The Chamber recently convened Downtown Rogers business representatives for a discussion about Bike, Blues & BBQ. 35+ Downtown Rogers merchants met for coffee and conversation at TxAR House during the May DTR Merchant MeetUp. The event provided participants with an opportunity to connect with Tommy Sizemore, Executive Director of Bikes, Blues & BBQ, who shared information about Rally Week festivities returning to Downtown Rogers September 20 - 23.

Gearing up: Sizemore invited businesses to send suggestions for improvement and share their rally  week promotions. Attendees heard Sizemore’s goals to: activate spaces North of Walnut Street, hire bigger names for entertainment, add additional merchant and food vendors, add wayfinding signs and kiosks, and share relevant activities for local businesses on the BB & BBQ website and social media.

What we heard: During the Q & A, suggestions from the businesses included:

• Consistent branded signage including near 7th or 8th and or Walnut to welcome bikers to Downtown Rogers

• Promote dedicated route from Rogers Convention Center to DTR

• Communicate to locals the benefits of attending

• Add signage to define Railyard Entertainment District rules and boundaries

• Promote DTR night life offerings to bikers

• Add additional food and merchandise vendors to Railyard Plaza to provide “more to do”

• Provide dedicated spaces for bikers

Facilitating Small Business: The Downtown Rogers Merchant MeetUp is designed to facilitate connections and collaborations among Downtown Rogers businesses. Business owners, managers and staff are invited to this monthly get together to connect, converse and collaborate.

Making a difference: Rogers Lowell Chamber hosts a monthly merchant meeting at various location in DTR. Business representatives are invited discuss ways the Chamber can help grow business. Ideas to continue to cultivate success in DTR are also shared.

Save the date for the June meetup 8:45 a.m., June 15 at Brick Lane Books.