Listowel BIA

What is the Listowel Business Improvement Area (BIA)? The Listowel Business Improvement Area is made up of 216 local business people and commercial property owners and tenants that have joined together, with the support of the municipality, to organize, finance, and carry out physical improvements and promote economic development in the district. As an integral member of a network of community partners, the organization works to create a thriving, competitive and safe business area to attract shoppers, diners, visitors and new businesses. A major focus of the BIA is to market and promote the Listowel Business Improvement Area as the business destination of choice to residents and visitors alike. The Listowel BIA works collaboratively with the Municipality of North Perth, the North Perth Chamber of Commerce, and other community groups and service clubs to be catalysts for civic improvement. We strive to make this community a better place to live, visit and do business. What does the BIA do? Working alongside businesses and residents throughout the community, the BIA is involved in a wide range of activities including; - marketing and advertising - beautification projects - seasonal decoration - organizing special events Specific programs and projects include: - Community Improvement and Streetscape project - Christmas decorating - maintaining the 4 town entrance signs and hanging baskets - coordinating downtown banner displays BIA Funding and Membership The Listowel BIA is funded through money collected as a special levy on all industrial and commercial proprieties within the BIA boundaries. The BIA levy is converted into a budget each year managed by the BIA and administered by the Municipality. This secure source of funding is significant to having the BIA and enables the BIA Board to carry out its work. Properties owners paying the BIA levy, along with their tenants become BIA members. All BIA members are therefore encouraged to attend any of the BIA meetings which take place the first Thursday of every month. BIA members are also invited to attend the BIA Annual General Meeting every March to review the Chairman’s report, financial report and proposed budget along with future projects and business. BIA Board of Directors The Board is made up of 10 directors, 8 of which are chosen from the BIA membership, along with a Council representative and the North Perth Director of Finance/Treasurer. Board members of the Business Improvement Area have been dedicated to the development and promotion of the business community.