The Historic Downtown business community has announced the formation of a new merchant’s association. The “Historic Downtown Glendale Merchants Association” (HDGMA) is a partnership of the business community to stimulate, enhance and sustain the economic vitality and customer experience of the Historic Downtown Glendale shopping and dining district.
The inaugural executive board will serve a two-year term. The all-volunteer board members are:
• Lorraine Zomok, president – owner of Memory Lane Trinkets and Treasures. Zomok has 32 years of civil service experience. Zomok is also a resident in Historic Downtown Glendale. She and her husband Bud live in a 100-year old home located in Catlin Court.
• Denise Quintana, first vice president – owner of Delfina Salon & Day Spa and Coyote Oatie. Quintana opened her full-service salon in 2007. She and her husband James opened an additional business in 2017, Coyote Oatie which features specialty cookies and beverages.
• Danica Coral, 2nd vice president – owner of Pink House Boutique. Coral opened her first store in 2005 and opened a second store in 2014. which opened in 2005. Coral has a master’s in marketing and brand management.
• Valerie Burner, secretary – owner of Bears and More which recently celebrated 26 years in Catlin Court. Burner is the chairperson of numerous downtown programs including the annual Teddy Bear Day, Front Porch Festival and Galentine’s Day events.
• Cheryl Kappes, treasurer – owner of The Country Maiden, home of Gracie’s Marketplace. Kappes has owned the business since 2007. The Country Maiden is one of Catlin Court’s longest running businesses, celebrating 28 years this year.
Active membership and participation in the non-profit association is encouraged for businesses located in Historic Downtown Glendale. Member opportunities include participation in the development of strategic initiatives that bring growth and sustainability to businesses located in Historic Downtown Glendale. “We are excited to work hand-in-hand with our downtown merchants to foster a strong, growing and vibrant business community,” said Lorraine Zomok, president of the Historic Downtown Glendale Merchants Association.
A wide array of benefits for Downtown Partner member businesses include website listing, social media promotion, cooperative advertising opportunities, business development and educational workshops and monthly member meetings. Additional membership categories include Associate Partner and Friends of Downtown. Membership fees range from $50 to $225 annually. Membership fees will be utilized to brand and market the downtown, assist with area-wide shopping and dining promotions and fund new initiatives that foster visitor growth. Nearly two dozen businesses joined during the inaugural membership drive including The Hop Stop Diner, Tangled Root Botanicals, The Clock Makers, Yvonne Knaack, State Farm Agent and Papa Ed’s Ice Cream. “I am very excited to join the Historic Downtown Glendale Merchants Association. It will be wonderful to be a part of a focused group of businesses, partners who share the same passion for our community and are coming together with knowledge, experience and professionalism to preserve Historic Downtown Glendale,” said Linda Moran-Whittley, owner of Papa Ed’s Ice Cream. The membership drive will be on-going.
The Historic Downtown Glendale Merchants Association is debuting several initiatives including a new website, www.VisitDowntownGlendale.com which will feature information on downtown shopping, dining, arts and culture, specialty services and events. In addition, the association is forming a volunteer Historic Downtown Glendale Docents program. The docents will volunteer at special events and activities throughout the year, greeting and welcoming visitors to the downtown and providing directions and event information at key locations.
For more information about the Historic Downtown Glendale Merchants Association, visit www.VisitDowntownGlendale.com or email info@VisitDowntownGlendale.com.
