for increased demand. Additionally, businesses should communicate ahead of time on websites and social media their plans to open or close.
Many businesses close on Monday. Given the high volume of potential customers, some businesses may decide to shift their schedules to accommodate the influx of visitors. Businesses staying open may want to consider bringing in extra help to account for increased demand. Additionally, businesses should communicate ahead of time on websites and social media their plans to open or close.
