Napier City Business Inc. CEO Pip Thompson wants to boost the vibrancy of the CBD.
With most of us resigned to the ever-increasing prices, it is possible that Napier City Business Inc. (NCBI) has set a record.
NCBI has been encouraging and supporting businesses in the City of Napier for more than 24 years, says CEO Pip Thompson.
“We’re a small team that really cares about the people who make up our CBD. From marketing, events and partnerships, to safety, wellbeing and advocacy, we’re here to listen, advocate and empower everyone in our business community from Napier.”
But this comes at a cost, and for the first time in 21 years, the organization is asking for an increase in the price of the membership fee.
“Our membership rate has not changed since 2001, but our collective needs have. We want to continue to champion our city’s businesses and support the hard work that has created the vibrant CBD we have today,” he says Beep.
NCBI is an independent organization funded by a levy on all commercial buildings in the Napier CBD rateable area, together with a contribution from Napier City Council.
There are 450 members including building owners comprising 50% retail, 20% business services, 12% hospitality, 12% health and beauty and 6% activities, accommodation and community services.
“We want to be able to support Hawke’s Bay with partnership events and collaborate when there are events. We need to continue to support Napier’s vibrant central business district. That’s why we’re asking for an increase in funding of an average of less than $14 a week. That’s about the same as two slices of Vinci’s pizza, 12 minutes of fun at Timezone, or half a book at Wardini’s.”
Pip says that Napier used to “run himself”.
“It was a destination, but now we have to do more, plus we also have to build that vibrancy in the winter. Retailer morale really takes a hit in the off-season with less foot traffic.”
He says that to make these changes, members must show up and vote yes.
“We want to make the area safer and invest more in our digital platforms. We’ve really focused on business support so we need more funding to get that work done. It’s all going to be invested back into Napier’s CBD so it’s great. We think we’ve forgotten what we have here.”
She says the core is being able to create vibrancy in our inner city and turn that vibrancy into dollars for our retailers.
“We’ve got some really exciting things going on here. It’s great to run events, but we need long-term sustainability, vibrancy and turnover for our retailers. To do that, we need a consistent annual plan that we can execute and fund.”
NCBI is asking for an additional $120,000 in funding from members. The proposed funding increase will be voted on at a special general meeting at its AGM at The Mailroom Unit 14/1 Dickens St, Napier on Tuesday 20 September. Arrive at 5pm, meeting starts at 5.30pm, with a vote to follow. Confirm the answer to Pip.
“Your vote counts. Get in, vote and help us continue to drive a thriving Napier CBD.”
■ To discuss any issues about Napier’s CBD, Pip says hit her up for a coffee (or stronger) and a chat, her shout. Call Pip 021 051 5427 or email pip@napiercbd.co.nz.